Implantology
Dental implants: how they work and how they are placed
An implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium, placed into the jawbone, with the crown fitted on top of it later. It is the only solution that replaces a lost tooth without touching the teeth beside it.
What a dental implant is
An implant is a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone, where it takes over the role of the lost tooth root. Once the bone has grown around it and holds it firmly, the crown is fitted on top, which is the visible part of the tooth.
Titanium is used because human bone accepts it rather than rejecting it. That process is called osseointegration and it takes about three to four months.
Which systems are used
The implant system is not a detail. It decides whether replacement components will still exist in ten years, and whether there are long-term studies behind it.
This clinic works with Hiossen from the United States, Bio3 Implants from Germany and NucleOSS, all with European certification. You are told before the procedure which system is being used for you, and you receive the implant passport for it.
The process, step by step
Examination and planning. The jaw is measured digitally to see how much bone is there and exactly where the implant fits. Only then is the plan drawn up.
The procedure. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic. For a single implant this takes about fifteen minutes. You feel pressure, not pain.
Healing. Over three to four months the bone grows onto the implant. During that time you wear a temporary restoration, depending on the situation.
The crown. Once healing is complete, an impression is taken, the work is measured digitally and the final crown is fitted.
Perfection is in the detail. With an implant that is meant literally: the position is decided in millimetres, and it is decided before the procedure, not during it.
Why an implant rather than a bridge
A conventional bridge means grinding down the two neighbouring teeth, even when they are perfectly healthy. An implant stands on its own and leaves those teeth untouched.
There is a second point that only becomes visible years later. Where a tooth is missing, the bone gradually recedes because nothing loads it any more. An implant keeps loading the bone, and so keeps it in shape.
After the procedure
For the first few days: cool the area, nothing hot, no smoking, and brush carefully around the site. Tenderness for a day or two is normal; severe pain is not. If something does not feel right, call rather than wait.
Crowns and bridges carry a five-year guarantee.
How the instruments are prepared
Every instrument that touches you goes through a set routine first. The steps are set out one by one under hygiene and sterilisation at the clinic, along with why the class of autoclave is what decides it.
Questions and answers
What people ask most often
Does placing an implant hurt?
No. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain. For a day or two afterwards the area can be tender, which ordinary painkillers control well.
How long does an implant last?
An implant is intended for the long term. What decides it is regular hygiene and keeping your check-up appointments. Smoking and certain general health conditions shorten its life more than anything else.
What happens if there is not enough bone?
The bone is built up first, or a sinus lift is carried out, and the implant follows once that has healed. This is assessed beforehand with digital imaging, not decided during the procedure.
How are the instruments prepared?
In a class B autoclave, which removes the air before the cycle with a fractionated vacuum and so reaches inside packaged instruments and narrow cavities. Every set is sealed individually and carries a colour indicator. The implant components themselves arrive sterile from the manufacturer, in packaging that is opened in front of you.
Can the implant go in straight after the tooth is removed?
In some cases yes, if the bone and the gum allow it. In others we wait about three weeks for the site to heal. The decision follows the examination.
I am only in Kosovo for two weeks. Is that enough?
For the surgical part, yes. The final crown follows after three to four months, which usually means your next visit. Many patients from abroad plan the treatment across two trips on purpose.
Related treatments
Oral surgery
Oral surgery: procedures on the jaw and the gums
Oral surgery covers everything beyond routine dental treatment: difficult extractions, wisdom teeth, bone grafting and procedures on the gums. Dr. Shehu is a specialist in oral surgery.
Crowns and bridges
Crowns, bridges and dentures
When a tooth is too badly broken down to fill, or missing altogether, prosthetic work restores the function. Which solution fits depends on how many teeth are missing and how much bone is there.
The first consultation is free
An examination, a clear explanation of your options and a treatment plan, with no obligation. Message us on WhatsApp or give us a call.