Implant dentistry has evolved significantly over the last decades into a complex and specialized field of dentistry. Special surgical interventions in implant dentistry represent a distinct area where advanced techniques are applied to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the smile of patients who have suffered tooth loss. These procedures represent a combination of sound medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and precise surgical expertise.

Overview

Dental implantology has opened new horizons in the treatment of tooth loss. Dental surgeons specializing in implant dentistry use advanced techniques to install dental implants into the patient’s jaw or mandible, creating a solid foundation for artificial dental crowns. This article explores some of the most innovative surgeries in implant dentistry, such as sinus lift, sinus augmentation and digital-guidance-based techniques.

In some situations, it is not feasible to place the implant directly without further intervention. Among these, the most common situations that require other maneuvers before implant insertion are:

Sinus lift – the maxillary sinus is part of the cavities of the facial mass with a well-determined role in purifying the air passing through the nasal columns and maintaining a pressure favorable to the proper functioning of the body. In some situations, the maxillary sinus descends in the vicinity of the edentulous maxillary ridges and the future implant will not be of sufficient height.

Therefore, in these circumstances, prior to the insertion of dental implants, the maxillary sinus elevation procedure is indicated. In the lateral maxillary region, the maxillary sinus may be an anatomical hindrance to the vertical dimension of bone available for implant insertion.

This aforementioned region presents, from a qualitative point of view, a bone of reduced density. If this inconvenience is compounded by a sinus floor that is much lower towards the alveolar crest, the only solution is to elevate it. Patients with a history of repeated upper respiratory tract infections, paranasal sinus inflammation or allergic conditions should be carefully evaluated before implant insertion.

Surgery will only be performed when the other problems and symptoms have completely disappeared. Sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a complex procedure used to create extra space in the upper jaw for dental implants.

This procedure is necessary when the available bone is not tall enough to support implants. The dental surgeon lifts up the sinus membranes and inserts a bone substitute into the space created, thus stimulating natural bone growth.

Sinus Augmentation: Strengthening Bone Structure

Sinus augmentation is an advanced technique that aims to strengthen and expand the bone in the sinus area to allow for the installation of dental implants. This procedure often involves the use of bone replacement materials, such as bone grafts, to stimulate bone growth in this area. This technique is an effective solution for patients who have suffered bone resorption in this region due to long-term tooth loss.

Digital Guidance Based Technique: Precision at Maximum Precision

Digital technology has revolutionized the field of implant dentistry. Digital guidance uses 3D imaging and specialized software to precisely plan the positioning of implants before the actual surgery. This allows surgeons to determine the optimal location for implants based on the patient’s anatomical structure and aesthetic goals. The result is more precise surgery with shorter recovery times and superior aesthetic results.

Implantology is a branch of dental surgery that is becoming increasingly popular as it becomes more accessible to patients. With increasing affordability has also come the desire of patients to use this method of treatment, which is proving to have benefits incomparable to other therapies. Implants can sometimes be placed immediately after tooth extractions or a few months after tooth loss, when the bone has the appropriate density and volume to allow dental implants to be placed in optimal conditions. A dental implant is a prosthetic piece intended to replace the root of a lost tooth or teeth.

The implant is placed in the bone and a prosthetic crown is placed on top of it to restore the morphology and function of the lost tooth.

Repositioning the inferior alveolar nerve

This intervention is indicated when the lateral lower bone ridge has a vertical dimension unfavorable for implant insertion.

This procedure involves exposing the aforementioned nerve and repositioning it in such a way that the implants can be inserted without problems. The aim of this procedure is to free the path of the inferior alveolar nerve from the path of implant insertion, so that the implants can occupy the entire height of the mandibular body up to the basilar margin.

These procedures are not without risks, but these will be explained to the patient by the surgical specialist. For example, when lifting the sinus floor, perforation of the sinus floor may occur.

As a rule, the insertion of implants may have to be delayed, a decision to be taken by the specialist.

Whatever the preliminary stages, implants are a therapeutic decision that ensures the trophicity of the bone for a relatively long period of time, directly proportional to the way in which the patient complies with the doctor’s instructions.

Conclusions

Special surgical interventions in implantology represent the pinnacle of excellence in restoring the smile of patients with tooth loss. Sinus lift, sinus augmentation and digitally guided techniques are just a few examples of the advanced technologies and surgical expertise that make it possible to restore dental functionality and esthetics. Whichever procedure is chosen, close collaboration between the patient and the specialized medical team is essential to achieve the best possible results in modern implant dentistry.