The decision to get dental implants is a significant step toward restoring a natural smile and self-confidence. Many patients have questions and concerns about the implant placement procedure itself. The aim of this guide is to explain each phase of implant placement at our Dental Škaričić clinic simply but in details, so you can feel secure and informed every step of the way.

Everything begins with an initial examination and consultation. During your first appointment, our oral surgeon, Josip Škaričić DMD PhD, will assess whether you are a candidate for implant therapy. Key factors taken into consideration include:

• Overall Health: It’s important that you don’t have uncontrolled chronic diseases that could affect the healing process.
• Oral Health: You should not have any acute inflammation in your oral cavity.
• Bone Quality and Quantity: Analysis of an orthopantomogram and a 3D CBCT scan provides precise insight into the condition of your jawbone and allows for virtual planning.

After the initial analysis, a detailed and individualized treatment plan is created. We will go through all options with you and define the course of treatment, the number of necessary visits, and the total cost. Transparency is key, and we want you to fully understand the entire process before we begin.

Although it sounds complicated, the surgical part of implant placement is a routine and minimally invasive procedure.

• Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, meaning the area around the implant site is completely numb. The entire procedure is completely painless.
• Placement: After preparation, the oral surgeon carefully places the titanium implant into the bone in the previously planned position. Depending on the complexity, the placement of a single implant usually takes about 30 minutes. The most complex procedures involving the placement of multiple implants take approximately 2 hours.
• Completion: After placement, the surgical site is sutured to protect the area from infection and allow for undisturbed healing. You will receive detailed instructions on what to do after the procedure.

The recovery period is crucial for the success of the therapy. In the first 24 hours, rest and cold compresses are recommended to reduce any potential swelling. In the following days, it is important to eat soft foods and maintain oral hygiene according to the instructions you received. The most important part of recovery is osseointegration – the process in which the implant fuses with the bone. This process takes 4 to 12 weeks (if there is no bone augmentation) and is the foundation of long-term stability and success of the therapy.

Once the osseointegration process is complete, the implant is ready for loading. This is followed by a short and simple procedure of placing a healing abutment (gingiva former), after which an impression/digital scan is taken to create your permanent prosthetic work.

The final step is the placement of the crown, bridge, or other prosthetic work on the implants. Your new tooth will be made to perfectly fit your bite and to completely match your natural teeth in color and shape.

Dental implant placement is a permanent and high-quality solution for missing teeth.