Dental implants can be placed in any age (in a fully developed jaw), as long as the patient has sufficient bone tissue. Most healthy people with good oral hygiene are suitable for dental implantation.

Factors that can interfere with the integration of a dental implant:

- Heavy smoking: hinders the healing process and poses a risk of infection

- Excessive alcohol consumption: impedes the healing process of the gums

- Gum atrophy: must be treated before dental implantation, as severe gum atrophy can lead to thinning of the jaw bone

- Weakened immune system: steroids, radiotherapy, autoimmune disease

- In the case of teeth grinding, night-time splinting is recommended to prevent the force of the grinding from causing a piece of the porcelain crown to pop off

Consultation and planning: Consultation and planning: during the first consultation, the dentist will examine the panoramic x-ray and consult the patient. If the patient's general health and bone structure are deemed suitable for implantation the dentist will prepare a personalised treatment plan. The basic requirement for implant placement is a three-dimensional scan (CT scan) to help determine the exact implant size.

Tooth implantation: The oral surgery is performed according to a strict protocol and the patient then has to wait during the recovery period, following the appropriate advice and instructions. If there is not enough bone for dental implantation, a special oral surgery, the bone grafting is required to replace the missing bone tissue.

Recovery period: during the 3-6 months (recovery period) after the dental implantation, bone cells grow on the surface of the implant and the implant fuses with the jaw bone. During this time it is very important to follow up with medication and to maintain perfect oral hygiene as instructed.

Formation of the final denture: after the recovery period is over, the implant(s) are placed to form the final denture. There are several types of dentures on implants, from simple solutions (single crown on one implant or bridge on two implants) to full dentures (full bridge on 4-6 implants, All-on-4, All-on-6 fixed dentures).

- It is necessary to ice for a few days -This will reduce swelling after the operation- After the operation, alternate 10 minutes of cooling and 10 minutes of rest.

- Take the prescribed medication. These usually include painkillers and antibiotics.

- If possible don't eat while the anaesthetic lasts as you may bite your lip, tongue or you may choke.

- After the operation, follow a dairy-free diet until the stitches are removed (because bacteria in milk can cause severe inflammation).

- Do not pick, flush or suck on the tooth extraction or implant wound or its surrounding area and do not use a straw (the sutured surgical area will only start to close after 2-3 days, if you suck on it you will interfere with the healing of the wound).

- DO NOT smoke and drink alcohol! Smoking is not recommended after implantation because it inhibits bone formation and can lead to loss of the implant.

- If you have had a bone graft, try to sneeze and cough with your mouth open. Also, DO NOT blow your nose!

- Pay close attention to your oral hygiene, brush your teeth on the first night but avoid the surgery area!

- Avoid physical exertion, sauna, steam, beauty salon, massage, solarium, spa for a few days!

- The wound may leak, there may be some minor bleeding but if it becomes more serious, see your dentist immediately!

- The day after the operation you should have a check-up and follow the instructions of your dentist