Implant placement is today a reliable and long-lasting way to replace a lost tooth. It involves a titanium screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and takes over the role of a tooth root, onto which a crown or prosthetic restoration is then placed, resulting in a fully functional tooth.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is considered a routine procedure in modern implantology.
Implant placement is not merely an aesthetic solution. An implant preserves the jawbone from deterioration and restores full chewing function. At Dental Vortex, the team led by Dr. Dubravka Jovanović performs this procedure on a daily basis.
What is a dental implant and how does it work
A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of a lost tooth. Titanium is a material that the body does not recognize as a foreign object, so the implant gradually fuses completely with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration (the bonding of the implant with the bone).
Once the bone has fully accepted the inserted screw, a superstructure (abutment) and a crown, bridge, or denture are most commonly placed on it. However, if good primary stability of the implant is achieved during the surgical procedure, immediate loading is also an option. In such cases, the patient can receive a functional temporary tooth as early as the day after placement.
The final result of the treatment is a tooth that looks completely natural and fully restores chewing function.
Straumann implants
The implants used at Dental Vortex are Swiss-made Straumann implants. This is a brand that is today considered the gold standard in implantology — available in more than 70 countries, with over 14 million implants placed in 2014 alone, and with confirmed results in more than 700 independent scientific publications over the past 35 years.
The titanium that Straumann uses is not recognized by the body as a foreign object, meaning that the bonding of the implant with the bone (osseointegration) proceeds without rejection. Straumann provides a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on every implant. This is not a marketing decision. We use Straumann because we do not choose compromise for our patients.
Neodent implants
In addition to premium Straumann solutions, we also place Neodent implants at our clinic with great success. This reputable Brazilian brand operates within the Straumann Group, which in practice means it relies on the exact same scientific foundation and equally rigorous quality standards, but at a more financially accessible price. Neodent has proven itself to be an ideal choice for patients seeking the perfect balance between top-tier reliability and cost optimization.
They are widely used in our everyday practice, and they stand out in particular as an excellent solution within All-on-4 and All-on-6 rehabilitations, where we successfully combine them with metal-free crowns or aesthetic acrylic teeth. By choosing the Neodent system, you ensure clinically proven safety, durability, and superior functionality, with absolutely no compromise in quality.
The implant placement process step by step
The entire process takes place in multiple phases and can last from two to six months, depending on the condition of the jawbone and the chosen prosthetic solution. Each phase has its purpose and cannot be skipped.
Planning and 3D imaging
The first visit includes an examination and taking of a medical history (history of illness and general health condition). The patient is then referred for a 3D scan of the jaw (CBCT scan), which shows the exact quantity and quality of bone at the site where the tooth is missing. An individualized treatment plan is created based on this scan.
Blood work and preparation
Before the surgical procedure itself, it is necessary to perform an analysis of certain blood parameters in order to reduce the possibility of complications to an absolute minimum. It is clinically proven that altered values of specific blood parameters are associated with implant loss. This step ensures optimal conditions for implant acceptance.
Surgical placement
If the patient still has a tooth that needs to be extracted, the extraction is performed first, followed by implant placement. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and lasts from 20 minutes to an hour and a half. Patients who are afraid of the procedure may also opt for inhalation sedation.
Osseointegration (healing period)
After placement, if primary stability is not achieved, a waiting period of three to four months follows, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone. During this period, the patient wears a temporary prosthetic solution and comes in for regular check-ups. This step cannot be accelerated.
Placement of the crown or prosthetic restoration
Once it is confirmed that the implant has fully fused with the bone, digital impressions are taken with a scanner. A permanent crown, bridge, or denture is fabricated in the laboratory and then placed on the implant. From taking the impression to placing the final restoration, between three and fourteen days are required.
Note: If the natural teeth have taken on a yellowish color, teeth whitening may be performed before fabricating the crown on the implant, so that the final crown is matched to the rest of the smile.
Does implant placement hurt
This is a question that almost every patient asks before scheduling an appointment. The answer is straightforward: the placement itself does not hurt, as it is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient may feel pressure, but not pain.
After the anesthesia wears off, mild discomfort and sensitivity in the area of the procedure are possible. In most patients, this passes within 24 to 48 hours. Swelling in the area of the gums or face is a normal occurrence and subsides by the third day. Applying cold externally in the first hours after the procedure helps reduce swelling.
What to expect after implant placement
Recovery from implant placement is considerably easier than most patients expect. In the days following the procedure, the following is recommended:
What we recommend:
- Taking prescribed medications (antibiotics, analgesics as needed)
- Rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine (antiseptic solution) according to the doctor’s instructions
- Eating soft foods for the first five to seven days
- Applying cold externally on the first and second day if swelling is present
What to avoid:
- Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications, and must be avoided
- Consuming alcohol during the healing period
Long-term care and check-ups
The long-term success of an implant depends greatly on the patient, the way oral hygiene is maintained, and how closely our recommendations are followed. For this very reason, when handing over the crown on the implant, our team goes through all the steps of proper cleaning with you in detail, because impeccable hygiene around the implant itself is absolutely the most important factor for its longevity.
In addition to daily oral hygiene (toothbrush, interdental brushes, dental floss, oral irrigator), regular check-ups every 3 to 6 months are recommended, as well as annual control X-rays.
At these check-ups, the condition of the tissue around the implant is also assessed. If initial inflammation appears, it is easily resolved at an early stage. Missed check-ups can lead to bone loss that is considerably more difficult to treat.
Who is a candidate for implant placement?
Implant placement is possible for most adults who have lost one or more teeth. The basic requirement is that there is sufficient quantity and quality of jawbone at the site where the tooth is missing, as well as good general health.
Good candidates are patients who:
- have lost one or more teeth for any reason
- do not have enough teeth for a bridge to be made
- wear a denture that does not fit stably or falls out
- want a permanent and fixed solution instead of a denture
Placement is delayed for patients who:
- suffer from certain systemic diseases that affect healing
- take certain medications (steroids, medications for osteoporosis)
- have uncontrolled diabetes
- have undergone radiation therapy to the head and neck area
- have bone diseases
If the jawbone does not have sufficient height and width, this does not automatically mean that placement is not possible. In such cases, bone augmentation (building up the bone with artificial material) or a sinus lift (raising the sinus membrane to create space for an implant in the upper jaw) can be performed before placement.
In cases of complete edentulism, the modern solution is a fixed implant-supported restoration that restores up to 90% of the function of natural teeth. An implant-supported denture is a more affordable option that restores approximately 60% of function, but provides significantly greater stability than a conventional denture without implants.
Whether you are a candidate for implant placement can only be determined after a personal examination and review of X-rays. A consultation at Dental Vortex is the first and most important step.
Dental implants – patient experiences
Dental implants price
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Neodent implant placement | 59,000 RSD |
| Straumann implant placement | 77,000 RSD |
| Metal-ceramic crown on implant (with abutment) | 35,000 RSD |
| Metal-free crown on implant (with abutment) | 45,000 RSD |
| Temporary crown on implant | 14,000 RSD |
The difference in the price of implant placement depends on the type of implant and the complexity of the procedure, which is determined at the consultation. If bone augmentation or a sinus lift is required before placement, this is planned and priced separately.
Frequently asked questions about implant placement
When is the right time to schedule an appointment?
The right time is as soon as possible after losing a tooth. The longer a tooth is missing, the jawbone at that site gradually resorbs (diminishes), which can complicate or prolong the later implant placement process.
If you have been thinking about an implant for some time but have been putting it off due to fear of the procedure, concerns about cost, or simply a lack of information, a consultation is a good first step. At Dental Vortex in Zvezdara, Belgrade, a warm welcome, a patient team, and a solution that turns fear into ease await you.
The clinic is located at Živka Davidovića 96A/14, Zvezdara, Belgrade, in the East Side complex, next to Aviv Park shopping center.