Dental Implants in Iran

What is Dental Implants procedure?

Dental implants procedure may take several months and involves about 5 stages. The candidate for tooth implant should have a strong jawbone that could support the implant. If the jawbone is not sufficient or strong enough to hold the implant, the dentist may decide to perform bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure which involves taking jaw bone from some other areas in the body (e.g. hip or chin) or synthetic methods which involve using substances that can be placed in the jaw. After bone graft surgery, healing takes about 6 months. This stage is not required in people who have a sufficient amount of strong jawbone. 

The dental implant timeline

1. Consultation: The doctor will evaluate your teeth and jawbone. You will discuss the number of implants that need to be placed. In this assessment session, some scans and X-rays will be conducted. In case you need a bone graft, they will fix you an appointment date for the surgery.
2. Implant Placement: Implant basically is a metal screw that is placed in an opening in the jawbone. Teeth implants are generaly made of titanume and act as the root for the crown. The implant is placed in the jaw through an incision in the gum and an opening in the jawbone. This procedure takes about 1-2 hour for each implant and is performed under anesthesia. To let the implant and the bone fuse, implants should go through a period called osseointegration which takes 4-5 months for the upper jaw and 6-7 months for the lower jaw.In the meantime, you can ask your dentists about using temporary dentures.
3. Healing collar or healing cap: It is placed on the implant and stays there for 10 to 14 days. A healing cap helps guide the gum tissue in the proper way to heal.
4. Abutment: The abutment is attached to the implant with a screw. It helps the implant connect to the crown.After the placement, healing takes 2 weeks. At this point, the doctor will figure out the type of implant that needs to be designed.
5. Restoration (placing the crown): In two weeks, your implant will be manufactured and your surgeon will try it on you to see if it fits. The crown looks like your other teeth and is customized and designed for you. The surgeon will place it on the abutment.

Which types of dental implants are the best?

Dental implants have various types. When choosing the right implant, you should pay attention to what your dentist suggests. Some implants can be loaded immediately while others need to go through the osseointegration phase. Another catogarization is regarding the material that an implant is made of. Although implants have been generaly made of titanium, a recent invention of zirconia implants has provided more options for the patients. 

Titanum implants have been used for many years. They are highly long-lasting and biocompatible which means they are rarely rejected by the body. Also, titanume is easily fused with the bone.

Zirconia is invented in the recent years. The first practical usage of zirconia as a dental implant was in 2003. The benefit of zirconia tooth implant is that the implant post and the abutment are combined into one unit.

Additionally, there are different types of crowns' material that can be placed on the implant. On one hand, there are Porcelain-based crownsthat can be blended with your natural tooth color. On the other hand, there are porcelain-fused to metal crowns which provide a stronger and more dureable result. Also, there are gold and metal alloys which don't farcture and are very dureable.

As for different implants' brands, These are some of the several high-quality brands trusted by dentists:

Straumann: The best thing about dental implants products of this brand is that it provides a full range of products needed during tooth implant surgery; From the bone surrounding the implant to the actual replacement tooth.

BioHorizons: The innovative and high-quality products designed by this brand are based on scientific research. BioHorizons is also known for providing the best solutions for bone grafting.

Dentsply Sirona: This popular brand's products are sold in more than 120 countries across the globe. It manufactures the products specially designed for dentists. 

Why are dental implants so expensive?

The sensitive procedure of dental implant is performed during several steps. Usually, a dentist, a plastic surgeon, and a periodontist are involved in these steps. Last but not least, each implant is uniquely designed to be a natural alternative for the previous tooth. All of these factors contribute to expenses that should be taken into account. However, the good news is that you don't need to pay a king's ransom for dental implants! Iran provides the ultimate dental service at the hands of accredited dentists and surgeons and at the lowest price you can possibly find.

Do dental implants last forever?

Dental implants' crown is made of porcelain which is similar to the natural tooth. It also is highly long-lasting. The better you look after your implants, the more they last. Taking care of the implants is not different from taking care of your natural teeth. Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day, floss every day, and make sure you don't drink too much of caffeine. It is safe to say that for a patient who is more than 45 years of age, dental implants are for life.

What are dental implants alternatives in Iran?

Dental implants procedure takes months and is somehow pricy. Many people choose to undergo another alternative that won't cost them a fortune. 

Dentures

You are probably already familiar with dentures. They are artificial teeth that can be removed. Full dentures are perfect options for patients who have had all of their teeth removed; while partial dentures are for those people who wish to replace some missing or declayed teeth. Although dentures are a good replacement option, they won't prevent skin sagging, jaw shrinkage, and difficulty in chewing.

Bridge

This technique is not as long-lasting as dental implants but it is done at a lower price and the procedure takes less time and effort. They are fixed in place and feel more comfortable than dentures. However, the bridge can be more noticeable than dental implants. Also, it can lead to jawbone loss; whereas, dental implants prevent the jaw from shrinking.

Why Dental Implants in Iran?

Remarkable medical service

Iran ranks first in the middle east for its dental services and is the only country that provides such high-quality medical service at the lowest cost possible. Furthermore, Iranian dentists are trained in some of the best universities around the world. They pay attention to the patient's needs and requirements and always propose a solution that is both medically and aesthetically desirable. 

Affordable

Everyone is quite aware that dental implants procedure is an expensive solution for tooth replacement. In many countries like the USA, few people can afford to undergo tooth implants due to its $3000/implant cost. In Iran, however, cheap dental implants surgery is available to patients from various foreign countries. In Iran, you can have dental implants surgery under the knife of an accredited specialist at only $500!

Tourist attraction

With long intervals during the teeth implant procedure, you can hopefully enjoy all the adventures Iran can offer. Some say Iran is a hidden gem. Many extraordinary sights and wonders of the world are located in Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, and Tehran. If you come to Iran, you can visit places you can describe to your friends and leave them in awe. Iranian culture is all about kindness and hospitality and you will constantly be greeted in the most heartwarming way. The only drawback is that you probably can't enjoy all the tasty Iranian food since you are on a restricted diet during the procedure.

What do you need to do before dental implants?

By following some simple rules before the procedure, you can ensure a successful outcome and make sure that you will experience no complications. 

• Quit taking any blood thinning medication such as painkillers or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Prepare some soft foods like pasta, smoothies, and soup and freeze them for after the procedure. After the surgery, discomforts in the gum may prevent you from chewing hard foods.
• Do not eat or drink anything for 5-13 hours before the surgery.

Dental implant surgery recovery Tips

The first stage of the procedure (implant placement) is the most difficult stage. After the implant placement, you will feel some pain for at least 10 days after the surgery. Take the antibiotics and pain medicines that are prescribed. You might also experience some bleeding which is normal and passes quickly. In some cases, the recovery might take longer and you should avoid tough foods for 6 weeks. You can get back to work in about 4 days after the surgery.

• Do not blow your nose and sneeze with your mouth open. You should avoid any pressure on the sinus area.
• Do not smoke. Smoking delays the healing process.
• Do not drink liquids with a straw.
• Avoid eating things that are too hard to chew. Eat things that you can cut with the side of your fork.
• Avoid hot foods.
• Spend the first day after the surgery in bed and avoid sudden movements.
• Wait for 4 days before getting back to doing exercises.

After the abutment and crown placement, you can eat your favorite foods again.

FAQ

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report mild to moderate pain for a few days after the surgery. But it can be controlled easily using pain-killers.

Are dental implants dangerous?

As with any other surgery, tooth implants procedure is not risk-free. However, problems and complications are rare and when occur are usually minor.

Can dental implants be removed?

Yes. In some cases, implants may need to be removed due to implant failure. Implant failure can occur as a result of infection or too much pressure.

Will dental implants lift my face?

Sagging face is a result of jaw shrinkage in the absence of teeth. When you undergo jawbone graft, your jaw will be built up and support your facial muscles. Consequently, you will regain your previous younger face shape and lifted skin.

Can dental implants get infected?

If you do not stick to the post-surgery instructions, a tooth implant infection can occur.