The ITI non-submerged implant system was developed in the mid-1970s by a partnership of researchers from Institute Straumann, a Swiss medical technology company, and the University of Bern. The unique design of the ITI implant permits the gum or soft tissues, to adapt to the neck of the implant while the submerged part of the implant is osseointegrating. 

Osseointegrating is the biological process that allows the bone to bond to the implant surface, locking the implant solidly in the bone. This bond between the bone and the implant surface is a critical factor in the success of dental implants.

The ITI Titanium Plasma Sprayed surface has been thoroughly researched in over two decades of clinical use and has been shown to provide a strong bond between the implant and the bone. It also speeds up the process of osseointegrating so patients may receive permanent teeth sooner.

Before the development of the ITI Dental Implant System, long-term tooth replacement required two surgeries: one to insert the implants and another to reopen the gums and attach replacement teeth to the submerged implants. The non-submerged ITI Dental Implant System utilizes a one-stage surgical procedure that eliminates the need for the second surgery. 

The key to successful dental implant treatment is the pre-treatment evaluation in which bensalembucksdental.com can help you. Many doctors take a team approach to the patient’s needs, and a surgeon and the restorative dentist will consult each other. The surgeon places the implant and works closely with your restorative dentist who will make your replacement teeth. Some dentists have the training and experience to provide all aspects of implant therapy for their patients and have chosen to do so.

You, the patient, are a vital part in the eventual success of this treatment because you must maintain your oral health by following the recommendations of your doctors. 

 In order to make a complete evaluation of your oral health status, your doctors will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and supporting structures, as well as any dentures or dental work you may have. They may also take x-rays, perform preparatory work such as removal of plaque from teeth, and make replicas of your teeth and jaws for guidance in placing your implants. Your jaw type and size will be evaluated carefully for any special considerations that require treatment before the implants can be placed.

Your team of professionals will assess such factors as diabetes or allergies in your medical history. You will be asked about any medications you take, as well as any tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. Actually, very few medical conditions rule out dental implants.

Your dental implant team will consider the health of your gums, oral tissues, and the shape of your jaws, as well as instruct you in the oral hygiene practices that will help you prepare for, and maintain your implants. Healthy gums are more likely to heal around the implant properly. 

 Once you, your surgeon and your restorative dentist have completed your preparations, the ITI Dental Implant System implants and replacement teeth are implemented as follows:

 During single implant surgery, your surgeon places the implant(s) into your jaw. Because the implant system brings the top of the implant to your gum line, it allows your soft tissue to heal during the same time that your bone tissue bonds with the implant’s titanium surface. Healing is generally complete within three to four months depending on bone quality. This approach was pioneered and documented by ITI.

 Next, your restorative dentist creates and fits new replacement teeth to the implants. This part of the process requires making impressions, bite registrations, bridge fittings, and tooth selection.

The implant surgery may take from one to four hours. Normally it is performed in the surgeon’s office.

Note The term “surgeon” refers to a skilled dental professional with specific training in implant surgery. The term “restorative dentist” refers to either a general dentist or a prosthodontist. 

What Precautions Should I Take Before Surgery? Before or after the surgery, you may be asked to take oral antibiotics and use an antiseptic mouthwash. You may be asked to have nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to the surgery. You will also probably be asked to brush your teeth carefully the morning of your surgery. 

What Happens During the Surgery? You may be given a sedative, as well as either local or general anesthesia. After you are anesthetized, the surgeon will expose your jawbone and prepare one to several precisely measured holes. Very gentle, low-speed drilling and extensive saline irrigation will be used to promote healing of your delicate bone tissues more quickly and firmly.

The surgeon places the titanium implants and sutures the soft tissues back around the neck of the implants, which will extend up to the gum line. The implants are designed so that the living bone tissue will bond rigidly to them, usually in about three to four months. 

What Happens After Surgery? You will spend some time in a recovery area, where an assistant will help you. An ice pack held to your face will reduce the swelling. When you are ready to leave, the assistant may give you a prescription for pain and antibiotic medication, along with further instructions from your surgeon.

On the first day at home, you may drink liquids and start a soft diet. Take your antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed and continue to use ice packs and gauze as needed. Proper home care with frequent rinsing helps prevent infection and assists in the healing process.

About one to two weeks after the surgery, your surgeon or an assistant will remove the sutures. Within two to three weeks, you may be asked to clean your mouth with a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup. About one month before healing is complete, your surgeon will evaluate the restored shape of your gums and decide if adjustments are necessary. 

 When can I Resume My Normal Activities? Most people return to work within a day or two after the surgery. You will make routine visits to your surgeon to ensure proper healing. Two to three weeks after your surgery, your surgeon or restorative dentist may reline your old denture.

You can then wear your denture, which may have to be adjusted several times during the healing period. Should soreness develop at any time, you should contact your surgeon or restorative dentist to relieve pressure under your old dentures. Healing and osseointegration with the ITI Dental Implant System usually take about three to four months. 

 Call your surgeon if:

• Your jaws continue to swell after the first 24 hours
• Pain in your jaws, mouth or sinuses is unrelieved by the prescribed pain medication When osseointegration is complete and your jaw and gums are completely healed, you are ready for the making and attachment of your new teeth. 

 How will my New Teeth Attach to the Implants? Before making your new teeth, your restorative dentist must remove the temporary screws from your healed implants and insert abutments (special attachments) in their place. Your restorative dentist may take x-rays beforehand to confirm the osseointegration of the implants. 

 How are my New Teeth Created With the abutments in place, your restorative dentist makes impressions (molds) of your mouth and imprints of the way your jaws fit together. These are used to construct a model of your jaws and any remaining teeth, as well as the abutments themselves.

From this model, your dentist creates your prosthesis (artificial replacement tooth). To ensure the best fit, your restorative dentist may need to see you several times. This fitting process normally takes just a few weeks. During this time, you can continue to wear your old denture, partial, or single false tooth.

Once the best fit is made, the final denture, single tooth or bridge will be attached to the abutment(s) previously placed on your implant(s). 

What Types of Prosthesis are Available? Your prosthesis can be removable or fixed, or a combination of both.

A removable prosthesis often replaces a full set of teeth. It clips firmly to the abutments by a ball and anchor attachment or a bar device but can be taken out for ease of cleaning.

A fixed prosthesis can replace one, several, or all of your teeth. A single tooth attaches directly to the abutment. For several teeth, the entire metal frame is carefully fitted to your mouth. For this reason, you may wear the fixed prosthesis during an adjustment period before it is finally attached to your abutments. Once attached, a fixed prosthesis can only be removed by your dentist. 

What Precautions Should I Take When Using my New Teeth? Your dentist may ask you not to eat hard or crunchy foods for a few weeks after your prosthesis is installed. To avoid damaging the prosthesis, never chew on ice, pencils, metal, or other hard objects. 

 Call your restorative dentist if:

• You have pain or discomfort in your jaws
• Your new teeth are loose
• Your new teeth do not fit together correctly 

 Caring for your New Teeth Dental implants need special care to keep them clean and trouble-free. Much of the success of the osseointegration depends on keeping each abutment post clean and plaque-free. This is when you become the most important member of the team. At your checkup appointments, your restorative dentist will evaluate the progress of your home care.

If your prosthesis feels loose, call your restorative dentist immediately. In most cases, your restorative dentist can rectify the situation quickly. 

 How do I Clean my New Replacement Teeth? Just like natural teeth, you should clean your new teeth…both the prosthesis and the abutment posts…after each meal. 

 You should brush both the inside and the outside of a removable prosthesis. Then brush around the gums and abutments with the prosthesis removed.

Brush a fixed prosthesis thoroughly, as you would natural teeth. You may want to use an interdental brush with a bent handle to clean around your abutment posts. Make sure the interdental brush has a nylon-coated center wire to avoid scratching the soft metal surface of the abutment posts. Ask your restorative dentist about home care kits or other cleaning devices that may work best for you. 

 With dental implants, you will need to floss even more than before. You may be asked to use special floss to clean around your gums, abutment posts, and prosthetic teeth.

Floss around the abutment posts of a removable prosthesis with your teeth removed. Use floss or other suggested non-metallic instruments around the front, sides, and back of the abutment posts of a fixed or removable prosthesis. 

 What if I have Trouble Seeing my Abutments Clearly? A lighted, magnifying make-up mirror (not hand-held) will help you see your abutment posts more clearly, especially if you wear bifocals or trifocals.

Full-frame reading glasses, available without prescription from your pharmacy, may be worn instead of your bifocals or trifocals when cleaning your abutment posts. These can give you the close-up correction you need when tilting your head for a clear view of the abutments. 

 In some cases where the abutment posts are difficult to clean, other cleaning techniques may be recommended. Your doctor often works closely with you to help keep your abutment posts and prosthetic teeth clean. 

 When will I need Dental Checkups? At least twice a year, you should see your restorative dentist. She or he will clean your abutment posts as necessary. The fit of your prosthesis will also be checked.

You should see your surgeon once a year to check the stability of your anchored implants and the health of your gums and jaws. 

 The ITI Dental Implant System is the first to offer a documented single-surgery tooth replacement procedure. This system also incorporates design advancements that:

• Offers less treatment time and less chair time
• Strengthen the bond between the jawbone and implant
• Make the implants easier to clean and maintain
• Reduce stress on the implants, which minimizes any chance of loosening Soon after your new teeth are complete, you should be able to bite and chew just as you did with your natural teeth. Freed from the inconvenience and embarrassment of traditional dentures or partials, you should find yourself chewing and smiling with confidence. You will begin enjoying the many lifetime benefits of ITI Dental Implants.