Implantation

Tooth loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting both self-esteem and the ability to eat and speak normally. Fortunately, modern dental technology offers effective solutions, giving patients the chance to restore confidence and oral function.

Today, one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth is dental implantation.

Dental implants are more than just a procedure to replace missing teeth — they are a true art form that restores the harmony of your smile, facial aesthetics, and jaw function. It’s a comprehensive method for restoring not only the teeth but also the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

In this article, we’ll explore the dental implant process in detail, including indications, types of implants, and frequently asked questions. We’ll highlight the importance of a personalized approach and how modern dentistry blends medical knowledge with technical craftsmanship to restore not just lost teeth, but the joy of smiling.

Dental Implants in Minsk

When choosing a clinic and a doctor, it’s important to consider the dentist’s practical experience, review their portfolio of cases, and read patient reviews. The next important step is the consultation, where the dentist can provide a detailed plan tailored to your individual dental situation.

At SHEDO Dental Clinic, you can receive both in-person and remote (online) consultations. If you already have diagnostic materials such as a CBCT scan (3D X-ray), a preliminary treatment plan can be prepared even if you're from another city or country. We also assist with travel arrangements and support during your stay in Minsk.

Dr. Vladimir Leonidovich Sheleg is renowned not only in Minsk and Belarus but internationally. For over 20 years, he has rehabilitated patients from around the world (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, the UK, USA, and more) in complex cases where patients had nearly lost hope of ever removing their removable dentures.

Dr. Sheleg was the first in Belarus to perform All-on-4/6 and zygomatic implant procedures, having trained at the clinic of the technique’s founder, Paulo Malo in Portugal.

As a key opinion leader for Megagen, Dr. Sheleg regularly gives webinars and lectures for colleagues in Minsk, Mogilev, Gomel, Grodno, Vitebsk, as well as in South Korea, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.

Patients describe Dr. Sheleg as attentive, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. After a consultation with him, any doubts or fears fade away, replaced with calmness and confidence in the success of the procedure.

Indications for Dental Implants

Dental implants are used in the following clinical situations:

• Loss of one or more teeth: Implants replace missing teeth without affecting neighboring teeth, unlike dental bridges.
• Congenital absence of teeth (primary agenesis): In some cases, the tooth germ never forms, and the tooth fails to erupt.
• Severely damaged teeth: If a tooth is too damaged to be restored due to decay, trauma, or infection, it may need extraction and replacement with an implant.
• Poor stability of removable dentures: When dentures do not sit securely, causing discomfort or difficulty chewing/speaking, implants can be used to improve their stability.
• Preservation of bone tissue: After tooth loss, the jawbone begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation. Implants help preserve bone by restoring chewing function.
• Improved aesthetics and function: Tooth loss reduces the lower third of the face, making facial proportions appear older. Implants help maintain youthful facial structure.
• Support for adjacent teeth: Missing teeth cause adjacent ones to shift, possibly requiring braces after several years. Implants help prevent this and avoid future orthodontic treatment.

It’s important to remember that indications may vary depending on the patient’s condition. The need for implants should be determined by a qualified prosthodontist or implant surgeon after a thorough examination.

Recommendations for Dental Implantation

Here are some important recommendations to consider when planning dental implants:

• Medical history: Always inform your dentist of any chronic illnesses and medications you are taking to prevent complications.
• Follow post-op instructions: It's crucial to follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding diet, oral hygiene, and implant care.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can hinder healing and reduce the success rate of implants.
• Plan your time: While the procedure itself is quick, the healing and integration period can take time — factor this into your schedule.
• Regular check-ups: After implantation, routine visits and X-rays help monitor the health of your implants.

Every case is unique, and recommendations may vary. It’s vital to follow your dentist’s instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and attend all follow-up appointments.

Structure of a Dental Implant

A dental implant is an artificial root inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. It consists of three main parts:

1. Implant base: A titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, acting as the support for the new tooth.
2. Abutment: A connector that links the implant base with the prosthetic crown. It may be made from titanium, zirconia, or other materials.
3. Prosthetic tooth (crown or denture): The visible part of the restoration, typically made of ceramic, metal-ceramic, or zirconia.

The implant base undergoes osseointegration — fusing with the bone — over several months. Once integrated, the gum former, abutment, and crown are placed to create a tooth virtually indistinguishable from the real one.

The exact structure may vary depending on the implant system and surgical method chosen by your dentist. For detailed information about the components used in your case, consult your implantologist.

Types and Costs of Dental Implantation

Today, implant surgeons have access to various implantation techniques:

• Immediate load implants: The implant is placed and immediately fitted with a temporary crown. This requires strong bone support to ensure immediate stability.
• One-stage implantation: The implant is placed immediately after tooth extraction, often used in cases of root fracture or sufficient bone availability.
• Two-stage implantation: The implant is placed first, followed by a healing period (3–4 months). A second procedure is then performed to place the crown. Suitable for cases with bone loss or past infections.
• All-on-4 and All-on-6: 4 or 6 implants are placed to support a full fixed prosthesis. Ideal for patients missing many teeth or when existing teeth are beyond repair.
• Basal implants: Long, thin one-piece implants placed in the dense basal bone. These cannot be placed using navigation guides and are rarely used due to limited indications.

These are just some of the available methods. The most suitable technique will be determined after diagnosis and evaluation by your implant surgeon.

How Implantation Cost is Calculated

The cost of dental implants depends on several factors:

• Number of implants: The more implants needed, the higher the overall cost.
• Implant brand: Different manufacturers offer implants with unique surface treatments, materials, and designs, which affects pricing.
• Specialist qualifications: More experienced and reputable surgeons typically charge higher fees.
• Pre-treatment procedures: Bone grafting, gum grafting, X-rays, or orthodontic preparation may be needed, increasing the overall cost.
• Type of crowns/prosthetics: The material and type of final restoration also influence the total cost.
• Materials and medications: An all-inclusive price also covers consumables, anesthesia, and antiseptics.

A personalized consultation is essential to provide an accurate cost estimate based on your specific dental case.

Today, dental implants are no longer considered experimental — they are safe, routine, and highly predictable. The improvement in a patient’s quality of life is dramatic. After your procedure, you’ll likely leave the clinic smiling in surprise at how quick and simple it was.

And if you still have doubts after reading this article — we warmly invite you to book a consultation with our specialists. Their expertise and compassionate approach will put your mind at ease!