Since childhood, we all know how important it is to preserve your teeth from a young age, as, in fact, the whole health, however, this is not always possible. Then there is a need for prosthetics. In addition, due to the missing tooth, not only the process of chewing food worsens, there may be other unpleasant consequences. Correct the situation by installing gum formers.
What it is?
Anyone who comes across this definition is interested in the question: what is this tool in the field of dentistry? The question is especially relevant when a person has already lost a tooth or it is a matter of time, but you do not want to lose the functionality of the gums.
In fact, the gingiva former is a cylindrical screw having a dense multi-turn thread. This allows you to securely fix the entire metal structure. The dimensions of the shaper, as well as the diameter of its head and height, largely depend on several factors:
- location;
- degree of thinning of soft tissues;
- anatomical features of the dental arch.
In other words, the installation of the gingiva former on the implant is completely dependent on the individual parameters of the patient. In the language of specialists in the field of dentistry, these products are called "stub".
Functionality
The installation of soft tissue formers serves a specific purpose. In this case, the correct contour of the hole is created after tooth loss. The appearance of the zones with the implant and how tightly the gums will fit to the prosthesis will depend on this.
It is thanks to the shaper that soft tissues take the necessary volume and completeness, which is necessary when creating a natural contour. In its absence, the artificial element will look unpresentable, and the gum will no longer fit as tightly as required.
Thus, the gum former installed on the implant appears in an augmented manner. This is an intermediate element that acts as a basic foundation, and you just can not do without it when prosthetics. In some cases, it may be an integral part of the implant.
Production material
As a rule, titanium serves as a material for the manufacture of soft tissue formers. Its strength is successfully combined with lightness, and therefore it is ideal for the manufacture of such products. Due to its installation, the appearance of a load on the root of the restored dental element is excluded. In addition, titanium has another remarkable property, which is very important for the oral cavity - it is resistant to corrosion processes. On top of that, it's hypoallergenic. The question immediately arises: how much does a tooth implant cost , in particular, the orthopedic product in question? But more on that later.
At the same time, these products have a drawback, because of which their use is not so common. They shine through the gum tissue, which ultimately does not look so attractive. This is especially critical for the front teeth.
For this reason, many patients prefer zirconium analogues, which do not give out their presence.
Varieties of formers
Now we understand what it is - a healing abutment during implantation. Among the presented products on the modern market, several classes of similar orthopedic products can be distinguished:
- "Economy" - this should include the design of Israeli brands - Adin, Alpha Bio, MIS, Iterum, the American company Bicon, as well as Implantium (also the USA and Korea).
- "Business" - such products are made by the German manufacturer Xive.
- "Premium" - executive-class products are produced in Switzerland (Straumann), Sweden (Astra tech), Germany (Nico, Ankylos, Impro, Semandos), USA (Nobel Biocare).
Shapers of one brand can be combined with implants from other brands. But at the same time, it is recommended to use products from the same manufacturer.
Not to be confused with abutment
The considered orthopedic products are usually referred to a variety of different designs, and for this reason many patients consider both of these concepts to be one and the same: abutment and healing abutment during implantation. What is this in reality - not everyone understands.
Shapers are commonly referred to as a variety of abutments, and for this reason many patients confuse these concepts. However, the abutment is a more complex structure, which is placed after the gum formation procedure on the same basis, only instead of the shaper. The presence of an abutment allows you to create additional strength for the installed prosthesis.
And if the shaper upper part is predominantly made in a cylindrical shape, then the top of the abutment can be different, and is selected strictly in accordance with a specific prosthesis. Now it's time to find out that these are abutments for implants? Based on the purpose, they come in several varieties:
- standard;
- temporary;
- cast (with the implant);
- angular;
- individual.
Like shapers, they can also be made of titanium, but due to the described drawback, this is far from the only material.
In addition to it, ceramics, gold, plastic, as well as their combinations are used.
Shaper Installation Procedure
The “installation” of formers can have two types, based on the timing:
- Simultaneous installation - a “plug” is placed immediately after the introduction of the framework.
- Standard procedure - carried out several months after the implantation procedure. By this time, the intraosseous part is usually already taking root.
In most cases, specialists resort to the standard installation of gingiva formers. For them, such work is simple and more reminiscent of the routine process, which is carried out in several stages.
Operation stages
Stage No. 1 - local, infiltration, conduction anesthesia is done, depending on the area of the implant.
Stage No. 2 - gum dissection is performed. This is done in order to gain access to the intraosseous part of the implanted base. For the entire period while the implant was in the gum, a certain part of it has already managed to grow with soft tissues. In this connection, to establish the exact localization of the implant, a palpation or sounding procedure is performed. The latter option is used most often. Subsequently, soft tissues are revealed by a punch or an incision is made above the artificial base.
Stage No. 3 - the foundation itself is prepared for fixing the shaper on it. At the same time, a special plug is removed, which opens the intraosseous part of the thread. The visible metal part is cleaned of excess tissue (if necessary).
Stage 4 - at this stage of tooth implantation, the installation of the gingival shaper implies screwing the product itself using a special key (orthopedic or universal). In this case, it should protrude slightly beyond the gingival border, but not more than 2 mm. This suggests that the sizes were chosen correctly. This measure avoids correction when using temporary prostheses.
Stage number 5 - suturing the gums. Moreover, the edges of the soft tissues are pulled together so that the former remains above them, forming a kind of interdental papilla.
This work is not only routine, but also responsible - it is necessary to correctly install the product, otherwise unpleasant consequences cannot be avoided. You can verify the correct fastening of products using orthopantomography.
The duration of the operation to install gum formers takes no more than 60 minutes. After 14 days - by this time the cavity is already healing enough - in the installation area of the former, an elastic roller is formed. This is another way to identify the correctness of the procedure.
Shaper wearing periods
As a rule, gum tissue heals within 7-10 days from the time of the operation. Under the influence of an anesthetic, the pain becomes dull, but after the end of its action the pain syndrome returns. This should not be scared, as this is the norm. During the first 5-7 days, you can take painkillers.
At the same time, if the pain still remains after a week, you should immediately consult a doctor. With a high degree of probability, this may indicate the development of complications.
Most patients are interested not only in how the gingival shaper looks, but how much should it be worn? It is impossible to name the exact time at once, since it all depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. In particular, we are talking about the following:
- The ability of soft tissues and bone structure to heal.
- Localization of the restored zone.
- A kind of implant.
- The complexity of surgery.
- The correct implementation of all instructions of a specialist.
If there are no complications, when all the recommendations of the specialist are followed, complete healing occurs within the previously mentioned period - about 2 weeks.
Probable complications
The introduction of an orthopedic product is a relatively simple process, but at the same time it is an operation.
And if so, then after installing the gingiva former, complications cannot always be avoided:
- Allergic reaction. Usually arises as an appropriate response of the body to the metal used (in extremely rare cases) or to the effects of the anesthetic. If the patient has a similar effect in relation to any pain medication, he needs to notify the doctor. If the material of the shaper is to blame, then it is necessary to remove the product and find an alternative to it.
- Discomfort during communication or while eating. In this case, you already need to contact a specialist, since this condition alone will not pass.
- Loss of structure or loose fit to soft tissues. This happens when the bone structure is very weak or there is some kind of pathology. If therapeutic treatment does not give the desired result, the product is removed.
- Swelling after installing the gingiva former. Usually appears within the first 24 hours after the introduction of the "stub". As a rule, this is a concomitant effect that occurs after almost any surgical intervention. It passes independently in a day or two, and therefore there is no need for medical care.
- The appearance of an unpleasant odor. This is already a symptom of the development of internal inflammation, which is usually accompanied by an accumulation of purulent mass.
- Bleeding. The reason for this phenomenon is poor blood coagulation. In this case, the specialist prescribes the use of hemostatic drugs, coupled with the use of wound healing rinses and ointments.
- Gum overgrowth. This is evidence of improper dental product height. As a result, the “plug” is blocked by gum tissue.
- Gum hurts after installing the gingiva former. As noted above, this is the norm, as the effects of anesthesia have ended. In a few days, everything will go away, but you can stop the syndrome with painkillers.
- Inflammatory process. It can leak in the seam area. If available, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, and treatment of the oral cavity with wound healing and antiseptic drugs is also indicated.
The appearance of some of these complications can be avoided if, during the entire postoperative period, all the recommendations of the doctor are strictly adhered to.
Care Rules
It’s not enough to have an idea of the abutments and abutments for implants - what it is and what they are intended for. Proper and regular oral care must be provided. Such a measure after the operation will minimize the occurrence of complications, or even prevent their development. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, before and after a meal (breakfast, dinner). At the same time, carefully use a toothbrush to avoid damage to the operated area, which is still vulnerable to mechanical damage.
As for toothpaste, it is necessary to choose therapeutic and prophylactic compositions containing natural extracts of medicinal herbs and the inclusion of chlorhexidine (low concentration) and other healing components. The use of special rinses will protect against the formation of soft plaque. Most popular remedies:
- "Forest Balsam."
- "Stomatophyte".
- Asepta.
- Listerine.
- Colgate.
What do you do after installing the healing abutment? Immediately after the operation, it is necessary to strictly adhere to certain requirements for food:
- Eating is prohibited for the first three hours after the procedure; you should also not drink anything.
- During the first two days, do not smoke, avoid heavy physical exertion, including vigorous activity.
- Until the wounds heal, the food should be liquid or passed through a grater. A sticky or sticky food should be avoided.
- Until complete healing of the tissues occurs, it is necessary to abandon everything spicy, salty, spicy and sour. Such products will significantly slow down the recovery process. This also includes solid food (crackers, etc.).
The entire healing period should take place under the close supervision of a specialist. To do this, the patient, after installing gum formers, must visit the dental clinic on time.
Shapers and pregnancy
Many women are well aware that their “special” status requires not only a careful attitude to their health, but also avoidance of unnecessary physical and emotional stress. Therefore, the following question will be relevant: is it possible to put shapers on pregnant women?
According to experts, the “special” status is not a direct contraindication to such an operation. However, expectant mothers are highly discouraged from having it while in the I or III trimester. The best period is the golden mean (II trimester).
But it is worth noting that this procedure involves the use of anesthesia, as well as a number of drugs subsequently. The fact is that some active substances can affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development, which is usually not welcome. And it doesn’t matter how much a tooth implant costs, you should not rush, the procedure for installing the forming products (which is part of the entire prosthetics process) should be postponed until the postpartum period. And many experts just adhere to this.
At the same time, if clinical circumstances so require, the woman is allowed to undergo surgery after consultation with a gynecologist.
Issue price
The cost of the shapers has a wide range, starting from one and a half thousand and ending with 30,000 rubles. As you can understand, economy-class products will be cheaper than business or premium. It is worth noting that such orthopedic products are available in bulk on individual orders. A single copy doubles the total cost.
Reviews
Dental implantation is a serious and responsible process. Moreover, attention is necessary on both sides - both the specialist and the patient himself. Such a duet forms the basis for the success of the operation and the speedy restoration of the restored dental elements.
As a number of reviews show, the installation of the gingival former on the implant may be carried out with errors, which is a big minus to the authority of the specialist who conducted the procedure. And unfortunately, this happens from time to time, as evidenced by patient reviews. Often patients write about other complications, such as structural rejection. At the same time, the money paid cannot be returned - doctors do not guarantee a complete survival. But in most cases, the installation of soft tissue formers takes place without any consequences.