Implantation

Dental implants at Laurus Dent plus, Riga: Straumann implant placement 750 EUR, zirconia crown on the implant 850 EUR – one complete tooth 1600 EUR, the price known before work starts. Consultation with X-ray 30–55 EUR, placement in 30–60 minutes under local anaesthesia, crown after 3–6 months. English-speaking dentists. Book: +371 22428688.

Who a dental implant suits

An implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone where a tooth was lost; once healed, a crown is fixed on it. It is the only way to replace a tooth without grinding the neighbouring teeth and without letting the bone in that spot shrink. Implants suit a single missing tooth, several missing teeth (two implants can carry a bridge of 3–4 teeth) or a full arch (a removable denture on 2–4 implants stays firm and does not slip). There is no upper age limit; the conditions are completed jaw growth (from 18–20), enough bone and healthy gums.

Why Straumann

Straumann is a Swiss manufacturer with 70 years of history and the largest body of clinical research in implant dentistry: 10-year survival rates in published studies exceed 95 %. The SLActive surface shortens bone integration to 3–4 weeks in routine cases, and the Roxolid titanium-zirconium alloy allows thinner implants where bone is scarce. The practical advantage for you: the system is available in every country, so the crown or screw can be replaced years later by any implantologist worldwide, which is often impossible with an unknown brand.

How implant treatment works: steps and timeline

1. Consultation (1 visit). Examination, X-ray, assessment of bone and gums, a written plan and price. If a 3D scan is needed, we refer you to a radiology centre. A hygiene visit comes first if there is tartar.
2. Placement (1 visit, 30–60 min). Local anaesthesia, the implant is placed in the bone, the gum is stitched. No pain during the procedure; afterwards 2–3 days of swelling and mild pain controlled by ordinary painkillers. You can work the next day.
3. Healing (3–6 months). The bone fuses with the implant: usually 3 months in the lower jaw, 4–6 in the upper, longer after a sinus lift. For a missing front tooth we make a temporary denture for this period.
4. Crown (2 visits). We uncover the implant, fit a gum former, take an impression or scan two weeks later, and after 7–14 lab days fix the zirconia crown. More on materials: dental crowns.

For patients travelling from abroad this means two trips: placement (2–3 days in Riga) and the crown 3–6 months later (5–7 days). We plan both around your dates and send the X-rays and a written summary for your dentist at home.

When an implant is not possible or must wait

• insufficient bone – in the upper jaw a sinus lift (250–400 EUR) solves it, in the lower jaw bone grafting; we tell you at the consultation;
• uncontrolled diabetes, a recent heart attack or stroke, radiotherapy to the jaw, bisphosphonate therapy – your physician's clearance is needed;
• active gum inflammation or untreated periodontitis – hygiene and stabilisation first;
• smoking does not rule out implants but doubles the failure risk; we advise no smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after placement;
• pregnancy – placement is postponed until after the birth.

Aftercare and how long an implant lasts

For the first 24 hours do not rinse, do not smoke, eat soft and cool food; stitches come out after 7–10 days. After that, care for the implant like your own tooth: brush twice a day, an interdental brush or water flosser around the crown, professional hygiene every 6 months. With good care the implant itself lasts decades; the crown on it 10–15 years, after which it is replaced without touching the implant. The warranty terms for the implant and crown are given to you in writing at the consultation.

Implant or bridge?

A bridge is faster (2 weeks) and cheaper at first, but two healthy neighbouring teeth are ground down for it and the bone under the bridge shrinks over the years. An implant preserves the bone, leaves the neighbours alone and over 20 years usually works out cheaper, because a bridge is replaced once or twice in that time. If an implant is not possible, a bridge or a removable denture is an honest alternative; we compare both at the consultation.

Why have implants at Laurus Dent plus

• Original Straumann implants with the serial number in your implant passport, which you can verify.
• The price in writing before work starts, the same as on the price list: 750 EUR implant, 850 EUR crown.
• Everything in one clinic: hygiene, surgery, prosthetics, no referrals elsewhere.
• Central Riga with parking; we treat in English, Latvian, Russian and Ukrainian.

See also: dental crowns 190–850 EUR · removable dentures · tooth extraction · dental hygiene · all prices.