Astra Tech Dental Implants (Astra Tech)

It’s a story about collaboration. You know, there are times when two companies do good work. Good, but not outstanding. The products of Dentsply and Sirona would still be known in a narrow segment of the dental materials market if not for the merger. When the two solid middles joined forces, a real breakthrough was achieved. Investments in research and technological development increased dramatically. The result was new materials and innovative products. Astra Tech implants are one of such achievements.

During their development, special attention was paid to the interaction between the artificial root and the patient’s body. Dentsply/Sirona have developed a unique system for restoring teeth that relies on the healing powers of the body itself.

Scientific research confirms that Swedish Astra Tech implants provide reliable results in the long term.

What’s innovative

The developers of the Astra Tech Implant System have focused on finding materials and technological solutions that promote fast and high-quality engraftment. As a result, the following innovations have emerged:

It is a nanostructure that is applied to the surface of the implant. It stimulates bone tissue growth. The tissue “grows” on the post, providing a strong bond and thus stability of the structure.

A special fine thread on the implant neck. It is responsible for optimal load distribution and reduces the pressure on the post.

Astra Tech implants have a special conical tip. It prevents microleakage and protects the inside of the implant.

When connecting the abutment (transition piece) and the implant, a unique contour is created.

Astra Tech implant complex promotes rapid engraftment, creation of a stable base for prosthetics and stability of soft tissues.

Astra Tech Implant System – advantages

The development of implants is not an easy task in itself. Making them suitable for the majority of clinical cases is doubly difficult. Dentsplay/Sirona has succeeded. Their products:

• are suitable for two-stage and single-stage implantation;
• has options for immediate loading;
• can be cemented, screwed, attached;
• contains a minimum of components.

The implant and abutment connection exists in three sizes – mini, small and large. Fewer components – easier to plan treatment.

The range is designed for complex cases. Astra Tech products can be used for the replacement of incisors in the lower and upper jaw, insufficient bone height, restoration of frontal and lateral teeth.

And the TX Profile model is suitable for patients with an oblique alveolar ridge.

Another advantage of Astra Tech is that the abutment (base for the crown) can be replaced or adjusted if the situation changes.

Also:

• All implants are made of special medical grade titanium. This metal does not cause allergic reactions; it is strong, but light, biologically neutral. The body accepts titanium as its own tissue;
• every stage of production is controlled. All products undergo European certification;
• the entire system is sanitized, each component is packaged separately;
• the products arrive at their destination in sterile packaging, in a solution of water and alcohol.

Relying on natural healing processes, the Astro Tech system will provide you with a smile for life.

Disadvantages of Astro Tech dental implants

The high rate of engraftment, aesthetic appearance, and lifetime warranty come at a cost. This is the main, but not the only, disadvantage. The Astra Tech dental implant system takes into account different clinical cases, but not the peculiarities of the jaw structure. There are no narrow or short products in the product line. These products are suitable for most, but not all.

Indications for placement

Implantation is a complex process. Much depends on the skill of the doctor, but the role of the patient is also great. Compliance with the rules increases the chances of success, and the condition of the body affects the choice of implant. All modern implants of well-known brands can be installed in the absence of one, several or all teeth. Many factors influence the specific choice: the patient’s age, health status, dentoalveolar system, and bone structure.

When Astra Tech implantation is not indicated

Absolute contraindications are severe autoimmune diseases, HIV, AIDS, mental disorders, drug addiction.

Relative contraindications are smoking, exacerbation of chronic diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Prices for implants and comparison with other brands

The cost of Astra implants with installation varies slightly from clinic to clinic. The price is much lower than everywhere else – a reason to doubt that it is really a product of the company Dentsply/Sirona.

Although the Astra Tech dental implant system belongs to the premium class, the prices for these products are lower than, for example, Nobel Biocare or Straumann, comparable to the brand of the Swiss company Trate AG – ROOTT. They are higher than the implants of the same manufacturer Ankylos, but this is already the middle segment, not premium.

The relatively high price of Astra Tech turnkey is due to:

• the quality of the material (grade 4 medical grade titanium);
• patented hydrophilic surface;
• European production;
• the availability of a lifetime warranty;
• the need for special training.

And the price is also influenced by the qualifications of doctors, equipment of the dentistry, the availability of a technical base for the manufacture of prostheses. Methods of installation – with a one-stage protocol, fewer visits to the doctor are needed. Even the type of implant matters. So frontal implants are cheaper than products for the back row of teeth.

Stages of work

1. Diagnosis

Preliminary examination, CT scan, identification of concomitant diseases are all necessary to proceed to the next stage.

2. Preparation

Oral sanitation, treatment or extraction of teeth. Development of an implant plan. Thorough preparation leads to better results.

3. Implantation

This depends on the protocol. In one-stage implantation, a post is inserted and immediately an abutment is placed. A temporary crown is placed on it. In a two-stage protocol, put only the implant, the incision is sutured and wait until the artificial root takes root. Once this has happened, the prosthetic restoration is started.

4. Osteointegration

The implantation stage takes up to 3 months on the lower jaw and up to 6 months on the upper jaw.

New technologies make it possible to shorten this period even further. After engraftment in a two-stage procedure, an abutment is placed and an artificial tooth is placed on it.

5. Control examination

It is necessary for the doctor to make sure that there is no inflammation in the adjacent tissues, the construction is stable and able to function like a real tooth.

Where to go

When choosing a clinic, you need to take into account not only the rates for Astra Tech dental implants, but also other factors.

Inflammatory processes during engraftment can occur due to the fault of the doctor. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the implantologist has been trained to work with the brand and regularly improves his qualifications at courses, seminars and intensives.

• Equipment of the dental clinic

Can you be examined locally or do you have to go somewhere else? Where will the dentures be made – in your own workshop or by a third party?

It is not a good idea to hope that everything will be fine. The contract defines the responsibilities of the parties and a plan of action in case of complications.

Astra Tech manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the implant. Find out if there is a warranty on the prosthetics and the doctor’s work.

• Pricing policy

Are there discounts, promotions? Can I get a loan or installment plan? Is there a tax deduction? In this way, you can significantly reduce the cost of implants.

Implantology is an expensive industry, if you are not comfortable in the clinic, it is better to take your money elsewhere. During the preparation, the procedure itself and the recovery period, the patient needs attention and support. It does not matter how many surgeries the doctor has performed and trained students. What matters is how he treats you specifically. If the staff looks down on patients, they are not trustworthy.

Evaluate, compare, make inquiries – your smile deserves it.