Second opinion

In cases of bone deficiency of the upper jaw due to wearing dentures for a long time, you can get fixed teeth in 24 hours thanks to another, slightly more demanding treatment concept than All on 4 – Zygoma. We are one of the few clinics in Croatia, and the region, that performs Zygomatic implants in the cheekbone, enabling patients to get fixed teeth without the need for a sinus lift and bone augmentation, which would otherwise significantly prolong and increase the cost of treatment.

Today, almost every edentulous or nearly edentulous person can get fixed teeth in a very short time – in just 24 hours. The important thing is to have enough strong and quality bone for implant placement. The treatment concept of ALL ON 4 or ProArch implies fixing a temporary dental bridge on the placed implants. Four implants are placed in each jaw, and they are loaded on the same day of the surgical procedure to support a fixed bridge. Our clinic is recognized as one of the specialized centers for this procedure in Croatia. So far, we have created over 600 new smiles using this method.

We exclusively use certified dental implants from leading global brands – Straumann group implants from the reputable Swiss brand, and Nobel Biocare implants from the innovative Swedish brand.

For most patients, we use Neodent GM by Straumann i Nobel Biocare implants. For patients who are candidates for Zygomatic implants, we use Zygoma by Straumann. For high-risk patients (diabetics, patients with osteoporosis, smokers..), we use BLX Roxolid SLActive by Straumann as they are made of titanium and zirconium, have an innovative design, and an active surface.

Each patient receives a certificate specifying the type of placed implants.

Zygomatic implants are slightly longer than standard dental implants but designed for placement into the cheekbone, which is always of sufficient quality and volume to provide stable support for the bridge.

These implants are intended for people who do not have enough bone in the upper jaw for standard implants or have been told they can only get dentures. We have successfully performed over 300 Zygoma surgeries in the last 10 years since we started using them in our practice. This is the proof that we can successfully handle even the most challenging cases.

To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, a detailed specialist examination is necessary, including panoramic dental X-rays and CBCT imaging (2D and 3D). Based on these images, we can clearly see if you have enough space for implant placement and if the bone is strong enough to ensure implant stability. In cases of bone deficiency, we perform bone augmentation or bone replacement with artificial bone, only after which implants can be placed. In cases of bone deficiency in the upper jaw for patients who want to quickly get fixed teeth, we perform the Zygoma procedure.

All on 4 treatment is divided into two phases, not including the initial examination.

• The first phase includes tooth extraction and alveolar ridge leveling (if necessary), surgical implant placement, placement of abutments, bite testing, 3D prototype of the new bridge, and the fabrication and placement of temporary fixed teeth on the implants. Patients who are not from Zagreb or the surrounding areas need to stay in our apartment for 2-3 days (2 nights).
• The second phase follows after 6 months, which the time needed for the implants to firmly fuse with the surrounding bone. The definitive (permanent) bridge is then made, and this phase lasts for 4-5 days (4 nights). Definitive impressions are taken, a 3D prototype of the definitive teeth is made, a titanium framework is milled, tooth setup is tested, and the definitive bridge (made of hybrid ceramics) is fabricated and fixed onto the implants.

So far, we have not had a single case where a patient could not receive a fixed teeth on implants. We have the experience, skill, and quality to provide every patient with an All on 4 treatment, even in the most challenging cases of bone deficiency. In such cases, a similar procedure to All on 4, involving the use of longer Zygomatic implants, is performed. Learn more about Zygoma.

According to recent research, the success rate of the procedure is 98%. Dental implants are a long-term solution and can last a lifetime with regular and proper oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist for check-ups. Manufacturers of certified implants provide a lifetime warranty, confirming that the procedure is safe.

Yes, prosthetic work looks natural because we create it using the Digital Smile Design method based on the patient’s physiognomy, and often on the basis of old photographs of patients with their natural teeth. We carefully select the color, size, and shape of the teeth in collaboration with dental technicians to provide the patient with a smile that best suits their face. Creating a new smile is a team effort, involving all staff members, from dentists and dental assistants to dental technicians.

The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty, which applies to implants and prosthetic components, i.e., abutments. The warranty does not apply in cases where patients fail to attend regular check-ups, maintain regular oral hygiene according to our instructions, or in case of illness.

If a tooth or crown breaks, we can quickly and easily address the problem. We remove the bridge, repair it in the laboratory, and fix back the bridge on the same day, usually within 2 hours. If the patient regularly wears the night protective splint we provide at the end of the treatment, the repair is covered by the warranty. However, if the patient does not wear the splint at night, the cost of repairing the bridge is the patient’s responsibility.

We have two smaller apartments within the clinic where patients stay during the first phase of the treatment and two larger apartments for patients during the second phase. Our apartments provide complete comfort, including a kitchen, air conditioning, TV, wireless Internet etc.

We are aware of the discomfort, fear, or dental phobia that many patients experience, and therefore, with an individual and empathetic approach to each patient, we strive to alleviate negative emotions. Through reassuring conversations before the procedure or during the first visit, we aim to gain patients’ trust so that they can relax and overcome any (un)justified fears. We know that some patients have had bad experiences with their dentists in childhood or later on; That is why building trust is of the utmost importance. Trust is essential to reduce/eliminate fear. Procedures are performed under local anesthesia or, upon the patient’s request, under conscious sedation. The patient does not feel pain and can communicate with the staff while being slightly sedated during the procedure. We use the most advanced technology and methods that allow for a painless experience, faster and more precise procedures, preserving the surrounding tissue, and faster wound healing, enabling the patient to return to their daily activities as soon as possible.

We offer a 10% discount for cash payments or bank transactions.

We use English and Slovenian, and soon we will provide communication in German and Italian as well.

Yes, prosthetic work looks natural because we create it using the Digital Smile Design method based on the patient’s physiognomy, and often on the basis of old photographs of patients with their natural teeth. We carefully select the color, size, and shape of the teeth in collaboration with dental technicians to provide the patient with a smile that best suits their face. Creating a new smile is a team effort, involving all staff members, from dentists and dental assistants to dental technicians.

The price of a dental crown depends on the type of material used for its fabrication. Since we offer several types of crowns in our clinic, after a discussion with the patient during the examination, and depending on preferences and possibilities, we recommend a dental crown and prepare a treatment plan and financial offer. Please see our price list.

Digital Smile Design allows the patient to see/visualise their new smile before the actual start of the treatment. This method is called Smile Design. It involves 3D planning in a special software and the creation of a prototype of the new teeth, called a mock-up, which allows the patient to directly see how the definitive teeth will fit into their physiognomy.

Gikić Polyclinic is the only clinic in Croatia and the region with a Digital Smile Design certificate issued by DSD Clinic. Dr. Christian Coachman is the creator of Digital Smile Design.