Implants

Foreword

A veritable flood of information is available to us today if we want to get to grips with the topic of «dental implants», from reputable specialist information with a medical background to the «horror stories» of individual patients, whose treatment for whatever reason has not led to the desired results. What should not be overlooked with all this information is the fact that you as a patient have to decide on whether to opt for the treatment with dental implants suggested by your dentist. With our competence, we and your dentist can provide you with advice on all implant questions.
Apart from information and facts, the decision process is marked by one thing above all: «Trust».
Trust in the implant treatment method, in the dentist and not least in the implant system that will be used.
The foundation of trust is experience. A circle of renowned doctors, dentists and oral surgeons, influenced by 3 decades of experience in implantology, stands behind the idea implants and their technical and scientific development.
The focus of modern implant systems is on long-term stability, safety and aesthetically attractive prosthetic restorations. The technical level of these systems enables the treatment outcome to be predicted readily. Success rates of over 90% are regarded as certain. Your dentist can also rely on this experience so that he can offer you the best possible form of restoration.
Introduction – prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants

What is a dental implant?

An artificial tooth root made of titanium
A dental implant is usually a cylindrical screw made of titanium, which replaces the missing natural tooth root. Implants made of zirconium oxide are also used sometimes.

The implants come in different lengths and diameters so that they can react to the patient’s local circumstances such as the amount of available bone. The screw is implanted in the bone in a small painless surgical operation. When the most frequently employed method is used – submerged healing – it remains there under the mucous membrane for a healing period that lasts 3-4 months on average.

Why does an implant have to heal?

The physiological bone healing process
After insertion into the jaw bone, an implant usually has to heal without loading. The jaw bone is taken up by the implant surface directly, without any intervening connective tissue (osseointegration). Healing takes time until all the remodelling processes in the bone are complete. After that, the implant is able to accept permanently the functional load of a prosthetic restoration as a support and/or fixation element.

What happens after the healing period?

Exposure and prosthetic restoration
After osseointegration the threaded cap on the head of the implant is exposed and a gingiva former is inserted for a short time to give the gum a natural-looking shape. After about 10 days, the dentist takes an impression and the restoration is then fabricated in a dental laboratory.
When this is ready, the dentist screws the abutments into the implants and fits the prosthetic restoration.

Who needs a dental implant?

People with gaps between their teeth
Anyone can lose teeth, whether because of caries, periodontal disease, inflammation of the tooth roots or as a result of an accident.
In each case, tooth loss can lead to aesthetic and functional problems. The result is diminished quality of life. People with gaps in their teeth lose something of their positive and natural charisma. Gappy teeth are no longer socially acceptable today and people with a «natural smile» have been proven to have greater opportunities in all areas of life.
Patients with poorly fitting dentures
Partial and full dentures can suffer massive functional impairment due to progressive bone atrophy or overloading of «anchoring teeth».
The dentures fit poorly and do not stay in place so well. The results are problems when eating and difficulties in speaking clearly. The loss of communication leads to a loss of social contacts, which have a positive effect on all areas of life.
What is the sequence of events in implant treatment?

General remarks

After detailed examination and investigation, the dentist will assess the diagnostic materials such as X-rays and models and propose a treatment plan. Your doctor will tell you in detail about the treatment and restoration possibilities and will explain the best solution for you in joint discussion with you.

01 The surgical operation
An implant is normal inserted as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic. This is done as minimally invasively as possible. After preparation of the bone, the implant is inserted in the jaw.
In general, the mucosa is then closed over the implant for the duration of the healing phase.

02 The Exposure
Following osseointegration, the implant is exposed and the gum (gingiva) is shaped with the aid of a gingiva former. After 10-14 days, an impression can be taken, which acts as a basis for the dental technician to make your prosthesis.

03 Prosthetic Restoration
When your prosthesis is ready, it is fitted into your own dentition by securing it to the implant or implants. Depending on the type of fixed restoration, it can be screwed or cemented in place. In the case of removable solutions, your dentist will screw the abutments that will anchor your prosthesis to the implant and then fit the prosthesis.

Costs
The costs of implant treatment depend greatly on the type of restoration chosen or desired by the patient.
Because of the good prognosis and long-lasting durability, an implant-based restoration proves in most cases to be the better alternative in the long term.

Your dentist will draw up an individual treatment and cost plan and discuss this with you.

Risks
The risks of implantation are similar to those of any minor surgical procedure.

Lifespan
According to today’s information, 90-95% of placed implants are still functioning fully after 10 years. A precondition for this is the patient’s active cooperation through optimised oral hygiene, regular check-ups and professional tooth cleaning by a dental hygienist.
The advantages offered by dental implants:

Unlimited function, natural appearance
Artificial tooth roots cannot be distinguished from natural teeth in function and appearance. An osseointegrated implant resists the same loads as a natural tooth. Implant restorations can be fitted harmoniously into the existing dentition.
Protection against bone atrophy
Functionally loaded implants protect the surrounding bone from shrinking. Correctly placed implants also shape the soft tissue optimally and prevent it from degenerating.

Perfect long-term stability
Implants are today regarded as one of the safest dental treatment methods overall with a long-term prognosis of up to 98%. Many years of intensive research, especially into the surface structure of the implant, have led to marked improvements in osseointegration.

Increased oral comfort during mastication

In contrast to a conventional restoration for instance with a partial denture that is secured to the adjacent teeth with clasps the sensation of having a foreign body in the mouth does not arise with an implant. This and the firm fixation of the implant lead to a level of oral comfort during mastication that comes close to that of natural teeth.

Are dental implants always possible?

Not a matter of age
Implants are not a matter of age. Implants are not indicated in patients whose jaws have not yet finished growing. Otherwise, implantation is possible without difficulty in patients up to an advanced age.

No implant without individual investigation
A precondition for successful treatment with dental implants is a detailed examination in every case. Only an experienced dentist can do this. He will draw up and suggest an individual treatment proposal after intensive diagnosis and planning.

What is against it?

As with any operation, poor general health or a very few diseases that have a negative effect on healing may be against implantation.
Sometimes, the bone supply is insufficient to hold the implants securely.
However, in these cases, favourable conditions for placing implants can usually be created by additional surgical measures to build up the bone. Before and after the implantation, good oral hygiene is important for the long-term stability and inflammation-free preservation of the artificial tooth roots.
When are dental implants used?
In what cases can my personal dental situation be significantly improved by the use of implants?

Single tooth missing
There are various causes for a single missing tooth.

Congenital
This is a genetic situation where one or more teeth have been missing since birth so that a gap in the teeth arises.

Accident
Often even a minor accident at sports or in ordinary life can be the cause of losing a tooth, giving rise to a gap.

Periodontal situation
Last but not least, diseases such as caries or periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

01 before
Single tooth gap with a missing incisor

02 during
Situation after implantation and exposure, implant prepared to receive the abutment

03 after
Appearance after fitting the laboratory-fabricated crown

Several teeth missing
Smaller gaps between teeth/a few remaining teeth

01 before
Tooth-bounded gap over three teeth

02 during
Situation after insertion of two implants to act as bridge retainers

03 after
The high-quality, aesthetic, all-porcelain bridge after fitting

All teeth missing

01 before
Fully toothless lower jaw

02 during
Two intraforaminal implants were inserted, which will take the prosthesis retainers

03 after
Similar to the snap fastener principle, the removable prosthesis was fitted onto two Locator abutments

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