If you have lost a tooth or several teeth – e.g., in an accident or because of dental disease –, then it is essential to compensate for the lost tooth/teeth. In the long term, missing teeth can damage the jaw and the whole bony structure of our body, cause misaligned teeth or promote premature wear of the teeth. Implants are the perfect solution for restoring a beautiful complete set of teeth. They function like an artificial tooth root.
As with everything else in medical technology, there have been many new developments in implantology. The methods we use are becoming safer and more reliable. This means that we can offer our patients the highest degree of precision and comfort. As these considerations are very important to us, we apply – wherever possible – tested modern methods. This includes implant planning based on DVT and 3D technology as well as minimally invasive navigated implantology.
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Frequently asked questions about implantology
An implant is an artificial tooth firmly anchored in the jaw bone which is made up of several individual parts.
These include:
- the implant body which is anchored in the bone
- the implant support which connects the implant body with the structure (supra-construction)
- the supra-construction, i.e., the prosthetic structure (crown, bridge, telescope dentures etc.)
Implants replace the whole tooth, which means they are useful in all indications in dentistry.
Examples are as follows:
Single-tooth gaps
A single-tooth implant is used where a single tooth is missing from the dental arch.
Bridges on implants
As with natural teeth, bridges can be used on two or more implants.
Tooth implants have many advantages for you as a patient: Unlike dentures, an implant cannot slip and provides a secure hold. So wearer comfort is high. Additionally, the replacement teeth are highly durable. With appropriate care, dental implants can last a lifetime! They can even withstand high chewing loads.
Further plus points: Implants are robust and resistant so they generally provide a very secure biting and chewing sensation. Sense of taste and articulation are not affected. The aesthetical aspects should also be emphasized: Dental implants can scarcely be distinguished from natural teeth. They do not look like foreign bodies or dentures.
It is also important that the substance of your jaw bone is strengthened, if you want to have your missing tooth filled with an implant. The degradation of the bone which starts with tooth loss is stopped.
Titanium
In most patients, the new artificial dental root, i.e. the actual implant, is made of titanium. Titanium is a material that has been optimally researched and very positively assessed in clinical and scientific studies. After insertion of the titanium implant, a molecular binding occurs between the metal and your jaw bone. This results in new bone cells forming which accumulate on the artificial dental root used. In this way, the implant generally grows firmly into the bone – at the same time, degradation of the jaw bone substance is counteracted. Titanium is also tissue-friendly, biocompatible and very well tolerated.
Ceramic
Certain diseases, chronic conditions, allergies, rheumatism or metabolic diseases may mean that, in some patients, ceramic or 100% metal-free zirconium oxide and not titanium is chosen for the implant. This material also offers you many advantages: It is biocompatible, tissue-friendly and has high bending strength and hardness. Ceramic implants are elastic and do not break so easily. It is possible however – when using this material – that the healing phase will last longer than with titanium.
Step 1
Digital preparation for the procedure using the three-dimensional image of your jaw bone. During this, we decide exactly which implant should be used and in what shape, size and position so as not to expose adjacent anatomical structures to risk of injury.
Step 2
The operation: The implants are inserted, pain-free, in a short time.
Step 3
Wait for the 4- to 6-month healing phase or alternatively provide the implant with teeth directly (long-term temporary restoration).
Step 4
After 3 to 6 months, exposure of the implants, secure anchorage of the structure (abutment), cementing or gluing of the new tooth crown.
We can make a recommendation on the number of implants in the course of our review and assessment. We can reach a mutual decision about the number and appropriate placement of the implants in line with your wishes and our experience.