Things you need to know about implants

Implantology is a sub-section of odontology, which involves dental implants. In principle, dental implants are artificial teeth roots, which are implanted in the jawbone in the place of the missing teeth.

Our patients expect to see a treatment team with more than 20-years experience in implantology at all three of our practices. As surgical specialists we are able to offer you the full range of modern implant surgery including any bone augmentation procedures that might be necessary. We consciously restrict our involvement to the surgical procedures that we carry out in close co-operation with other members of the “implantology team”, which will also include your own dentist as well as a dental laboratory. Your dentist will carry out the planning of your replacement teeth together with his dental laboratory and he will actually fit them afterwards.

Our treatment starts with the initial consultation, which is normally free-of-charge. It will include the dental diagnostics, the evaluation of existing images as well as an explanation of the various treatment options including any inherent risks. A detailed cost plan for the surgical treatment part can be drawn up afterwards if you request it.

If you decide that you want us to carry out the treatment, then we will produce models of your jaw for further operation planning purposes, have a planning template made up by the dental laboratory and carry out radiology examinations. We now use the most up-to-date equipment available, which includes a CBCT, so that we can plan the implant precisely on the computer using the 3D system. The operation itself will be carried out in one of our modern OP practices under local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic if you request it. The mucous membrane will be opened in the planned position and the “implant site” will be prepared on a step-by-step basis. The gum will be stitched up after the implant has been fixed in place. Good care resulting from cooling, covering and the taking of antiphlogistic medication will prevent any post-operative pain and swelling to the greatest possible extent. 

The long-term success of an implant depends mainly on the jawbone that will have to hold the artificial tooth root. If the tooth has been lost for a long time, then the jawbone and the gum will have already reformed. We will implant replacement material in the bone so that new, strong bone will grow there. We will remove, provided that it is necessary, additional natural grafts from the adjacent jawbone or in very seldom cases, from other parts of the body. It is also possible to make an implant in a degraded upper jawbone in difficult cases, the so-called "Sinus-lift" procedure.

There are 80 major manufacturers, who produce more than 300 different types of implants between them. Naturally, we only use recognised implant systems from leading manufacturers that have been tested and improved over many years and have also proved their safety and durability in long-term testing. We recommend implants made from the extremely body-compatible (bio-compatible) metal  ‘titanium’, although other materials can be used in exceptional cases. They are screw or cylinder shaped and they can withstand the toughest stress. Their specially prepared surface helps the wound to heal. Implant patients have to have a provisional replacement tooth during this period. Only when the implant is firmly anchored in the jawbone, which is normally after a period of four weeks to six months, can it be fitted with a crown, a bridge or a holder for your dentures.

The service life of a tooth implant depends on good oral hygiene and regular checks, just like your own teeth do. Your dentist will normally carry out these checks.

The benefit of implants at a glance:

• Nobody will notice that you have implants. Implants are securely fixed in place. Nothing moves or falls out when you speak or laugh. You will not feel your implant and you can eat everything with them.
• Implants prevent bone deterioration in toothless sections of the jawbone, because chewing promotes the growth and retention of the jawbone.
• Implants help to take care of the adjacent teeth and they can also be implanted if the gap in the teeth has existed for several years. A single tooth can be replaced and a large gap can be closed over as well thanks to the artificial roots.
• Implants are also particularly suitable for permanently securing dentures and bridges in place. Replacement teeth can even be fitted in completely toothless upper and lower jawbones as well.
• Teeth implants are suitable for anyone who is fully-grown and healthy. There is no upper age limit.