Implantology

What are implants?

Implants are artificial dental roots that are placed into the jaw bone and take over the role of the dental roots of the replaced teeth. They consist of a cylindrical part or a screw made of titanium, ceramic or a combination of both elements. These are biocompatible materials successfuly used for many years in dental surgery.

Implantologie

The implant fixture is connected to an abutment, which itself is a connective element for dental prostheses. Together they establish a firm connection for dental crowns, bridges and other prostheses. Therefore, we can avoid smoothing healthy adjacent teeth. Severe caries, periodontal (gum) diseases or loss of teeth due to accidents are the main reasons for dental implants.

Unlike conventional dentures, bridges, partial or full prostheses, implants prevent bone loss because they stabilize the jaw bone.

In addition to that, a high chewing comfort as well as the preservation of healthy teeth combined with an exceptional look are advantages of artificial dental roots. Hence, further damage by dental restoration is reduced to a minimum.

Dental implants are very popular owing to their high durability as long as oral hygiene is impeccable and professional dental cleanings are carried out regularly.

Dental implants are not only the safest alternative when it comes to artificial teeth but are also a solid foundation of further dental care.

Requirements of dental implants

  • healthy gum
  • no caries
  • filling treatment of decayed teeth may be necessary
  • periodic professional teeth cleaning (once a year recommended)
  • stable jaw bone without inflammations in order to give a stable foundation for the new tooth root
  • regular alignment of upper and lower jaw for the proper force transmission and correct bite
  • patient´s general willingness to properly clean the teeth in order to support a long durability of the implant
  • finished bone growth

Advantages of implantology

  • unlimited sense of taste; conventional dentures often limit the sense of taste by covering the palate (roof of the mouth)
  • preservation of adjacent teeth
  • unaltered ability to chew and bite opposite to traditional dentures
  • high safety, durability, comfort, biocompatibility and good looks

Contraindication dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery is generally not possible if you suffer from

  • a disease of the immune system (HIV, rheumatism, arthritis)
  • a disease of the jaw bone or a very low bone density
  • blood formation and metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes): dental implant surgery is possible if wound healing abilities are high and infection risks are low enough.

(Smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day can also reduce the chance of success.)