Implants

Implants are a kind of “artificial tooth root”. An implant is inserted into the jaw ridge in a minor surgical procedure. The resulting abutment allows crowns, bridges and dentures to be attached securely and easily. An implant is the ideal solution after losing a tooth because, like a natural tooth, it easily withstands any chewing load.

“Osseointegration” is the complete integration of the implant into the bone. After implantation, the titanium screw needs 3 – 6 months to heal in. During this time “osseointegration” takes place, as mineralised bone grows onto the specially designed surface of the implant. As a result, a healed implant can bear exactly the same load as a natural tooth.

In principle, an implant is placed when teeth could not be preserved and the gap caused by the tooth loss is to be restored in the best possible way. The 3 most common cases for using implants:

1. Single tooth replacement

If a single tooth is lost, for example due to an accident, it can be sensibly replaced with an implant, because the neighbouring teeth no longer need to be ground down – as they would for a conventional bridge.

2. Free-end situation

If the row of teeth is shortened, i.e. the “back teeth” are missing, fixed dentures such as a bridge cannot be used. Until now, the treatment of choice was a removable partial denture. Thanks to implantology, it is now possible to fit fixed dentures and thus restore the lost chewing function.

3. Complete tooth loss

If all teeth are missing, implants can give dentures an excellent hold. Patients with so-called full dentures in particular often suffer from their dentures not holding well. Here, implants can lead to a whole new sense of confidence and quality of life.

1. Bone quality and bone quantity

Bone quality and bone quantity are determined in advance with examinations, X-rays, etc. If there is not enough bone, a sinus lift or bone augmentation may be necessary.

2. Oral hygiene

An implant can only heal successfully in a “friendly”, i.e. low-bacteria environment. To optimise healing, carious defects often have to be treated beforehand, together with thorough plaque removal and, if necessary, periodontal treatment to reduce bacteria.

3. General health

In very rare cases, an implant is advised against because of a general illness. Your dentist will clarify this very carefully, if necessary in consultation with your other doctors.

The bone in the upper jaw in particular recedes very quickly when teeth are missing. Because the jaw is in close contact with the maxillary sinus, the sinus is often covered only by a thin layer of bone. To be able to place an implant in these areas, the bone thickness has to be increased. This is achieved with a closed or open sinus lift. Put simply, the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus is raised slightly, creating enough space for an implant.

If necessary, the sinus lift is carried out during the implantation and is not perceived by the patient as painful or unpleasant, either during or after the treatment.

1. Planning

The dentist plans the complete treatment, minimising every risk.

2. Placing the implant

Under local anaesthesia, the dentist exposes the bone. A hole that fits the implant exactly is then drilled with special drills, and the implant is inserted into the bone. The implant is securely closed with a “cover screw” and the soft tissue is closed with stitches.

3. Healing time

The healing time is 3 – 6 months. During this time the gap is closed with a temporary restoration, so the patient is only minimally restricted.

4. Exposing the implant

After the healing phase, the implant is exposed so that precisely fitting, individual dentures can be made.

5. Fitting the dentures

The dentures are attached to the implant and from then on can be loaded just like a natural tooth.

In general, the complete treatment including the surgical procedure is entirely painless. We take every medically sensible measure to optimise the healing process!

Implants are particularly durable. With good oral hygiene and regular preventive care, implants last a lifetime. In rare cases, poor oral hygiene or systemic diseases can lead to the loss of implants. However, clinical studies have shown that, statistically, the loss of dental implants is extremely rare.

Depending on the effort involved, the total cost of an implant plus dentures is € 1,500 to € 2,200. This is a figure based on experience. For implant work we always provide you with an individual cost estimate. The advantages of implants are enormous – we are happy to advise you without obligation!

We are proud to be able to provide you with the best possible surgical and prosthetic care in our practice. This “all-round care” allows us to calculate your costs very precisely!

The cost of implants is often covered by private health insurance. As a rule, this should be clarified in advance with a treatment and cost plan.