Anyone can lose a tooth. It often happens in seconds:
playing sport and a tooth is gone, just like that.A shock, but no great drama any more. Implants resolvethe small problem naturally and invisibly. The dentistinserts the small high-tech root at the position wherethe natural tooth was in the jaw. This usually does nottake any longer than any other routine treatment byyour dentist. A temporary restoration closes the gapuntil the implant is healed. Then the final tooth crownis fixed in place — permanently. With the new root it isfixed firmly in the jaw and feels identical to yournatural teeth.
It's your choice: conventional bridg or implant?
As an alternative the missing tooth can generally bereplaced with a fixed bridge. Healthy teeth must beground down to fix the bridge in place. And this meansthe teeth that are on the left and right of the gap. Theyact as bridge abutments. The denture is fixed to thebridge with the aid of crowns. The pontic that closesthe gap is between the crowns. It is close enough tothe jaw bone to look identical to a natural tooth atfirst. But it does not load the jaw bone like a naturaltooth. Because of this the bone atrophies overtimelike a muscle that is not used and gradually wastesaway. This is why bridge components are often clearlyvisible when people are laughing and talking.Is there no tooth on the left or right because the gap is at the end of a row of teeth? Ora tooth bordering the gap clearly has a limited life expectancy and is therefore not suitable as a bridge abutment? Then there is the removable partial denture. It needs retainers such as small metal clasps attached to the neighboring teeth. However, over time the metal clasps may overload the retainer teeth and cause more tooth losses. This is not necessary — you can have implants.
Implants: the best solution — in everyway
An implant-borne crown does not need retainer clasps. It is not necessary to grind down any teeth. The
implant also retains the natural shape of the jaw bone. DENTSPLY Friadent implants imitate the anatomy of the natural tooth root, so the bone and gum are correc tly loaded and shaped. No one will detect the tiny difference, not even you. Your new tooth is used in exactly the same way as its natural neighbors. You take care of it in exactly the same way, and it will stay in place — even if you continue to play sport vigorously.
Ask your dentist about the options. Do it now.
As if nothing had ever happened — implants for larger tooth gaps
Dental implants are not just used to fill in gaps. The tiny titanium screws are a medical miracle. When the smile suddenly looks old, several teeth are missing or older dentures are causing more and more problems, you can turn back the clock and yourteeth can look new again.
Single-tooth implants are a particularly elegant solution. Regardless of whether one or more teeth are missing
in a row: Every tooth is individually replaced and situation is restored to its original condition. If three or more teeth in a row are missing, you can decide to have an implant-borne bridge. In this solution the new
crowns are linked together and — depending on the size of the gap — are placed on a stable and secure base of two or more implants.
After precise planning the new tooth roots are generally placed in the jaw in one single treatment session. A temporary denture closes the gaps during the healing phase. After healing the final crowns or the bridge are permanently fixed to the implants.
It is your choice: conventional bridge or implants?
One possible alternative to the implant solution is the conventional bridge. However, the natural teeth to the left and right of the gap must be used to retain the bridge. They are ground and carry the crowns to which the bridge component is fixed. This is a pity if the teeth are perfectly healthy. The grinding process means that they lose their protective enamel coat and are more heavily loaded. This reduces their life expectancy in many cases.
If the gap is open to the end of the row — referred to
as a free-end situation — the dentist may also offer a partial denture as an alternative. The same is applicable if the gap is too large to close for lasting stability with
a conventional bridge. A simple partial denture is att ached to the existing teeth with metal Clasps. Metal clasps and prosthetic plastic are also supported on the gums or the jaw, but the metal clasps may damage the retaining teeth over time. High-quality partial den tures can also be attached to the natural teeth with rods or attachments. This means that the teeth must be ground and fitted with crowns, like a tooth- supported bridge.
Implants: the best solution — in everyway
All the above is unnecessary with implants. The small titanium screws are artificial tooth roots that invisibly and securely support your new crowns. It is not necessary to grind healthy teeth and cover them with crowns and you will also not have to worry about clasps. Your implant-borne teeth will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth: They look exactly the same, they feel exactly the same. It is as if nothing had ever happened there.
Life with bite! Dental implants for the edentulous jaw.
Do you have no teeth at all in your upper or lower jaw? You will still be able to laugh with dental implants. As few as two to four new roots will be enough to provide a firm base for a full denture. A bridge can be fixed to six implants. This will give you a high degree of security in every situation because nothing can come loose un-expectedly No more embarrassing surprises. Your full denture is attached to the implants with special retainer systems, which consist of two components. One component is permanently attached to the implant, its counterpart is part of the denture. The components click together just like pressing a button. Your denture is firmly attached. For cleaning the denture can be easily removed and just as easily replaced after cleaning. If you wish, your denture can also be perm anently attached to the implants. A bridge can be permanently anchored to at least six implants in your jaw. The denture is then so firmly attached that the supporting pink denture plastic is not required.
After precise planning the new tooth roots are generally placed in the jaw in one single treatment session. During the healing process they become fully integrated into the bone and become an integral component of the jaw. This means that after a relatively short time the retaining elements forthe full denture orthe new bridge can be fixed in place. It is often possible to fix the denture to the new roots at the same time implants are placed in the jaw. You come to the appointment in the practice or hospital and leave a few hours later with firmly fixed, beautiful teeth.
It is never too late for implants
You will be able to eat, talk and laugh with your implant- borne third set of teeth as if they were your second. You will have a perfectly natural security that is very difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional prosthetics. Your own teeth that could be used for attachment no longer exist. And even if you still did have some of your original teeth, they are often not suitable for a permanent stable anchorage of the denture. The prosthesis is based on the jaw only and in the ideal case forms a suction attachment to the oral mucous membrane and the gum. However, because the jawbone without a load atrophies over time like an unused muscle, the suction effect become weaker as time passes.
When third teeth become second nature
You don't have this annoyance with implants. The artifi cial tooth roots allow your denture to be securely fixed to the jaw — and this can be done at any age and with virtually any initial situation. Your dentist can retain the last of your original teeth and integrate them harmoniously into the denture as abutments. If yo have already been wearing a full denture for an exten ded period, your jaw bone may be too thin and too narrow to accept implants. In this case your dentist or a surgeon specializing in implants can carefully build up the jaw. This is done with bone from your body or with natural replacement materials. The day-surgery procedure can now be done atraumatically and is quickly forgotten. The improved quality of life is perma nent. For original DENTSPLY Friadent implants have all the properties for your new tooth roots to last for the rest of your life with appropriate care. Don't hide your smile any more but enjoy the finer side of life actively without embarrassment with your new implants.
Frequently asked questions with answers
about dental implants from A to Z *
Could dental implants be the solution for you, too? Are you interested in knowing more about the exciting possibilities? The most frequently asked questions and answers about implant treatment are collected on the following pages by keywords from A to Z.
When does aftercare start and why is it - alongside checkups - so important?
Dental aftercare - above all this means professional dental and implant care. Here trained dental assistants remove concealed and hard deposits with special instruments that you don’t get rid of with a toothbrush or interdental brush. They pay special attention to the places where the implant emerges from the gum. Bacteria in leftover particles of food and plaque can easily penetrate the gum and into the bone at these places. The result is infections, which, in the worst case, can mean the loss of an implant. This can be avoided with regular professional dental cleaning to supplement your own care program. So you will be offered the first of two to three annual aftercare appointments once your dental prosthesis has been fixed on the implant at the latest. Your natural teeth will always be checked thoroughly too of course and - if you wish - also professi onally cleaned. You benefit from permanently healthy teeth.
Age
Is there a minimum age for dental implants?
Bone growth should be com pleted at the time of implant place-ment. It can be assumed that this is complete by about the age of 18 years. Girls generally finish growing earlier than boys. In case of doubt the state of the bone can be checked by an x-ray exa-mination of the carpal bones. Is implant placement contrain dicated at an advanced age?
It is never too late to improve
your quality of life with implants. The treatment is so low-risk that implants can be placed in patients aged 70, 80 or even 90 years. There is no upper age limit. If you are fit for any other routine dental treatment and you are in good health, you can also have implants.
Airport security check Will metal detectors beep at my implant, such as at an airport check?
No, don't worry about it. Implants are not magnetic and they are also much too small to trigger the detector. And if the detector ever does beep at your implants, you will have your implant pass that will explain the problem quickly and easily.
Allergy
Is it possible to be allergic to dental implants?
Dental implants have been avail able for more than 40 years. Over this long period no allergies to titanium implants have become known. Titanium has no allergenic components and is completely neutral in the body. Of the materi als used for crowns and bridges ceramic has proven the most com patibility to the body. The allergy risks vary for metals and plastics. Let your dentist advise you what material is best for you.
Anesthetic
Is a general anesthetic necessary for implant placement? No. Local anesthetic can comple tely prevent any pain. When the dentist prepares the implant site in the bone and place the implant in, you will feel vibration and a slight pressure but no pain. For most patients the procedure feels like a normal treatment for caries, which is also conducted under local anesthetic. However, if you still want to „sleep“ during the treatment the dentist can explain the implications of general anesthetic.
I only need a couple of implants, but I would also like all my teeth to be whiter or more attractive. What can the dentist do here?
The dentist can frequently bleach darker-colored teeth. Unattractive front teeth can be coated with plastic or fine ceramic, referred to as veneers. The crowns for the implants will be brighter from the start or the new tooth shape will be modified accordingly. Ask your dentist. The dentist can offer a solution for almost every problem.
Bone grafting
When is bone grafting necessary?
If the jaw has no teeth and is not subject to the associated natural chewing load over a long period, the bone gradually atrophies. This is a similar process to that of a muscle that atrophies because it is no longer used. Certain bacteria can also destroy the bone. This
is referred to as periodontitis —
otherwise known as periodonto
sis —, an inflammatory disease of the periodontium. If the bone is weakened orthin and an implant cannot be placed in it, the dentist will recommend bone grafting.
The bone tissue is restored with autologous bone or bone replace ment material as atraumatically as possible. A mixture of both autogenous bone and bone replace
ment material is often used. The grafting material is layered directly on the bone and gradually conver ted by the body to strong bone
substance. The bone can be wide ned or lifted by this method. At
the back of the upper jaw the bone is generally raised by a sinus lift procedure. This prevents part of the implant from extending into the maxillary sinus. Bone grafting can often be done during implant placement. However, in other cases a separate outpatient procedure may also be required.
Cardiac pacemaker
Could implants affect my cardiac pacemaker?
No. Implants have no electromag netic effect. They cannot affect the operation of your pacemaker in any way.
What material is used for crowns?
Most crowns and bridges are me tal or metal alloys and are veneered with ceramic in a color to match the natural tooth. The high- quality esthetic alternative is porcelain. Zirconium oxide ceramic with its high strength is particularly suitable for implant-borne dentures. It is suitable for single-tooth crowns, and also for larger bridges and it reflects the light identically to the natural tooth enamel. This means that the denture is virtually identical to the natural teeth
Consultation
How can I prepare for the consultation?
You should be thoroughly in formed before the consultation. This brochure contains all the important basic information that you should know. You should also take advantage of the consulta tion to ask any questions that you might have. Make a list of questions beforehand so you don't forget any. Don't forget to inform the dentist of any other
diseases and medications that you take regularly. You should also bring a note to remind you of this.
Cost
How much will it all cost?
The cost depends on the extent of treatment. Your dentist (or implantologist your dentist has referred you to) will discuss this with you prior to treatment.
Is the implant placement really a day-surgery procedure?
Yes. The implant dentist works atraumatically and safely so multiple implants can generally be placed without problems in an outpatient procedure in one single session.
Dental care
How do I care for my implant- borne teeth?
Implant-borne teeth not only look like natural teeth. They can be cleaned just as easily with a toothbrush — including an elec tric toothbrush — and tooth paste. When cleaning implants the spa ces between the teeth and the transitions to the gums are parti cularly important. These areas are colonized by bacteria that attack the gum and over time they can also attack the jawbone around the implant. This can be prevent ed with dental floss or small interdental brushes. The prophy laxis team at your dentist will show you how to handle the in struments and will provide professional tooth cleaning at regular intervals — such as every three months. This will remove stubborn plaque and your teeth will look as good as new. You should make regular prophylaxis appointments with your dentist. It's worth it.
If I am a diabetic can I still have an implant?
Yes. However, your diabetes must be well controlled. Diabetes that is poorly controlled or untreated may adversely affect the healing processes for metabolic reasons. If there is any doubt the dentist will consult your doctor.
Disease
Are there any diseases that would prevent implant placement?
Not really. If you have a serious general disease such as a cardio vascular disease, serious kidney damage, a tendency to hemorrha ge or an impaired immune system, you should always inform the den tist. In some cases side effects of medications may affect the heal ing process, so the dentist should be informed of any medications that you take regularly at the first consultation. The dentist will ad vise you of the options and assist you to make your own decision on the basis of your health profile.
Durability
How long does an implant last?
After the healing phase a correct ly inserted quality implant will be more resistant to many influences that the natural root of the tooth. A titanium implant with the opti mum prosthetic load will not break. And it is immune to caries. Con sistent oral hygiene will keep your gums and the implant site healthy. With appropriate care implants can last a lifetime.
Can I bite and eat normally with an implant-borne denture ?
Regardless of whether you have an implant-borne crown, bridge or denture: you will be able to eat, bite, talk and laugh just you could formerly with your second set of teeth. The denture will be firmly attached to your implants and you can feel quite secure with it.
Foreign body feeling
Will implant-borne teeth feel like my own or will I feel as if I have a foreign body in my mouth?
Implant-borne teeth will feel quite natural when you are talking, eat ing and laughing. You won't feel any difference.
Immediate Implant Placement
Can implants be placed immed iately after removing teeth? Yes, this is often possible today. The implant is placed in the fresh wound immediately after removal of a tooth. This is referred to as immediate implant placement (not to be confused with immediate loading of implants).
Immediate loading
What exactly does "immediate loading” mean and does it apply to me?
The usual plan for implant-borne teeth includes an healing phase with no loading on the implants afterthey have been inserted. In this procedure the gap is temporarily closed with a classical temporary denture, which is normally attached to the neigh boring teeth. However, in immedi ate loading new implant systems and methods are used that under specific conditions allow the den ture or the temporary denture to be attached to the implants immediately. Patients receive their implant and have fixed, natural looking teeth on the same day. Whether immediate loading is suitable foryou will depend on the state of the jawbone and the position of the implants. Ask your dentist about the options.
Are there any interactions with medications?
This is possible with certain medications. For example, corti sone can change the metabolism and immune system of the body in such a way that problems with healing may be encountered. Anticoagulation medications may cause serious hemorrhages during implant placement. If you are re quired to take medications regu larly, you must discuss them with your dentist.
Will I have to remove an implant- borne denture at night?
A conventional denture should be removed at night, because it may come adrift during sleep and may block the pharynx or the res piratory passage. An implant- borne denture is normally fixed in place and can be left in place at night without danger. Your dentist will advise you about this. You only have to ask.
Will I be in pain after the procedure?
The gum will probably be sensitive in the first few days after the procedure but will not bleed any more. Your cheek may swell for a short time and may feel uncom fortable. However, most patients will not even need a painkiller on the following day and can return to normal life.
Are there any risks involved with implant placement?
An implant placement is a minor surgical procedure. Complications such as injuries to nerves and blood vessels during placement of implants are certainly possib le. This is extremely unlikely these days with the advances in diagnostics and planning. When an implant is placed by a quali fied dentist, the risks are no greater than when removing a wisdom tooth.
A sudden rejection reaction of a fully healed implant is also very unlikely. However, in rare cases the bone may not hold the implant firmly enough. In this case it can not be resist loading sufficiently and will most probably have to be removed under local anesthe tic. In most cases a new implant can be placed in the same session if you wish.
And if an implant becomes infected?
When detected early enough infections caused by bacteria can usually be treated successfully. If you attend regular appointments for dental care and prophylaxis at your dentist and also clean your teeth regularly at home, you are unlikely to be affected.
Can implant-borne dentures be replaced or, if more teeth are lost, extended?
Yes, the denture can be replaced or modified at any time. A single-tooth implant can be converted into an abutment for a bridge or prosthesis without difficulty, even after many years.
I already have a normal full denture. Do I need a new one for attachment to the implants?
If the existing denture will guaran tee optimum load of the implants and good chewing function, it can certainly be adjusted for fixing to implants. Ask your dentist.
What happens if one of my own teeth that is integrated into the denture as an abutment is lost? If a tooth has to be removed,
for example because of a root inflammation, it can generally be replaced by an additional implant without difficulty. The support and possibly also the denture will be modified accordingly.
Smoking
Are dental implants advisable for smokers?
The long-term success rate of implants can be endangered by smoking. Discuss it with your dentist. He can assess the risks in your case.
Sport
Can I still exercise and play sport after implant placement? Exercise after implant placement is not a problem. However if you take part in activities involving vigorous movement, you should consult the dentist first. A few days of rest may be recommended to avoid affecting the healing process.
When and how are the teeth placed on the implant?
In a normal healing process the implants will be fully integrated into the bone in the upper jaw after about six months and in the lower jaw after about three months. Your new crowns can now be firmly fixed in place.
The dentist uncovers the "head" of the implant and temporarily screws on a small cap, called coping, to shape the gum correctly. An impression is taken at this stage. The dental technician uses the impression as the basis for the fabrication of your denture. After the colors have been precisely matched and a test fit the denture is securely attached to the implants.
Will I be without teeth during treatment and the healing phase?
No. If you had a removable den ture before treatment, it will gen erally only require a minor adjust ment to allow you to continue to use it. If you did not have a remo vable denture beforehand, the gap can still be covered with a temporary denture. In some cir cumstances it can sometimes be fixed to the implants immediately. In the case of such long-term tem porary dentures there are very sophisticated solutions that are virtually indistinguishable from the final crowns and your natural teeth.
How many appointments will be required for my new tooth roots?
This depends on the scope and type of treatment. One session is usually enough for the consultation at which the dentist will be able to answer your question . next appointment will be for the preliminary examinations and planning. The new tooth roots can generally be inserted in the jaw bone a short time later in one treatment session. In this proce
dure the dentist makes a small incision in the gum at the implant position, which is then sutured over the implant after insertion of the implant. The wound is checked to ensure that it is healing properly one or two days after implant place ment. After about ten days the sutures are removed. Now you can wait for the bone to regenerate during the healing phase without any more treatment sessions.
When can I go back to work again? Your dentist will probably give
you a certificate for a few days off work. However, you will usually be able to live normally the day after the operation and go back to work a few days later.
Is there anything else I need to worry about?
In brief: no. Think of your implants as a natural part of your body. You can exercise, talk, eat, laugh and live as if nothing had happened. There is no difference from your natural teeth.