Is there a minimum age for implants?
Bone growth should be complete at the time of implant placement. This can be assumed to be the case at the age of 18 years. In doubtful cases the bone can be assessed by x-raying the bones in the hand.

Will the implant set off a metal detector, such as during an airport security inspection?
No, implants are non-magnetic and will not trigger a metal detector.

Could I be allergic to implants?
No allergic reactions to titanium implants have been reported in more than forty years. The material has no allergenic components and is completely neutral in the body.

Is a general anesthetic required for implant placement?
No, the sensitivity to pain in the jaw can be completely shut down with a local anesthetic. You will feel some vibration and a feeling of pressure when the implant site is prepared in the bone but you will not feel any pain. However, if you would rather "sleep" through the operation, ask your implantologist about a general anesthetic.

I only need single implants, but I would like all my teeth to be brighter and more attractive. What can be done?
The dentist can often bleach darkened teeth. Unattractive front teeth can be coated with plastic or fine ceramic shells, referred to as veneers. The crowns for the implants will then be brighter from the start or shaped to match the changes to the natural teeth. Ask your dentist about it.

When could bone remodeling be necessary?
If teeth and the associated chewing load in the jaw are absent for an extended period, the bone gradually atrophies. If the bone structure is weakened or thin to the extent that there is little or nothing to hold an implant in place, bone remodeling may be necessary. The bone tissue is restored as atraumatically as possible with bone from another part of the body or bone replacement material. The remodeling material is layered directly on the bone and is gradually converted to resistant bone tissue by the body. The bone can be widened or increased in height by this method. At the back of the upper jaw the bone is usually increased in height by a sinus lift. This prevents the situation where part of the implant extends into the maxillary sinus. It is often possible to carry out the bone remodeling at the same time as the implant placement. However, in other cases a separate outpatient procedure may be required.

What material is used for the crowns?
Most crowns and bridges are metal or metal alloys and are veneered with ceramic to match the color of the teeth. The esthetic alternative is porcelain. Ceramic is made of high strength zirconium oxide and is particularly suitable for implant-borne dentures, for both single teeth or larger bridges.

What can I expect in the consultation?
Your implantologist will discuss in detail your initial situation, the treatment sequence and what you actually want. Find out about the options available in implant dentistry before your appointment. You will find detailed information in the patient area of this web site. Don't forget to inform the implantologist of any general diseases that you might have or of medications that you take regularly.

How much will it all cost?
The cost depends on the scope of the treatment and the number of implants. Your implantologist will prepare a cost estimate before starting the treatment so you will know exactly how much the treatment will cost.

I am a diabetic. Can I still have an implant?
Yes, but your diabetes should be stable and under control. Poorly managed or untreated diabetes can cause metabolic problems with the healing process. In case of doubt the implantologist will consult your diabetes physician.

Are there any diseases that make an implant placement impossible?
Usually not. If you suffer from a serious general condition such as cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis, tendency to hemorrhage or you have an impaired immune system, you should always inform your implantologist.

Will I be able to bite and eat normally with an implant-borne denture?
Regardless of whether you have an implant-borne crown, bridge or prosthesis: you will be able to eat, bite, talk and laugh just as you could with your "second set of teeth".

What is the situation with exercise after implant placement?
Movement is basically not a problem after implant placement. However, you should consult your implantologist before engaging in activities requiring heavy physical activity. A few days of relaxation may be recommended to avoid affecting the healing process.

Do implant-borne teeth feel different from natural teeth?
With implant-borne teeth your mouth will feel quite normal with talking, eating and laughing. You will not feel any difference.

Can implants also be placed immediately after extraction of teeth?
Yes, this is referred to as immediate implant placement. The implant is placed in the fresh wound immediately after extraction of a tooth [do not confuse this with immediate loading of implants].

What exactly does "immediate loading" mean?
The normal procedure after placement of an implant is an unloaded healing phase. During this period a standard temporary denture covers the gap. However, if the dentist finds that your bone situation meets the requirements, immediate loading of the implants is also possible. This means that a very high-quality temporary denture or a prosthesis is attached immediately to freshly placed implants and you receive your implants and fixed teeth on the same day. Ask your implantologist about this option.
For information see "Treatment duration."

How long does an implant last?
Once the healing phase has been completed, a correctly placed high-quality implant is more resistant to many influences than the natural tooth root. An optimally loaded titanium implant will not break and cannot be affected by caries. Consistent oral hygiene will keep the gum and the implant site healthy. This means that implants can last a lifetime.

What are implants made of?
FRIADENT implants are made of pure surgical titanium. The material has proven to be so suitable for the purpose that by now 99 percent of all dental implant systems use titanium. It is extremely stable and very compatible to the body. Titanium also becomes fully integrated into the bone tissue. The silvery-gray color of titanium is also not a disadvantage, because implants - just like the natural root of the tooth - are invisible inside in the jawbone.

Are there any interactions with medications?
This is possible with some medications. If you take any medications regularly you must discuss this with your implantologist. For example, cortisone may change the metabolism and immune situation of the body, which can cause problems with healing. Anticoagulation medications may cause serious bleeding during implant placement.

Must I remove an implant-supported prosthesis at night?
An implant-supported prosthesis is normally so firmly fixed that it can remain in position at night without any danger. If you wish, you can leave your prosthesis in place around the clock. However, a conventional prosthesis should be removed at night because it may come loose during sleep and may block the airways..

Is the implant placement an outpatient procedure?
Yes, the implantologist carries out the treatment atraumatically in an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic. Multiple implants can be placed in one session without problems.

Could implants affect a pacemaker?
No, because implants have no electromagnetic effect and therefore present no danger for the operation of a cardiac pacemaker.

Will I feel pain after the operation?
The gum will probably still be sensitive in the first few days after the operation. Your cheek may swell up temporarily and feel uncomfortable. However, most patients won't even need a painkiller after the first day and can return to a normal life.

For information see "bone remodeling."

Are there different qualities of implants?
Like any other product implants are different in quality. Your implantologist can give you detailed advice on implant quality. Don't forget to ask about long-term success rates. Also ask about the long-term availability of replacement parts in case your denture ever needs to be repaired.

Why can I trust FRIADENT implants?
FRIADENT implants are German quality products that are the result of decades of research, development and documented clinical experience. The are manufactured with precision machinery and packaged under cleanroom conditions. The entire product chain starting from purchase of the raw materials is subject to rigid certified quality standards.
Our range of products includes three systems with differently shaped implants in various sizes and lengths, which means that the implantologist can select the exact solution for your particular situation. All implants are pure surgical titanium and have a unique microstructured titanium oxide surface, which actively supports the bone healing processes. The highly developed surface properties enable bone cells to be directly deposited on the implant and the new bone. FRIADENT implants provide the best conditions for optimum healing and permanent stability.
FRIADENT systems also offer highly esthetic solutions for crowns, bridges and prostheses for every requirement and for every initial situation. If the denture fixed to FRIADENT implants ever needs repair or replacement, you can be sure that your dentist will be able to procure all the required components anywhere is the world even years later.

Can an implant-borne denture be renewed or extended?
Yes, the denture can be renewed and modified at any time. A FRIADENT single-tooth implant can also be converted into an abutment for a bridge or prosthesis even years later.

I already have a standard full denture. Will I need a new one for attachment to the implants?
If the existing denture can guarantee optimum loading of the implants and a good chewing function, it can be adjusted for attachment to your implants. Ask your dentist about this.

What happens if one of my natural teeth that was integrated into the denture as an abutment has to be removed?
If a tooth has to be removed, for example as a result of a root infection, it can usually be replaced by an additional implant without difficulty. The support and if necessary the denture will then be adjusted appropriately.

Are there risks involved with the implant placement?
An implant placement is a minor operation. Complications such as injuries to nerves and blood vessels are certainly possible when placing implants. However, the current state of diagnostics and planning make this very unlikely. When conducted by a qualified implantologist an implant placement involves no more risk than the removal of a wisdom tooth.
A sudden rejection reaction of a completely healed implant is also very rare. In exceptional cases the bone may not hold the implant in place securely enough. In that case it would not be able to resist loading sufficiently and would probably have to be removed under local anesthetic. However, in such a case a new implant can normally be placed - if that is what you want.

And if an implant becomes infected?
When detected early enough, infections, which are usually caused by bacteria, can usually be treated successfully. If you always keep the postoperative and prophylaxis appointments at your dentist and clean your teeth regularly at home, you should be safe from infection.

For information see "bone remodeling."

Are implants recommended for smokers?
The long-term success rate of implants may be reduced by smoking. Ask your dentist about it. The dentist can estimate the risks in your case.

How do I care for my implant-borne teeth?
Implant-borne teeth can be cleaned with a(n) (electric) toothbrush and toothpaste just as easily as their natural predecessors. It is particularly important to clean the interdental spaces and the transition areas to the gum. Bacteria can colonize these areas very quickly and can attack the gum and over time the jawbone around the implant. This can be prevented by using dental floss or small interdental brushes.

When and how are the teeth placed on the implant?
In a normal healing process implants in the upper jaw are generally fully integrated into the jawbone after about six months. This takes about three months for implants in the lower jaw. Now your new crowns can be attached to the implants. First, the tops of the implants are uncovered and then small temporary caps are screwed to the implants to shape the gums correctly. Then an impression is taken to be used as a template by the dental technician to fabricate your denture. The denture is attached securely to the implants after accurate color matching and test-fitting.

Will I be without teeth at any time during the treatment and the healing phase?
If you had a removable denture before the treatment, you can normally continue to use it after minor adjustment. Otherwise the gap is closed by a temporary denture. In some circumstances it can be attached to the implants immediately - as a long-term temporary denture.
See also "Immediate loading" under I.

How many appointments will be required for my new tooth roots?
This depends on the scope and type of your treatment. One session is usually enough for the consultation. The preliminary examination and planning is conducted at another appointment. Your new "tooth roots" can generally be placed and the gum sutured in another session. One or two days after the operation the wound is checked. The sutures are removed about ten days later. Then the healing phase starts, during which additional appointments are not usually required.

When can I go back to work?
Depending on what your implantologist advises you can generally resume a normal life and go back to work the day after the operation.
See also "Exercise" under E.