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Dental implants – when correctly selected, as good as the original teeth

11-04-2008 | Information for patients

The threat of tooth loss brings with it the fear of loss of quality of life. Not without reason, since in many cases conventional solutions such as bridges, partial and full dentures cause difficulty in speaking and eating. The modern alternative in dentistry is: implants. The artificial roots are screwed into the jaw and feel just like the genuine teeth. Implant treatment is now backed up by almost half a century of intensive research and development. This makes implantology a safe form of treatment.

The small high-tech screws are made of pure surgical titanium. This very stable material does not contain any allergenic constituents. The titanium also becomes firmly integrated into the bone tissue. This is an important prerequisite for permanent retention. An implant consists of three components: the screw, the connecting piece and the visible crown. The screw forms the replacement root. The connecting piece, which projects into the oral cavity like a tooth stump, is referred to technically as an abutment and is firmly anchored in the titanium screw.

The replacement tooth is fixed to the abutment, for example a crown. One implant can be inserted for each missing tooth or multiple teeth can be anchored on one implant. Multiple artificial roots serve as anchors for more complex bridges or dentures.

How does the dentist do this?
First, the dentist makes an incision in the gum at the site where the implant is to be inserted. The incision is generally made so the dentist can check the available bone volume and the bone quality once again before implant placement and has a good view of the anatomical structures of the jaw region. In the next step, a small hole of the diameter of the implant is drilled into the jawbone, and then the implant is screwed into the hole. This procedure is very atraumatic for the patient and generally only requires a local anesthetic. Once the replacement root is in the jaw, the dentist sutures the overlying gum in place over it. The screw is left for the next three to six months to become firmly integrated into the bone. During this period the patient receives a temporary denture, so the patient never leaves the dental practice with a gap. When the implant site is thoroughly healed, the upper surface is uncovered using a small incision. The connecting piece is placed in the implant and the new tooth is fixed to it.

Are there any faster options?
The immediate loading method can allow a patient to have new teeth much faster under some conditions. In this case, the denture or the temporary denture is fixed to the implants immediately after they have been placed, with the result that in many cases the patient can eat with the new teeth on the same day.

Is it always that simple?
The titanium screws require solid bone to retain them securely. If the bone is too soft or too thin, the dentist can restore the missing bone. This is generally required at the back of the upper jawbone, because it is not high enough. The graft is made as atraumatically as possible with bone chips from the patient's own bone or a bone replacement material. This is generally done at the same time at which the implant is inserted. A separate outpatient procedure may be required in some cases. In these cases, the dentist usually decides to leave the implants with the newly restored bone to heal for three to six months as described above before they can be fully loaded.

What is the effect of the titanium screws over the long term?
The teeth send small impulses to the jaw and continually stimulate it. If this pressure is missing after tooth loss, the bone reacts like a muscle that is no longer exercised: it shrinks. When the artificial tooth roots are in place, the bone is again loaded as if the natural teeth were there, it remains stable for life and your bite remains permanently firm.

Are the artificial roots suitable for anyone?
In principle, yes. Once the jaw is fully grown, an implant can be placed. There is no upper age limit. Even diabetics can receive implants if their diabetes is optimally controlled. It is important to inform the dentist of any blood clotting disorders, impaired immune system, cardiovascular disorders or diseases of the metabolism.

What needs to be considered?
Only go to experienced implantologists who understand what they are doing and have extensive experience in placing implants. Avoid cheap implants and only invest in quality products, such as those from German manufacturers, that have been clinically tested for a long time. An implant is not just an implant. For example, the surface technology of implants is very important: implants with a microscopic, finely roughened surface become integrated into the bone better than implants with smooth surfaces. And only a well-engineered thread design ensures the required stability in the jaw from the start and an atraumatic insertion. Special tapered abutment-implant connections prevent micromovements and therefore the bacterial invasion, which means that the bone also remains stable and healthy over the long term, the gum does not recede, crown margins are not visible and a permanent esthetic result is achieved. The German Association of Oral Implantology also recommends selecting implant systems from a major manufacturer to ensure that replacements will continue to be available well into the future.

Where can I find experienced an implantologist in my area?

You can find dentists in your area in the DENTSPLY Friadent Dentist Search Page.

For more information, see our Internet page
http://www.implantsforlife.com/

• Information on treatment planning and healing if one tooth, several teeth or all teeth are missing
• An easy to understand glossary with explanations of dental terms
• An "FAQ" list with frequently asked questions and answers on the topic of implant treatment
• Detailed patient brochure: "How dental implants can change your life" 

Basic Patients' Press Release (PDF, 301 KB)