Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile
What is a Dental Implant?
An artificial root that works like a natural one.
A dental implant is a small but strong post made from biocompatible metals or ceramics. Under local anaesthetic, it is inserted into the jaw bone in place of the missing tooth root and acts as a support for the tooth.
The healing phase is between 6 and 12 weeks depending on the individual medical situation. During this period the implant becomes securely attached to the jaw bone - a process called osseointegration. Once healed, this artificial root acts as a base for fixing individual crowns, multi-tooth bridges, or an entire dental prosthesis.
You can find the answers to some common questions about dental implants below.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
Is implant therapy an expensive option?
Contrary to what you might think, conventional dentures are not always cost-effective.
The initial outlay for dental implant treatment varies on how many implants are needed and if bone augmentation is required. Other factors include the surgery itself, lab work, the prosthesis and the dentist’s and dental technician’s fees.
A cost plan will be developed only when all of these aspects have been addressed, and in some cases, dental implants may be more economical in the long term.
Are there any risks when placing implants?
Implant therapy is not an experimental approach; rather it is a well-proven, state-of-the-art medical dental technique that has been scientifically tested and used for decades by dentists and surgeons worldwide.
Depending on the condition of each patient, potential risk factors may vary. Bad oral hygiene or limited healing of the wound due to pre-existing medical conditions may reduce the odds of the implant remaining in place.
Since every surgical procedure carries potential risks, your dentist will evaluate whether dental implants are the option for you.
Is the surgery painful?
Dental implants are generally inserted under local anesthetic to help minimize discomfort. Afterwards patients commonly take simple painkillers for a day or so. If you experience any doubts about the condition of the implant site after the procedure, please make sure to consult with your dentist.
Are there any figures on the satisfaction level of people with implants?
According to a survey carried out with 10,000 patients in Germany (Riegl Survey 6), 67 % of those questioned were “very happy” with their implant-supported restorations and 31% were “happy.” Of patients with conventional restorations, only 42% claimed to be “very happy” while 44% said they were “happy”.
Is there any age limit to implant therapy?
It is possible to insert implants as soon as the jaw has stopped growing. Therefore, in young patients, dental implants can only be placed once their jaw bones are fully developed. At the other end of the spectrum, there is no age limit, given of course that the patient does not display any significant medical risk factors. This will be evaluated by the dentist.
Is ceramic “better” than titanium?
Titanium is a biocompatible metal. This means it is non-toxic and well-tolerated by the body. Implants made from titanium bond very well to living bone and have been used for decades in the medical device industry. To this day, there has been no documented case of any allergic reaction to titanium. Because of these attributes, titanium dental implants can last for decades. If you are looking for a metal-free alternative, there is an option with the Straumann® PURE Ceramic Implant. This is made from high-strength ceramic and designed to achieve maximum functional and aesthetic demands. In cases of thin or recessed gums, the implant will not be visible through the gum as it has the color of a natural tooth.
What if I have to replace an implant or component?
Straumann provides its components worldwide in over 70 countries.The Straumann Classic program means assured availability of matching prosthetic components for implants placed as early as 1974.When it comes to repeat restorations, patients can relax.
How long do I have to wait for my final restoration?
After insertion of your implant, the bonding process (osseointegration) takes about 6-8 weeks. In this time, the implant reaches the stability needed for it to bear weight like a natural tooth. As always, healing times can vary depending on the individual condition and indication.
What distinguishes the Straumann® Dental Implant system?
Straumann have been researching, developing and manufacturing dental implants since 1974, and to date over 14 million have been placed. Together with Swiss precision engineering and clinical excellence, the Straumann® Dental Implant System has earned worldwide trust, and is one of the best documented with more than 35 years of extensive scientific, clinical evidence and support by more than 700 scientific publications.
Single Tooth Replacement
When you need to replace a missing tooth, for function or aesthetics.
When a single tooth is missing, it can be possible to replace it by using the adjacent teeth as support for a bridge. However, to do this involves extensive damage.
A dental implant sits independent of the teeth either side, to provide a secure, fixed option for tooth replacement.
Replacing More Than One Tooth
When several teeth are missing, more than one dental implant can be used.
If several teeth are missing in the same area, it may not be necessary to use one implant per tooth. As you can see in the picture, two implants have been placed to replace 3 missing teeth, and even larger bridges are possible with more implants.
Full Dentures Retained by Dental Implants
Enhancing the fit and stability of your full denture.
When all the teeth in one arch are missing, full dentures may not be as stable or well-retained as you'd like. Supporting the denture with two or more implants can greatly improve your ability to eat, talk and smile with confidence.
