Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A tooth root made of titanium*

A dental implant is a small screw made of metal. It consists of titanium, which is well tolerated as the body accepts it as its own. Intolerance occurs rarely.

A short & painless operation for a long-term solution

In order to take over the function of the tooth root, the dental implant is inserted in the jaw bone by a short operation under local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure. It knits painlessly with the bone, thus forming a solid basis for the long-term and stable fixation of the denture.

Esthetic from the start

Depending on the situation it is possible to load the implant immediately after insertion and attach the final denture. However, since the long-term success should be the main priority in every implant treatment, this decision can only be made after the dentist has carefully considered the medical situation. If the denture cannot be attached immediately, an esthetic temporary denture is placed until the time is right for the final restoration.

*Titanium: Silver-white precious metal; titanium has proven to be particularly biocompatible. The body accepts it as if it were part of it. In dentistry it is used as a basic material for implants because of its high strength and resistance.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Implant-borne teeth:

- are the most natural solution esthetically and functionally.

- fit harmoniously into the dental arch.

- cannot be distinguished from real teeth in function and appearance in daily life.

- provide a stable foundation for the denture. They spare patients the disadvantages of
conventional prostheses such as pressure points and poor fit. The palate is no longer
covered by plastic denture material, which has a positive effect on speech and the sense
of taste.

- makes it unnecessary to grind the neighbouring teeth.

- can prevent bone atrophy*.

*Bone atrophy: Like natural tooth roots, implants transmit chewing forces evenly to the jaw bone. This is stressed during chewing, just like with natural teeth, so it preserves its natural shape. If this stress is absent, as with conventional solutions, the jaw bone shrinks slowly.

The right solution for every challenge

Missing single tooth

The implant takes over the function of the tooth root and transmits the chewing force from the tooth crown to the jaw bone. This natural stress keeps the jaw bone vital so that it does not atrophy. However, a new tooth is not only intended to fulfil its natural function but should not be distinguishable in appearance from the neighboring teeth, especially in the front. An attractive treatment result is particularly important in these cases.

Fixed implant-borne teeth not only look like your own teeth, they also feel like them. The implant, crown and gums form a harmonious unit.

The dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and acts as a post for the implant crown. Grinding the neighboring teeth is not necessary so healthy tooth substance is preserved.

Several missing teeth

In order to prevent bone loss and malposition of the teeth and jaw, a gap involving several teeth should be closed rapidly not only from the functional aspect but also from the medical aspect. The individual situation determines the number of implants used.

A major advantage of implant-borne bridges is that the healthy neighboring teeth do not have to be ground.

From the aesthetic aspect, too, implant-borne bridges are a better alternative as they end optimally at the gums in most cases.

Completely toothless jaw

Implant dentistry offers removable prostheses and non-removable rows of teeth to restore completely toothless jaws.

The advantages of the two solutions compared to classical adhesive dentures speak for themselves:

- Prostheses on implants offer secure hold in any situation.

- The chewing forces are transmitted to the bone. This prevents bone atrophy and thus
ensures optimal prosthesis fit in the long term.

- With implant-anchored prostheses, there are no painful pressure points.

- The palate remains free from prosthesis material. The sense of taste and thus enjoyment
of eating are not impaired.


The most attractive-looking solution for toothless jaws is a row of teeth fixed with screws. It is fixed directly to the implants and usually ends harmoniously at the gums.

For removable dentures there are other methods of fixation such as magnets. Contact us at Inspired Dentistry to find out about the entire range of possibilities.

Treatment sequence

Diagnosis and planning

After detailed diagnostic investigations and treatment planning, implants are inserted in the jaw under local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure, or under general anesthetic if preferred.


Building up the bone

If the available bone volume and bone quality are insufficient, the bone can be built up.


Healing

During the following healing period, the jaw bone knits firmly with the implant to form a secure base for the new teeth.


Final denture

During the healing period, an esthetic temporary fills the gap until the final denture is inserted. As soon as healing is complete, the new teeth are screwed or cemented to the implant post.

In a few cases, it is also possible to insert the final denture immediately after insertion of the implant or implants. Your dentist will decide if this is an option.


Care

Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with us are essential for the long-term success of dental implants.