Frequently Asked Questions
How is tooth implantation done?
How safe is the procedure?
When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?
Can tooth implants harm or affect neighboring teeth?
Can implants be used in a case of complete tooth loss?
How long does an implant last?
Is tooth implantation a one-time procedure or are follow-up procedures necessary after a few years?
What prerequisites are there for dental implantation?
Is anesthesia necessary for the procedure?
Is recovery painful?
How soon can the patient eat normally again?
Are multiple procedures necessary before the implantation is completed?
Is there a difference between implantation in the upper and lower jaw?
Is chewing action with implants the same as with the original teeth?
What are the risks involved?
Is taste affected by implantation?
Can implants be used with existing periodontosis?
Is harmful to the patient when the jawbone and implant fuse?
Is an implant possible when there is not enough bone in the jaw?
How long does it take for the jaw to adjust to the implant and new organization?
Can the patient be tested for an allergic reaction to the materials to be used before the procedure?
Is there a visible difference from the natural teeth?
Is this a routine procedure?
Is care for the implants different from that for natural teeth?
Do the gums surround the implant after the operation?
Can periodontosis develop with an implant?
Are there before and after photos available?
Tooth Implantology / General information
How is tooth implantation done?
The operation is performed under local and general anesthesia. The entire area planned for the implant is numbed and desensitized to pain. A small incision is made in the mucous membrane to expose the bone and alveolar ridge. The jaw bone width and height are then measured. The bed is prepared for the implant and the implant is then completely inserted into the bone. An abutment is then screwed into the implant to protected it during the healing period. The gums are stitched closed over the implant. The stitches are removed after a week. Healing takes three months in the lower jaw. The jawbone fuses to the implant during this time. Healing time for the upper jaw takes six months. After healing the implant is uncovered and the crown installed.
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How safe is the procedure?
Implantology has been an established procedure for ten to fifteen years. These days there are no doubts about their stability. Statistics gathered over the past fifteen years have shown that implants in the upper jaw are 95% stable and implants in the lower jaw are 93% stable. The procedure is therefore quite safe.
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When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?
Healing varies from patient to patient. The operation depends on the number of implants needed and the degree of difficulty involved, whether bone needs transplanted or not. It is different for each individual. Stitches are usually removed after a week. At this time general healing has already started.
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Can tooth implants harm or affect neighboring teeth?
The percent of harm done to neighboring teeth is very small, under 1% or less. For an experienced specialist, usually a surgeon, the percent is under 0.01%. The surgeon is usually qualified and experienced enough to insert the implant so precisely that the neighboring teeth are unharmed. Because of the hard material composing teeth, the chances that they will be harmed during the operation are essentially zero. Should complications arise, there is always corrective surgery.
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Can implants be used in a case of complete tooth loss?
In principle implantation can be done after tooth loss. If there is a lot of bone deterioration, four implants can be implanted in the frontal area and a removable prosthesis attached resulting in a stable prosthesis and the ability to chew well. If there is enough good bone in the lower jaw, 6-8 implants can be inserted for a more permanent solution if desired.
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How long does an implant last?
An implant can last a lifetime if it is inserted into healthy bone and a reasonably good prosthetic support structure is made. In this situation, the implant can last a very long time. In addition to these factors, hygiene as well as dental or surgical care also play a role and naturally should not be neglected.
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Is tooth implantation a one-time procedure or are follow-up procedures necessary after a few years?
It is a matter of one operation divided into two stages. The first step is to insert the implant and let the bone fuse during a three month healing period. This takes six months for the upper jaw because of the quality of the bone found there; it is weaker than in the lower jaw. After the healing time has elapsed, the implant is reexposed through a small operation and a crown installed.
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What prerequisites are there for dental implantation?
A dental implant can be used as long as existing teeth are in good shape and there is enough bone in the jaw, no inflammation in the bone and generally good hygiene in the oral cavity. An implant can be installed if periodontosis is present as long as the periodontosis is being treated. If there is not enough bone but all the other prerequisites have been met, the bone transplant and implantation can be done in the same operation with very good results.
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Is anesthesia necessary for the procedure?
General anesthesia is necessary especially if a large number of implants are to be made along with a bone transplant in the upper and lower jaw. If a bone transplant from the pelvis is necessary, general anesthesia is definitely necessary.
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Is recovery painful?
After-care for implants is a routine procedure and not painful.
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How soon can the patient eat normally again?
This depends on the extent of the procedure, whether it is a matter of a single implant, multiple implants or complete tooth loss. The dietary restrictions vary with the situation. For complete tooth loss the patient cannot wear a prosthesis for a week until the stitches are taken out and the swelling has gone down. During this time they can only consume liquid foods.
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Are multiple procedures necessary before the implantation is completed?
No
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Is there a difference between implantation in the upper and lower jaw?
Yes, there is a difference because the lower jaw is denser and harder than the upper jaw, which is softer and deteriorates faster.
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Is chewing action with implants the same as with the original teeth?
Chewing is unaffected and feels the same as with natural teeth as long as the implant is well positioned with a well functioning prosthetic, crown, bridge or prosthesis.
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What are the risks involved?
A healthy implant poses no risk. Inflammation can result in further bone deterioration.
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Is taste affected by implantation?
Implantation does not affect or harm the sense of taste.
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Can implants be used with existing periodontosis?
An implant is not recommended if there is periodontosis present. The periodontosis needs to be dealt with first. It should at least be stablized and free of bacteria before implantation.
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Is harmful to the patient when the jawbone and implant fuse?
Fusing of the jawbone and implant does not harm the patient.
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Is an implant possible when there is not enough bone in the jaw?
Implantation in this case is possible 98% of the time. Using bone from other areas in the oral cavity or from the pelvis or artificial bone substitute, we can transplant bone into the area where the bone is insufficient. At this time implantation is possible.
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How long does it take for the jaw to adjust to the implant and new organization?
This cannot be determined.
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Can the patient be tested for an allergic reaction to the materials to be used before the procedure?
It is known worldwide that there is no allergic reaction to titanium and it does not cause any allergy to develop. Titianium chips can be purchased to check tolorance ahead of time. This worthwhile purchase costs anywhere from 15 to 25 euros.
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Is there a visible difference from the natural teeth?
There is hardly any visible difference from natural teeth if the implants are made well.
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Is this a routine procedure?
This operation is routine for a surgeon, especially an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
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Is care for the implants different from that for natural teeth?
Caring for implants is the same as for normal teeth but it is recommend that patients use mouthwash also. Interdental brushes should be used to remove bacteria and pieces of food from around the necks of the implant should be used. Teeth should be kept clean.
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Do the gums surround the implant after the operation?
Yes, the gums grow around the neck of the crown after the operation.
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Can periodontosis develop with an implant?
Yes, periodontosis can develop with an implant. The neck of the crown can develop inflammation if it is not well cleaned like described above, not checked regularly and not professionally cleaned by a dentist. The bone can start to decay in the region, a disease called periimplantitis.
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Are there before and after photos available?
Yes, there are before and after photos available.
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