Dental Implants

Definitions:

  • An artificial 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.

 

What are implants used for?

Implants can be divided into two basic uses:

1) Implants that are used to replace one or more teeth.

2) Implants that are used to anchor dentures so that they do not move.

What happens when I have an implant placed?

In order to take over the function of the root of a tooth, a dental implant is inserted in the jaw bone. This is achieved in a short and painless 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 a denture or a crown.

How long does the process take?

There are two basic types of implants:

  • Immediate load implants: The implant is placed and a crown or denture is attached to it immediately or within a few weeks.

  • Delayed load implants: The bone around the implant is allowed to heal for 8-12 weeks after the implant procedure. After which a crown or denture is affixed to the implant.

We can discuss with you which type is most appropriate for your given situation and help you come to a decision.

What will my teeth look like immediately after the implant is placed?

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

Where are the implants made that you use?

Our office only uses the highest quality implants made from the world’s most reputable manufacturers from Germany, Canada, Sweden and the United States. We do not use the cheaper implants readily available, as the quality control for them tends to be highly unpredictable.

*Titanium:

Silver-white precious metal; titanium has proven to be particularly biocompatible. The body accepts it as if it were a natural part of it. In dentistry it is used as a basic material for implants because of its high strength and resistance. It is also used in orthopaedics for knee, hip and shoulder replacements, pins and many other uses due to its acceptance by the human body. Intolerance occurs rarely.