Implantology
What You Should Know About Dental Implants
Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
The loss of one or more teeth can cause not only aesthetic issues but also serious long-term functional consequences.
Neighboring teeth may shift or become overloaded, opposing teeth can over-erupt, chewing efficiency may decrease, and temporomandibular joint disorders can develop, all of which can negatively impact overall quality of life.
Additionally, the jawbone in the area of the missing teeth can begin to resorb quickly, which may make the making of fixed restorations difficult or even impossible later on.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, including dental bridges, removable dentures, and the most advanced option: dental implants.
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, making the procedure completely painless and eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
In most cases, this method allows for the creation of a fixed restoration without having to grind down the neighboring teeth.
Additionally, it helps preserve the bone structure and results in a durable, easy-to-clean restoration that looks and feels natural.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a root-shaped “screw” made of medical-grade titanium that safely replaces the root of a missing tooth.
Thanks to the strong and durable connection that forms between the treated titanium surface and the surrounding bone, the implant provides exceptional stability.
What Is Placed on the Implant?
Implant-supported restorations can include single crowns to replace individual teeth, bridges for larger gaps, or even full-arch restorations that rebuild the entire dentition. These restorations may be fixed or removable, depending on the clinical situation.
Based on the method of retention, we distinguish between cement-retained and screw-retained restorations.
I generally prefer screw-retained solutions, as they are easier to maintain and adjust, but the final decision is always made according to the specific clinical case.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
Naturally, you can expect a long-lasting solution, but as with any dental restoration, the lifespan of an implant depends on several factors.
To ensure a durable and successful outcome, I place great emphasis on maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular follow-up visits, at least once a year, ideally twice.
IS THE BRAND OF THE IMPLANT IMPORTANT?
There are more than 200 implant systems available worldwide.
It is crucial for patients to choose a highly qualified clinician who can select the most suitable implant system for the specific clinical situation and is thoroughly familiar with its application.
In our clinic, we use two globally recognized and scientifically validated implant systems — Straumann Neodent and Nobel Biocare — both achieving nearly 100% success rates.
Regardless of the clinical situation, you can count on my expertise — whether it involves immediate implantation after tooth extraction or implant placement years after the tooth has been removed.