Implantology

An implant is an artificial root made of titanium or zirconium that is placed in the jaw. The implant forms a strong base for a crown, bridge, or dentures.
If a tooth is missing, an implant can be placed in its place. A special implant crown can then be placed on this.

If several teeth are missing, a bridge can also be placed on the implant, or the implant can serve as an anchorage for partial dentures (frame or plate).
An implant also serves to provide hold in the jaw for those who need or have dentures. As a result, it stays in place better. Full dentures or dentures are then made and clicked onto the implants: this is called click dentures.

Treatment
If too little bone is present, new bone can usually be placed with additional treatment. This can be artificial bone or your own bone – for example, from the hip – which is done by the oral surgeon. After 6 to 12 months, the implants can then be put in place.
During the treatment, the implant is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. In the following 2 to 6 months, the jawbone attaches to the implant. Then the crown, bridge or denture can be made.

The treatment can be done in one or two stages. It depends on the condition of the bone. In one stage – when the bone is in good condition – the implant is placed and the healing abutment or cover cap is visible above the gums.

In two stages, the implant is placed and the gum is placed back over it. Once the implant has grown in, a small incision is made in the gums to locate the implant and the cover cap is placed over it. After a few weeks, the implant crown or bridge or click teeth can then be placed.

Risks
The success rate of implant surgery is very high. Proper examination beforehand minimizes the chance of complications or failures. Still, there may be temporary discomfort immediately after an implant is placed in the form of post-operative pain or swelling. It is also rare that an implant fails to grow into place and must be removed. This is more likely in smokers.