On the basis of questions patients have frequently asked us, we would hereby like to give you an outline of implants as dental prostheses. This information can obviously not replace an individual consultation by a dentist or an oral surgeon. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us directly. Contact
What exactly are implants?
An implant is practically an artificial tooth root, mostly made of titanium. They come in cylindrical or screw-like shapes. The implantation occurs after the preparation of the jawbone, and is done with special instruments or drills by an oral surgeon or a dentist professionally trained as an implantologist. A dental implant is usually made up of three elements.
- Superstructure: prosthetic surface mounting (crown, bridge, telescope)
- Implant jamb: connects the body of the implant with the superstructure
- Body of the implant: is screwed or inserted into the jawbone.
How long do implants last?
The success quotas of implants over longer periods of time are over 90 percent, meaning that in most cases not only have the dental implants healed without a problem inside the jawbone, but also that after 10 years, more than 90 percent of the implants are still intact.
Dental implants protrude just like natural teeth in the oral cavity through the mucous membrane. That is why they are, like teeth, exposed to the adverse factors that exist in the oral cavity. These factors are: food particles trapped in the mouth, plaque and the connected pathogens. When tooth care is insufficient, processes similar to those for natural teeth can develop. These processes can lead, via the gingival pockets, to bone atrophy and thus endanger the implant. An absolute condition for a long-term success of implants is therefore a good oral hygiene, which should be backed by a continuous medical care even after the completion of the dental work.
Further risk factors for the long-term success of implants are smoking and certain medical conditions such as diabetes type I (insulin shots), long-term cortisone treatments, for instance in the case of some rheumatic disorders - but also a bad condition of the bones. This risk should be assessed in each individual case as accurately as possible.
What do implants cost?
For legal reasons, German physicians are not allowed to name prices on the Internet. But we are. That's why on the web pages of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft bezahlbarer Zahnersatz (AgbZ) you can find price information for normal patients (over 90 percent of all patients). If you require a bone buildup first (a sinus lift) or there are other complications in your case, then the prices will be higher. In order to clarify this, a medical examination, including a checkup by an implantologist, is absolutely indispensable.
Do the health insurance companies cover at least part of the costs for an implant?
The private health funds will generally pay for a large part of the implant. In order to assess the amount of reimbursement, it helps if you submit a cost projection.
As a member of the compulsory health funds you will receive - within the scope of the findings-oriented fixed subsidies - the normal fixed subsidy, for implants as well. Because after January 2005 it has become irrelevant whether you replace a missing tooth through a bridge or an implant. In any case, you should submit a cost projection and treatment plan to your health insurance company for approval, before the start of the treatment.
Can the body reject implants too?
Reactions of rejection - as they are known from allergies - occur only extremely rarely in the case of implants, especially implants of pure titanium. In the earlier days, inflammations that have been known to occur in natural teeth as well as in implants, were wrongly considered to be rejection reactions. As opposed to earlier opinions, according to which the titanium surface enters into a virtual chemical bond with the bone cells, more recent examinations have shown that even titanium can lead to an unspecific foreign-body reaction. However, this does not lead to a rejection in the bone.
Even though titanium has in many respects fulfilled the long wish and search of oral surgery for a proper material for dental prostheses in the bone, scientists are constantly researching the possibility of improvements. The main focus points of the research are a surface optimisation of the titanium, but also entirely different materials.
What materials are implants made of?
The most frequently used systems are made of pure titanium. Titanium binds very well with the bones. There are almost no allergic reactions and the titanium has shown a good stability. The ceramic implants used in the earlier days have shown a very good healing capacity and are unbeatable from a cosmetic point of view. Of course, nowadays, they are used less and less because of their increased risk of breaking. However, scientists are constantly working to improve the mechanical characteristics of the ceramic.
Is there such a thing as the best implant system?
Generally, it is quite impossible to answer this question. The big implant systems have all reached a high level. Compared with similar products, each system has its own advantages in some cases, as well as its own disadvantages in others. Implant systems are in this sense comparable with car brands. All of the big brands produce good cars. But there is no one car which is superior to all the others in all aspects.
Decisive is not the implant manufacturer, but rather the skill of the implantologist and the collaboration of the patient (oral hygiene).
Must every lost tooth be replaced through an implant?
No: One stable implant can also support more teeth. The load capacity of an implant depends on the quality of the bone, as well as on its thickness, height and firmness, but also on its position in the dental arch. Additionally, it is also important whether the implant has to support a fixed or removable - also gum-born - prosthesis.
on to part two of the article
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