Implants are the ideal prosthesis for missing teeth
for every generation. Not so long ago, the loss of a tooth often meant
the patient had to wear a removable partial or full denture. This conventional
prosthesis, which has been tried and tested for decades, is unfortunately
associated with functional and aesthetic disadvantages and, for the
younger patient, is often associated with serious psychological problems.
Luckily, it is almost always possible today in all cases to fit a
permanent and fixed or removable prosthesis which is comparable to
the patient's own teeth with respect to function and aesthetics. Most
recent studies demonstrate the long-term success rate for dental implants
to be 95%. Individual missing teeth can be replaced with implants together
with partial areas if several teeth are missing, even in jaws where
all the teeth are missing. Individual crowns or bridges can be attached
to implant structures, which can also be used to stabilise a partial
or full denture.
What is an implant?
A tooth implant is an artificial titanium screw which is very well-tolerated
by tissue (biocompatible), which is inserted into the jaw bone during
surgery. After several months of healing, the bone grows together
with the surface of the titanium screw and forms an extremely stable
unit which is capable of withstanding stress. Then a crown, bridge
or prosthesis can be placed onto the implant so that the new prosthesis
is fixed either permanently in the mouth or as a removable element.
On the other hand, the prostheses can always be removed for cleaning
and then put in again. Removing crowns or bridges is then no longer
necessary.
How is an implant inserted?
Careful planning precedes the operation. With the help of X-rays taken
before the operation and where applicable also study models, the
quality and structure of the bone is measured and the corresponding
implant size and the best implant position chosen. After surgical
insertion of the implant, there is a healing phase, which is determined
on an individual basis and can last between 2 and 6 months. Then
the implant is fitted as either a fixed or removable reconstruction.
Deficient bone and bone reconstruction/augmentation
Quite often the jaw bone is reduced in height and width because of
receding bone, so that the bone available is inadequate to accept
the implants safely. In this case an additional bone reconstruction
is necessary which, depending on size, has to be carried out either
in advance or at the same time as implantation.
Sinus Lift
The "sinus lift" is a special type of bone reconstruction
with the addition of bone into the maxillary sinus. The paranasal air-filled
sinus located above the back teeth of the upper jaw often adjoins the
vertical bone in this region. It is here that artificial bone can be
added via various access routes to make up the loss of bone height.