Implantology

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?



A dental implant is the perfect substitute for a missing tooth. If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth due to injury or inflammation, an implant will solve all of your problems. It’s made of titanium so there’s no allergic reaction and it’s also 100% compatible with your organism. All of this means an implant is the perfect replacement of a missing root.

Dental implants are titanium rods or screws embedded into your jawbone. After the insertion of a dental implant, a titanium extension (also called an abutment) is then secured to it, so a new dental crown can be placed on it.



ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?



There are, indeed. At Dr. Martin, we use two premium types of dental implants, both of them from worldwide leaders in the field.

Straumann, dental specialists from Switzerland, built their reputation on pioneering innovation supported by scientific research. Compared to ohters, Straumann implants connect to the bone and the gum a lot quicker. With years of research behind them, this Swiss brand can proudly claim they are the leaders when it comes to implants.

The German Meissinger Oktagon system provides first class stability. With its two-phase titanium implant, it limits all possible micro-movement of the implant. It’s naturally bacteria free and has got a track record of exceptionally long-term success.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CROWN FOR THE IMPLANT

Again, there are two options.

A dental crown is a porcelain cap made from pure ceramic or metal-ceramic and is placed on top of a tooth, being carefully placed over a natural tooth or dental implant. Once the crown is in place, it feels just like a natural tooth.

All ON 4 and ALL ON 6 are both very popular and cost-effective methods if you’re missing more than one tooth or are looking for a complete reconstruction. In this case, four or six dental implants are placed in the far corners of your mouth where bone density is higher and a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth is placed upon them. The result? Well, you won’t believe your eyes.

SO WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?



Usually, three visits are needed for the implant to be placed.

FIRST VISIT

During the initial examination, our implantologist will perform all checks necessary. You’ll get an x-ray and a CT scan if necessary to make sure your bones are ready for the implant. Depending on the results, we will plan the treatment itself.

Afterwards, it’s time to act.

A small titanium screw (implant) is inserted into the bone, as it will serve as the root of your new tooth. The treatment is performed by an experienced implantologist. It is performed under local anaesthesia with no pain involved and within a few minutes, you’re free to go home. On the very same day, or the day after, you can drive and go to work with no problems.

SECOND VISIT



Depending on what implant you chose, we will meet after two to four months. We’ll create a dental crown based on the imprint and then produce it in our lab within two weeks.

THIRD VISIT

And we’re into the finals! During your third visit, we will put the crown on top of the implant and you’re free to go. And smile!

That’s right. We act quickly, work effectively and we do all of that for prices you’ll love.

HAVE YOU MENTIONED PROBLEMS WITH BONES?



Yes, your bone may not be strong enough to support a dental implant or it may be missing altogether. Fortunately, there’s a quick fix for that!

Bone grafting is a predictable and painless procedure and in all but the most extreme cases, it only involves a minimal invasive intervention.

The graft most often used today comes from processed bone that has been harvested from animals. It’s called a xenograft and is generally comprised only of the mineral content of natural bone. It’s also been sterilised and all of its organic material has been removed. Obviously, the material is always sterile and special technology is used to create it.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE?



We put a 5-year guarantee* on everything we do, but with dental implants, we trust ourselves enough to guarantee ten years* of satisfaction.

Also, there’s one more general rule that applies: a dental implant feels and works just like a natural tooth, it only lasts much longer. Which is fair enough, isn’t it?

WHAT IF…

I am a heart patient. If you’re a heart patient, getting even small medical procedures can be a major problem. However, a much less invasive approach to dental implant procedures now allows heart patients to face far less complications. Still, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor before the procedure.

I am pregnant. First of all, congratulations! As for dental implants, pregnancy is not an obvious contraindication to placing them, but it is best to avoid it while you are pregnant. We need to take x-rays, and even though the radiation from dental X rays is negligible, it is best to avoid it, too. Also, medication needs to be given to you which may or may not be suited for pregnancy. So, if it’s not an emergency, let’s just wait until after your baby is born.

I suffer from diabetes. Diabetes was historically considered a possible risk factor for the placement of dental implants. That is because diabetes alters bone formation and compromises wound healing, among other issues. However, recent studies show dental implants are perfectly safe for patients with diabetes and there is no association between elevated blood sugar and implant complications.

I suffer from periodontitis. Periodontitis isn’t a contra indicator for dental implants. It is a disease of the layer that covers the root and the ligaments, so once the natural tooth is gone, there is no more periodontitis. You are certainly safe to get an implant.

I think I might be too old. While there is a myth that implants are not effective for older people, these devices work for the aged just as well as they do for younger patients. Osteoporosis is a condition that many old people suffer, but does not compromise their candidacy for dental implants. In fact, an 85-year old person can benefit from implants even in cases of bone loss.