Dental Implants

Following the example of nature

Implants are artificial high-tech tooth roots made of titanium that grow firmly into the jaw. Thanks to the enormous development of implantology over the last 20 years, almost every situation of tooth loss can now be solved with implantology.

Are you affected by imminent or existing tooth loss? Or are you at risk of losing your implant? The reasons for tooth loss can be deep caries, severe bone loss (periodontitis) or a dental accident (trauma). It is also possible that this tooth never existed (non-attachment).

The consequences of this can vary depending on the situation. Your quality of life can suffer significantly as a result, e.g.  if you don't like your own smile anymore or your chewing comfort is limited. Your other teeth can be at risk if they are overloaded due to the missing tooth or need to be ground for a bridge.

What are the consequences of untreated tooth gaps?

If a tooth gap is not treated with dentures, adjacent teeth can migrate and change the bite over time. If there is a gap, there is always the risk that the surrounding teeth will tip into it and then become unusable. As with the muscles in the body, which shrink when they are not loaded, the untrained bone increasingly breaks down. Therefore, untreated tooth loss has more and more consequences as time goes on.

Procedure of an implantation

We are convinced that every patient case is as individual as the person himself. Therefore, it makes the most sense to always give you an insight into the various solutions that are suitable for you in a personal consultation and to discuss the exact procedure of the procedure.

In general, the process of implantation takes place in several steps and can look different depending on individual circumstances. Basically, the following aspects can be distinguished in the course of an implant treatment:

1. Consultation and diagnostics: At the first appointment, the patient is informed in detail about the topic of implantology and all open questions are discussed. It is decided individually which dentures will deliver the best result. In addition, X-rays are taken to assess the bone situation.
2. Planning: Based on the X-ray images and using modern computer-aided procedures, the dentist and oral surgeon can plan the optimal positioning of the implant. This increases safety and ensures a high quality of medical care.
3. Bone augmentation (if necessary): If there is a lot of bone loss, it may be necessary to perform bone augmentation before implantation. This is always done with the aim of putting as little strain on the patient as possible.
4. Implantation: In the actual surgical implantation, the artificial tooth root is inserted into the jawbone. The treatment is carried out using modern implantation techniques, which are often accompanied by swelling and pain. Microsurgical incisions help prevent swelling.
5. Healing phase: After the implant has been inserted, a certain healing phase is necessary, during which the implant fuses with the bone. During this time, temporary dentures can be worn. Generally, the healing process after implantation takes about 3 to 6 months, although there are individual differences and the time frame depends on various factors.
6. Manufacture and insertion of the dentures: As soon as the implant is firmly and stably anchored in the jaw, the definitive dentures (crown, bridge or denture) are made and placed on the implant.

Implantology offers an extremely gentle, painless treatment method that minimizes the time for the healing process. Through the choice of leading manufacturers and the close cooperation between dentist, oral surgeon and dental technician, a high-quality and long-lasting result is achieved. This method is suitable for a wide range of patients, including those after accidents, the elderly with diseased or damaged teeth, and inflammation or tooth loss due to illness, radiation or medication.

How painful is the insertion of an implant?

A possible anxiety factor for patients may be the worry of pain or swelling after implantation. Surprisingly, the insertion of an implant is not particularly painful. It is perceived as less painful than tooth extraction. Thanks to local anesthesia and twilight sleep, patients do not feel anything that the implantologist is doing in their mouths.

Modern treatment methods and individually tailored treatment plans help to reduce this factor. Microsurgical incisions and computer-aided planning can prevent swelling and pain. Bone augmentation is only performed when medically necessary.

What materials are used for dental implants?

The main materials used in the manufacture of dental implants are titanium and ceramic. Both materials offer different advantages and properties, which we would like to explain in more detail below.

• Titanium implants: Titanium is a commonly used material for dental implants because it has a high biocompatible and allergy-resistant property. This means that it works very well with the body tissues and jawbone, rarely causing allergic reactions. Titanium implants are durable and strong because they have very good osseointegrative properties. This means that they grow firmly together with the jawbone and thus form a stable basis for the fitted dentures. In our practice, we only use products from leading manufacturers to ensure the high quality of the materials used.
• Ceramic implants: Another option is ceramic implants, which have become increasingly important in recent years. Ceramic implants are made of a biocompatible and high-strength zirconia ceramic. They are particularly suitable for patients who are looking for a metal-free alternative to titanium implants. Ceramic implants are aesthetically pleasing because they offer a tooth-colored, natural-looking appearance and do not have any potential dark edges on the mucosa.

We know that the decision for a dental implant and the right material is crucial. Therefore, during the initial consultation, we will discuss all questions on the subject in detail and explain to you which dentures will deliver the best result in your individual case.

Who is a suitable candidate for a dental implant?

Dental implants are an innovative and effective procedure to replace lost teeth and improve patients' quality of life by restoring function and aesthetics.

Patients who need to replace one or more lost teeth are suitable for implants. This may be necessary due to accidents, gingivitis with bone loss and tooth loss, inflammation after root canal treatments, or diseases that can lead to tooth loss. People of all ages can benefit from dental implants as long as they have sufficient jawbone to support the implant.

Implantology offers the possibility of replacing individual teeth, solving free-end situations or providing stable care for edentulous jaws. Implants are an alternative to dental bridges because they do not grind adjacent teeth and the tooth structure is preserved. Dental implants promote bone formation and prevent bone loss.

What are the risks and potential complications associated with implantology?

Although nowadays, thanks to modern techniques, excellent results are achieved in many cases and swelling and pain can often be avoided, there are also certain risks and potential complications associated with implantology.

• Infections: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection during implantation. However, the likelihood of infection can be minimized by microsurgical incisions and careful follow-up.
• Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerve damage can occur during implantation, causing numbness, pain or tingling in the area of the lips, cheeks or tongue. The use of computer-aided planning and precise X-rays can help reduce the risk of nerve damage.
• Bone loss: In some patients, bone augmentation may be necessary prior to implantation due to bone loss. This is especially the case when the maxillary sinus grows into the edentulous area after the loss of a tooth in the upper jaw and thus the bone height at the implantation site is insufficient.
• Implant failure and loss: In some cases, the implant may not heal or may be rejected by the body. Although titanium and ceramic are usually very biocompatible and avoid rejection, there are still cases where the implant does not heal or loses its hold. However, the risk can be reduced by using high-quality materials and dental techniques.

To minimize possible complications and risks, it is important to choose an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. A thorough examination, taking into account the individual needs and risks of the patient, should be carried out before implant treatment. Comprehensive education about the procedure, possible risks and alternatives, as well as careful follow-up care, are also of great importance in order to achieve the best possible outcome and minimize possible fears and problems of the patient related to implantology.

Why does a dental implant become loose?

The cause of implant loss is that bacteria have migrated to the depths at the transition point from the gums to the implant, which is directly connected to your bone.

Now your implant is causing you problems and you are afraid that it will have to be removed or that you will lose it?

Before you think about the worst, let's first take a look at the condition of your implant. We have various procedures at our disposal that can prevent implant loss in the case of existing peri-implantitis or, in the case of mucositis, the precursor of peri-implantitis, prevent the disease from progressing in the first place.

Dr. Frank Willebrand – Our specialist for dental implants

Frank Willebrand is an experienced oral surgeon who specializes in all surgical procedures in dentistry, such as dental implants, bone augmentation, microsurgical apicoectomies, surgical removal of teeth, etc. In Dr. Nina van Sprundel's practice, he uses his extensive expertise to provide our patients with the best possible surgical care. 

Dr. Willebrand has in-depth knowledge of modern techniques and takes a minimally invasive approach to minimize swelling, pain and recovery time for patients. With his expertise and conscientious approach, he ensures that oral surgery procedures are safe and comfortable for patients.

Frank Willebrand

Peri-implantitis

Similar to periodontitis on natural teeth, "peri-implantitis" refers to the inflammation of the surrounding tissue (mucosa and bone) around an implant. The preliminary stage is perimucusitis, an inflammation limited to the mucous membrane in the area of the implant neck. 

If missing teeth have been replaced by implants, they require special care. The basic prerequisites for the longevity of your implants are close check-ups with your dentist, regular professional teeth cleaning and instructions to improve oral hygiene at home. 

If one of these prerequisites is lacking and factors such as nicotine consumption, diabetes, untreated periodontitis, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, bisphosphonate therapy, immune suppression or osteoporosis are added, this can lead to inflammation around the implant. 

Peri-implantitis therapy with modern Perioflow powder jet technology

The treatment focuses on manual cleaning of the affected area. The aim is to reduce the bacterial count. This is done in our practice according to the latest guidelines using the Perioflow method.

Furthermore, detailed instructions for your oral hygiene and an improvement in hygiene in the area of the implant may already be sufficient to prevent the disease from progressing. 

A surgical procedure is only necessary if bone resorption around the implant has been reliably diagnosed. This involves removing the infected tissue and filling the bone defect with bone replacement material. The exact treatment is individually tailored to the patient's specific dental situation and carried out by our trained specialist staff. If peri-implantitis is too advanced, removal of the implant is the only treatment of choice.