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FAQ
Frequently asked Questions
Dentistry & implantology
Aesthetic medicine
Plasma therapy
In Germany, more than 1 million dental implants are placed annually (as of December 3, 2018 - zm-online.de). Implants have been available since the 1960s, and dental implantology has since undergone enormous developments in research and innovations in materials and digital procedures. Studies show that over 95% of dental implants placed by certified implantologists are still functional after decades.
In most cases, dental implants offer the highest quality solution for single-tooth gaps and edentulous jaw sections. Implant-supported dentures are functionally sound and aesthetically the best option when implantation is possible. If the existing bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be necessary. Alternative solutions to implants include bridges (if there are enough healthy adjacent teeth) or removable partial dentures. Overall, implants represent the most comfortable and natural-looking solution.
An immediate implant is placed directly after tooth extraction or loss. This means the implant is positioned during the same procedure. Immediate implants can also be fitted with special temporary prostheses immediately, provided there is sufficient primary stability of the implant in the bone. Advantages of immediate implantation include: prevention of bone loss after tooth extraction, minimization of the need for further bone grafting procedures, fewer surgeries overall, and rapid provision of new dentures.
Most dental implants currently on the market are made of high-purity titanium. Titanium is biocompatible and particularly compatible with tissue, meaning it integrates very well into the bone. In addition, ceramic implants made of zirconium dioxide are increasingly used, for example, in cases of intolerance to titanium or other metallic foreign materials. A blood test can be used to test for suspected titanium intolerance.
Prosthetic crowns, bridge frameworks, and implant teeth are now almost all metal-free, for example, made from zirconium dioxide. Zirconium dioxide dental implants are also possible. These are very biocompatible and have the added advantage of closely resembling natural tooth color due to their white appearance.
Generally, implants in the upper jaw heal within three months, and in the lower jaw within two months. However, the healing process can vary considerably from patient to patient. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary, and healing can take up to six months. If high primary stability is achieved with immediate implantation, for example in the area of the upper front teeth, a temporary crown can be attached to the implant for aesthetic reasons during the healing period. However, there is always a certain risk that the implant will not heal under the stress of chewing and biting, leading to implant loss.
Studies have shown that, once successfully integrated, an artificial tooth root (implant) is more stable and durable than natural tooth roots. However, a functional analysis of the teeth and jaw joints is still advisable to determine the cause of teeth grinding and bruxism and, if necessary, to treat it.
In the lower jaw, a nerve runs through a bony canal in the posterior region, alongside blood vessels. Its function is to provide sensation to the lower lip and part of the chin. If this nerve is injured during implant placement or other surgery, numbness in the lower lip and chin area can occur, which may be prolonged or even permanent. The risk is very low and virtually eliminated with meticulous planning. However, it can never be completely ruled out. Every patient is informed about this risk before surgery. Should this occur, contact your dentist for regular follow-up appointments and to discuss taking vitamin B complex to support nerve regeneration. The mandibular nerve can regenerate (6-12 months); nerve tissue grows approximately 1 mm per month.
Dentin, along with enamel, is a component of teeth. During extractions, we utilize all salvageable parts of your natural tooth and use the harvested material for bone augmentation, for example, in immediate implant procedures. Following the extraction, all unhealthy parts of the tooth are removed prior to bone augmentation. The usable material is then processed using a device called a "tooth transformer." This process demineralizes and disinfects the portions of the tooth suitable for bone grafting.
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