Smile Revival: 8 Quick-Fire Facts About Dental Implants

1. What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial root which we integrate into the jawbone, in a broad sense similar to a screw. After integration of the implant, the human body starts the process of so-called ‘osseointegration’. This is the bone cells starting to re-model the bone, producing new bone cells which get into contact with the surface of the dental implant. This process takes 3 – 6 months.

After this process, the artificial root can be used to have the final dental prosthetic fixed onto it. This may be single crowns, bridgework or a partial or full denture.

Dental implants are mainly made out of titanium. In recent times, ceramic implants have become increasingly popular. Yet current literature still considers titanium as the gold standard in dental implantology.
In the human body, titanium doesn’t cause any antibody response. This is important for the bone cells to be able to adapt to the surface of the implant. The highly engineered surface of a dental implant is crucial to achieving a good outcome and survival of the implant.

1.1 Benefits of Dental Implants

• Replaces both the tooth root and crown
• Osseointegration process ensures secure and stable integration
• Titanium material is biocompatible and widely used

1.2 Types of Dental Prosthetics

• Crowns for single tooth replacement
• Bridgework for multiple missing teeth
• Dentures for edentulous patients

2. Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Having a complete set of teeth is vital for dental health, and dental implants offer a unique solution, replacing both the tooth root and crown. However, exploring alternative options is essential to make an informed choice. Implantologists consider your general medical condition i.e. what risks there might be, when taking into account your medical history. He or she should explain what the likely outcome will be, and what you’ll need to do to maintain your implants at a healthy level.

2.1 The Importance of Full Dentition

• Dental health relies on having a complete set of teeth
• Missing or damaged teeth should be restored or replaced
• Dental implants offer a comprehensive solution

2.2 Considering Alternative Options

• Bridgework as an alternative for single tooth replacement
• Assessing suitability and long-term benefits

3. How Will an Implant Feel Once it’s in?

Implants which have become well integrated into the jaw give virtually the same feeling as your natural teeth. In fact, you’ll probably hardly be able to tell the difference which is which.

But there is a situation where there’s a real difference. Patients who are ‘edentulous’, meaning without any teeth, will have full dentures which are secured by the dental implants in their upper and lower jaws (e.g. All On 4, All On 6). Here, the patient won’t have the sensitivity which you get with natural teeth to feel really small bits of food which get lodged in between the teeth. This is because natural healthy teeth, have tiny nerves which can feel the smallest things which get between them.

Also, if you bite on something hard with your natural teeth which might harm then, there is a reflex to immediately release the pressure. This response wouldn’t happen anymore with a full restoration of prosthetic teeth to a jaw. The consequence is a higher risks of chipping one of the crowns.

3.1 Natural Feeling and Sensation

• Well-integrated implants feel natural and comfortable
• Similar sensation to natural teeth

3.2 Considerations for Full Denture Wearers

• Reduced sensitivity in full dentures
• Precautions to avoid damaging prosthetic teeth

4. Will an Implant Last for a Long Time Without Problems?

Yes. Well-integrated implants last a very long time without any difficulties arising. Bear in mind good oral hygiene is needed to ensure an implant doesn’t become infected, so multiple visits to a dental hygienist each year are highly recommended.

4.1 Longevity of Well-Integrated Implants

• Properly integrated implants last a lifetime
• Importance of regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits

4.2 Ensuring Implant Health

• Maintenance and care for long-lasting implants
• Addressing any concerns promptly

5. What are the Risks of Dental Implants?

The main risk is the loss of a dental implant. This doesn’t normally cause a lot of pain or discomfort, and it’s normally possible to replace the lost implant from about 6 weeks later. Where the lost implant is located in an area of the jaw with minimal bone available, it may be necessary to augment (supplement) the bone first before replacing.

5.1 Addressing Implant Loss

• Replacing lost implants
• Bone augmentation for implant stability

5.2 Infection Risk and Implant Health

• Implant infection and potential complications
• Importance of proper care and hygiene

6. What do Implants Cost?

A general guide for having a single implant placed in your mouth is 2,000 – 2,500 Euros. Why a ‘general guide’ only? Well, because in reality, until you’ve had a full assessment by an implantologist, it’s impossible to say exactly how much dental work is needed for achieving a long-term healthy implant.

6.1 Transparent Pricing and Assessments

• General cost estimates for single implants
• Importance of personalised assessments

6.2 Regulations and Comprehensive Care

• Strict regulations in Germany for patient protection
• Ensuring comprehensive care and budget considerations

7. Does Medical Insurance Cover Having Dental Implants?

Private insurance should cover between 60 and 80 per cent of the costs. Public insurances (which don’t exist in the UK anyway) only pay towards the prosthetics (the crown, bridge etc) which are placed onto the actual implant. The exact percentage depends on several factors, but will be between 20 and 40 per cent of the cost of the crown.

7.1 Private Insurance Coverage

• Coverage percentages for private medical insurance
• Understanding public insurance and prosthetic coverage

7.2 Affordable Dental Implants

• Private insurance contribution for dental implant treatment
• Ensuring access to quality dental care

8. Are there more Straightforward, “less Invasive” Options to Implants?

In the case of just a few missing teeth, yes. The alternative is bridgework, which could be described as “less invasive” as it doesn’t involve an implant as an artificial root. The bridgework is secured on existing natural teeth, which are reduced down for this purpose. In many cases, however, there’s no other option than implants to rehabilitate with fixed new teeth. Nevertheless, we have working methods which improve the process, making it more straightforward for our patients. Also, the latest technical methods, such as navigated surgery, can reduce the procedure time greatly. It can even be done without cutting the gum. The result is less post-operational problems, swelling, or pain and discomfort.

8.1 Less Invasive Options

• Bridgework as an alternative to implants
• Evaluating the suitability of less invasive options

8.2 Innovation in Dental Implants

• Navigated surgery and reduced procedure time
• Minimizing post-operative issues and discomfort