Dental Implants FAQs

Contrary to what you might think, conventional dentures are not always cost-effective. The initial layout for dental implant treatment varies on how many implants are needed and if bone augmentation is required. Other factors include the surgery itself, lab work, the prosthesis and your dentist’s and dental technician’s fees. A cost plan will be developed only when all of these aspects have been addressed, and in some cases, dental implants may be more economical in the long term.

Implant therapy is not an experimental approach; rather it is a well-proven, state-of-the-art medical dental technique that has been scientifically tested and used for decades by dentists and surgeons worldwide. Depending on the condition of each patient, potential risk factors may vary. Bad oral hygiene or limited healing of the wound due to pre-existing medical conditions (for example diabetes and osteoporosis) may reduce the odds of the implant remaining in place. Since every surgical procedure carries potential risks, your dentist will evaluate whether dental implants are the option for you.

Dental implants are generally inserted under local anesthetic to help minimize discomfort during the operation. Patients experiencing any doubts about the condition of the implant site after the procedure, should make sure to consult your dentist.

It is possible to insert implants as soon as the jaw has stopped growing. Therefore, in young patients, dental implants can only be placed once their jaw bones are fully developed. At the other end of the spectrum, there is no age limit, given of course that the patient does not display any significant medical risk factors. This will be evaluated by one of specialists.

After insertion of your implant, the bonding process (osseointegration) takes about minimum 6-8 weeks. In this time, the implant reaches the stability needed for it to bear weight like a natural tooth. As always, healing times can vary depending on the individual condition and indication.

Long-term surveys have shown that Dental Implants have very high survival rates.* Patients can count on reliable solutions as Straumann makes no compromises on quality. According to a survey carried out with 10,000 patients in Germany**, 66 percent of those questioned were “extremely happy” with their implant-supported restorations and 31% were “happy.” Of patients with conventional restorations, only 42% claimed to be “extremely happy” while 44% said they were “generally happy”.

* Blanes RJ, Bernard JP, Blanes ZM, Belser UC. A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. I: Clinical and radiographic results. Clin Oral Implants Res 2007; 18:699-706 ** Riegl Survey 6

Impeccable oral hygiene is vital before an implant can be placed. After insertion, teeth need to be carefully looked after, irrespective of whether they are real or artificial. Diligent oral hygiene helps to ensure satisfactory results.

Titanium is a biocompatible metal. This means it is non-toxic and well-tolerated by the body. Implants made from titanium bond very well to living bone and have been used for decades in the medical device industry. Because of these attributes, titanium dental implants can last for decades. If you are looking for a metal-free alternative, there are options with ceramic implants. They are made from high-strength ceramic and designed to achieve maximum functional and esthetic demands. In cases of thin or recessed gums, the implant will not shimmer through as it has the color of a natural tooth.