8 questions about implants

What is an implant?An implant is an artificial root that is usually made of titanium. Implants are ‘screwed’ into the bone tissue and grow there for four weeks to three months. They form a solid basis for artificial teeth and molars. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, but can also serve as the basis for a full denture.

How long do implants last?Long. They have been installed for about 25 years. They are now believed to last a lifetime. A condition for this is that the surrounding bone and gums remain healthy.

What is the difference with normal dentures?Ordinary dentures only replace the chewing surfaces of teeth. The roots – the anchors holding them in the jawbone – are pulled, but nothing is put in their place. This causes problems for many people who wear dentures. As the jaw shrinks, dentures that initially fit snugly become loose and can become painful. Biting and chewing are no longer smooth. With implants, this problem is literally tackled at the root. Fixed dentures that are fully anchored on implants do not yet feel like their own teeth, but they do remain firmly in place. Dentures on implants are called an overdenture or also called a click denture.

Are they suitable for everyone?New. Sufficient jaw bone must be present to place one or more implants in the jaw. That is not the case for everyone. The shape of the jaw must also be appropriate. The dentist will check this in an extensive preliminary examination. Another condition is that you must be in good physical condition to be able to withstand the procedure.

Can they be used under pre-existing dentures?Sometimes. There are two ways to rest full dentures on implants:
a. by a loose prosthesis, which is anchored on only two implants. You can remove this overdenture yourself. Dentures that no longer fit properly because the jaw bone has shrunk can in principle be supported with implants. The condition is that the dentures are still in good condition.
b. by a fixed prosthesis that cannot be removed from the mouth. At least five implants are placed in the lower jaw and at least eight in the upper jaw. Crowns and/or bridges are then attached to it. However, this is no longer called dentures but a fixed bridge construction on implants. Which option someone chooses depends on the condition of the jawbone and the financial possibilities.

Who places the implant?Both oral surgeons and specially trained dentists can place implants. The suprastructure – the crown, bridge or prosthesis that comes on top of the implants – is made by dentists who have followed extra courses for this.

How does the treatment proceed?The operation consists of two steps. In the first phase, the artificial roots are placed. The gums are loosened and for each artificial root the dentist or oral surgeon drills a hole in the bone, into which he screws the implant. Then he closes the gums with stitches. This procedure, under local anaesthetic, takes about 45 minutes to one and a half hours. However, the gums can swell and hurt afterwards. After this first phase, the implants need rest for four weeks to three months to settle into the jawbone. You can only eat liquid food for one to two weeks. The dentist can then adjust the existing dentures after which you can eat normally again. In the second phase, the dentist makes a fixed bridge construction or a removable overdenture.

Are the costs reimbursed?The reimbursements of dental implants differ greatly per health insurance policy. Ask your health insurer about the reimbursement before your dentist starts working.