Implants

What is an Implant?

You can best see an implant as a kind of artificial root. It replaces an absent tooth root; that is the part of a tooth that is in the jaw. It is made of a body-friendly material such as titanium. It is inserted into the jaw like a screw and provides support for a crown, bridge or overdenture.

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A carrot with a molar

Implantaat en kroon

An implant with a crown

A carrot with a molar

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An implant with a crown

Implantaat en kroon
When are implants used?

In the absence of one tooth or molar, an implant is placed in the jaw at the location of the missing tooth and a crown made of ceramic or a combination of ceramic and metal is fixed on it.

A tooth has been replaced with an implant and a crown

In the absence of some teeth or molars two or more implants are placed and a fixed bridge is made. This bridge replaces the missing teeth and/or molars.

Three molars have been replaced by two implants with a bridge

One bridge on six implants

In the absence of all teeth and molars two or more implants are placed. Buttons or rods are then made on which a overdenture clicks. This is removable, but is much more fixed than a normal denture. Sometimes a non-removable bridge is made, but then you need at least four implants and the treatment is much more expensive because the insurer generally does not reimburse such treatment.

Two implants connected to each other serve as an anchor for the overdenture

Who places the implants and places the prosthetic device?

Implants can be fitted by a dentist trained in implantology, a dental implantologist or a dental surgeon. The crown or bridge on the implants is made by a dentist (implantologist) in collaboration with a dental laboratory. In the case of an overdenture on the implants, the practitioner can be a dentist or dental technician. The latter is not a dentist, but someone who has been specifically trained to make dental prostheses.

When is treatment with implants possible?

In principle, an implant can be placed on anyone with a fully grown jawbone (from the age of about eighteen). For a successful treatment, you must meet a few conditions:

  1. There must be sufficient jaw bone in height and width.
  2. The jawbone must be healthy.
  3. The gums of the remaining teeth must also be healthy. If not, that needs to be addressed first.
  4. The installed facilities must be well maintained.

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption adversely affect the success of the implants.

The practitioner assesses on the basis of X-rays whether you have sufficient jaw bone and whether the jaw bone is suitable for implants. Sometimes it is necessary to make new jaw bone in places where there is not enough bone.

How does the treatment with implants work?

You will be given a local anesthetic before the implants are placed. The gums are then loosened where the implant is to be placed so that the jawbone becomes visible. Then a hole is drilled in the jaw bone. The implant is screwed into it. Then the gums are sutured. If you need more than one implant, they will almost always be inserted during the same treatment visit.

  1. Place where the implant will be placed.
  2. The gums are loosened.
  3. A hole is drilled into the bone.
  4. The implant is placed.
  5. The gums are sutured.

1. Place where the implant will be placed

2. The gums are loosened

3. A hole is drilled into the bone

4. The implant is placed

5. The gums are sutured

After inserting the implants

After placing the implants, the gums can be painful and swollen. If necessary, you will be prescribed an analgesic for this. It is also wise to adjust your diet for one or two weeks after implant placement. Your practitioner can advise you on this.

During the first months after placement, you should not put too much strain on the implants. A temporarily placed provision guarantees the chewing function and aesthetics as much as possible. Two to six months after insertion, the implants have grown firmly into the bone and the dentist or a prosthodontist (in the case of an overdenture) can make the crown, bridge or prosthesis on them. He sometimes first removes a small piece of the gum above the implant under local anesthesia.

6. A piece of gum is removed

7. The crown is placed on the implant

Oral hygiene with implants

An implant under a crown or bridge is anchored in the bone. It is very important that you clean the transition from the crown or bridge to the gums well. Carefully brush this area with a soft toothbrush and use toothpicks, interdental brushes and/or dental floss. Poor oral hygiene can cause you to lose your implant.

Implants that serve as pillars under an overdenture should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush, brushes and/or (super) dental floss. Brush the part of the implant that protrudes above the gums twice a day. Pay extra attention to the transition from the implant to the gums. Clean the area under the splint with brushes and/or super floss as directed by your dentist or dental hygienist. If you do not remove food debris and plaque around the implants, the gums will become inflamed. As a result, they eventually lose their grip, become loose and can cause pain.

Brush the gums around the implants with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Aftercare for implants

Regular checks are necessary. The practitioner will indicate when he wants to see you again for a check-up. He will then check whether the gums around the implants are healthy and whether your crown, bridge or prosthesis is still in order. An x-ray is used to assess the situation of the jawbone around your implants.

Cost of implants

What you have to pay for the treatment depends on the nature of the treatment and on your health insurance. Treatment with implants for a overdenture in the lower jaw is usually almost fully reimbursed by health insurance. In other situations, such as a crown or a bridge on implants, health insurance often barely reimburses the treatment and you have to pay for everything yourself. Ask your practitioner for a quote and always consult with your insurer to avoid misunderstandings.