Frequently asked questions

IMPLANTS

What are the implants made of?
Implants are pure surgical-grade titanium.The material has proven to be so good that now 99 percent of all dental implants systems are made of pure titanium.It is extremely stable and is very compatible to the body.Titanium also becomes firmly integrated into the bone tissue.These positive properties have been confirmed not only in implant dentistry but also in many other medical areas, such prosthetic joints for many decades.Implant-like a natural tooth root-is completely buried in the jawbone and it is invisible.Titanium is still the gold standard of implant materials.

How long does the implant last?
After the healing phase a correctly inserted quality implant will be more resistant to many influences that the natural root of the tooth.A titanium implant with the optimum prosthetic load will not break.And it is immune to caries.Consistent oral higiene will keep your gums and the implant site healthy.With appropriate care implants can last a lifetime.

How can I  prepare  for the  consultation?
You should be thoroghly informed  before the consultation.Make a list of questions beforehand so you don`t forget any.Don`t forget to inform the dentist of any other diseases and medications that you take regurarly.

Is the general anaesthetic really not necessary for implant placement?
No,Local anaesthetic can completely prevent any pain.When the dentist prepares the implant site in the bone and place the implant in, you will feel vibration and slight pressure but no pain.For most patients the procedure feels like normal treatment for caries, which is also conducted under local anaesthetic.

How much will it all cost?
The cost depends of the extent of the treatment and the number of implants.A general estimate for an implant-borne crown including all medical and denta; services would be in the range of 1.500 euros.An implant borne bridge (for three missing teeth) would start at around 4.500 euros.

How do I care for my implant-borne teeth?
Implant-borne teeth not only look like natural teeth.They can be cleaned just as easily with a toothbrush (including an electric one) and tooth paste.When cleaning implants the spaces between the teeth and the transitions to the gums are particulary important.These areas are colonized by bacteria that attack the jawbone around the implant.This can be prevented with dental floss or small interdental brushes.This will remove stubborn plaque and your teeth will look as good as new.You should make regular prophylaxis appointments with your dentist as well (such as every six months).It`s worth it.

Can i bite and eat normally with an implant-borne denture?
Regardless of wether you have an implant-borne crown, bridge, or denture: you will be able to eat, bite, talk and laugh just you could formerly with your second set of teeth.The denture will be firmly attached to your implants and you can feel quite secure with it.

Will implant-borne teeth feel like my own or will I feel as if I have a foreign body in my mouth?
Implant-borne teeth will feel quite natural when you are talking, eating and laughing. You won`t feel any difference.

PROCEDURE

How many appointments will be required for my new tooth roots?
This depends on the scope and type of treatment.One session is usually enough for the consultation at which the dentist will be able to answer your questions.The next appointment will be for the preliminary examinations and planning.The new tooth roots can generally be inserted in the jaw bone a short time later in one treatment session.In this procedure the dentist makes a small incision in the gum at the implant position, which is then sutured over the implant after insertion of the implant.The wound is checked to ensure that that it is healing properly one or two days after implant placement.After about ten days the sutured are removed.Now you can wait for the bone to regenerate during the healing phase without any more treatment sessions.

Is an implant placement really a day-surgery procedure?
Yes.The implant dentist works atraumatically and safely so multiple implants can generally be placed without problems in one single session.

Can implants be placed immediately after removing teeth?
Yes, this is often possible today.The implant is placed in the fresh wound immediately after removal of a tooth.This is refered to as immediate implant placement (not to be confused with immediate loading of implants).Available only for the good anatomical conditions.

When and how are the teeth placed on the implant?
In a normal healing process the implants will be fully integrated into the bone in the upper jaw after about six months and in the lower jaw after about four months.Your new crowns can then be firmly fixed in place.
The dentist uncovers the "head" of the implant and temporarily screws on a small cap, called healing screw, to shape the gum correctly.An impression is taken after this stage.The dental technician uses the impression as the basis for the fabrication of your denture.After the colors have been precisely matched and a test fit the denture is securely attached to the implants.

What exactly does "immediate loading" mean and does it aply to me?
The usual plan for implant-borne teeth includes an healing phase with no loading on the implants after they have been inserted.In this procedure the gap is temporarily closed with a classical temporary denture, which is normally attached to the neighboring teeth.However, in immediate loading new implant systems and methods are used that under specific conditions allow the denture to be attached to the implants immediately.Patients receive their implant and have fixed, natural looking teeth on the same day.Whether immediate loading is suitable for you will depend on the state of the jawbone and the position of the implants.Ask your dentist about the options.

Will I be in pain after the procedure?
The gum will propably be sensitive in the first few days after the procedure but will not bleed any more.Your cheek may swell for a short time and may feel uncomfortable.However, most patients will not even need a painkiller on the following day and can return to normal life.

Will I be without teeth during treatment and the healing phase?
No.If you had a removable denture before treatment, it will generelly only require a minor adjustment to allow you to continue to use it.If you did not have a removable denture beforehand, the gap can still be covered with a temporary denture.In some circumstances it can sometimes be fixed to the implants immediately.In the case of such long-term temporary dentures there are very sophisticated solutions that are virtually indistinguishable from the final crowns and your natural teeth.

When can I go back to work again?
Your dentist will propably give you a certificate for a few days of work.However, you will usually be able to live normally the day after the operation and go back to work a few days later.

Are the difference in quality among implants?
Like virtually any product there are very high-quality implants and lower-quality models.For example, there are differences in the shape of implants, particulary with the surface.The surface of an implant can be modified to improve the principally tissue-compatible material properties of titanium, but they can also be reduced.Always have your dentist inform you about the characteristics of the implant that is to be used.Ask about the long-term experience.Also ask about the long-term availability of replacement components in case your denture ever has to be renewed in the future.

Why can I trust Friadent implants?
Friadent implants are quality German product, whose design is based on decades of research, developement and documented clinical experience.They are the result of high-precision manufacture.Starting from the purhcase of the raw material the entire production chain is subject to extremely rigid certified quality standards.The range of products covers three systems with differently shaped implants in various sizes and lenghts, so the dentist can select the exact type for your specific initial situation.All implants are made of pure titanium and have a unique microstructured surface, which actively supports the healing process of the bone..The highly developed surface characteristics make it possible for bone cells to be deposited directly on the implant and to form  new bone.Friadent implants offer the best conditions for optimum healing and the formation of a permanent stable base for implants.
Friadent system also offer extremelly esthetic prosthetic solutions for every requirement and for every initial situation.And if the denture fixed to Friadent implants ever needs to be replaced, you can be quite sure that your dentist will be able to obtain all the required components even years later regerdless of where you are in the world.

BONE GRAFTING

When is the bone grafting necessary?
If the jaw has no teeth and is not subject to the associated natural chewing load over a long period, the bone gradually atrophies.This is a similar process to that of a muscle that atrophies bacause it is no longer used.Certain bacteria can also destroy the bone.This is referred to as periodontitis-otherwise known as periodontosis-,an inflamatory disease of the periodontium.If the bone is weakened or thin and an implant cannot be placed in it,the dentist will recommend bone grafting.The bone tissue is restored with autologous bone or bone replacement material as atraumatically as possible.A mixture of both autogenous bone and bone replacement material is often used.The grafting material is layered directly on the bone and gradually converted by the body to strong bone substance.The bone can be widened or lifted by this method.At the back of the upper jaw the bone is generally lifted by a sinus lift procedure.This prevents part of the implant from extending into the maxillary sinus.Bone grafting can often be done during implant placement.However, in the other cases a separate outpatient procedure may also be required.


DENTURES

Can implant-borne dentures be replaced or, if more teeth are lost, extended?
Yes, the denture can be replaced or modified at any time.A single tooth implant can be converted into an abutment for a bridge or prosthesis without difficulty, even after many years.

I already have a normal full denture.Do I need a new one for attachement to the implants?
If the existing denture will guarantee optimum load of the implants and good chewing function, it can certainly be adjusted for fixing to implants.The dentist can acces your individual situation and will recommend the solution for you.

What happens if one of my own teeth that is integrated into the denture as an abutment is lost?
If a tooth has to be removed, for example because of root inflamation, it can generally be replaced by an additional implant without difficulty.The support and possibly also the denture will be modified accordingly.

Will I have to remove an implant-borne denture at night?
A conventional denture should be removed at night, because it may come adrift during sleep and may block the pharynx or the respiratory passage.An implant-borne denture is normally fixed in place and can be left in place at night without danger.Your dentist will advise you about this.You only have to ask.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND RISK

If I am diabetic can I still have an implant?
Yes.However, your diabetes must be well controlled.Diabetes that is poorly controlled or untreated may adversely affect the healing processes for metabolic reasons.If there is any doubt the dentist will consult your doctor.

Is it possible to be allergic to dental implants?
No.Dental implants have been available for more than 40 years.Over this long period no allergies to titanium implants have become known.Titanium has no allergenic components and its completely neutral in the body.Of the materials used for crowns and bridges ceramic has proven the most compatibility to the body.

Are dental implants advisable for smokers?
The long-term succes rate of implants can be endangered by smoking.Discucc it with your dentist.He can acces the risk in your case.

Can I still exercise and play sport after implant placement?
Exercise after implant placement is not a problem.However if you take part in activities involving vigorous movement, you should consult the dentist first.A few days of rest may be recommended to avoid affecting the healing process.

Are there any diseases that would prevent implant placement?
Not really.If you have a serious general disease, such as a cardiovascular disease, srious kidney damage, a tendency to hemorrhage or an impaired immune system,you should always inform the dentist.In some cases side effect of medications may affect the healimg process, so the dentist should be informed of any medications that you take regurarly at the first consultation.The dentist will advice you of the options and assist you to make your own decision on the basisi of your health profile.

Are there any interactions with medications?
This is possible with certain medications.For example, cortisone can change the metabolism and immune system of the body in such a way that problems with healing may be encountered.Anticoagulation medications may cause serious hemorrhages during implant placement.If you are required to take medications regurarly, you must discuss them with your dentist.

Is the minimum age for dental implants?
Bone growth should be completed at the time of implant placement.It can be assumed that this os complete by about the age of 18 years.

Is implant contraindicated at an advanced age?
It is never too late to improve your quality of life withimplants.The treatment is solow-riskthat implants can be placed in patients aged 70,80 or even 90 years.There is no upper age limit.If you are fit for many other routine dental treatment and you are in good health,you can also have implants.

Could implants affect my cardiac pacemaker?
No.Implants have no  electromagnetic effect.They cannot  affect the operation of your pacemaker in an way.

Will metal detectors beep at my implant, such as at an airport check?
No, don`t worry about it.Implants are not magnetic and they are also much too small to trigger the detector.

Are there any risk involved with implant placement?
An implant placement is a minor surgical procedure.Complications such as injuries to nerves and blood vessels during placement of implants are certainly possible.This is extremely unlikely these days with the advances in diagnostics and planning.When an implant is placed by a qualified dentist, the risk are no greater than when removing a wisdom tooth.

And if an implant becomes infected?
When detected early enough infections caused by bacteria can usually be treated succesfully.If  you attend regular appointments for dental care and prophylaxis at your dentist and also clean your teeth regurarly at home, you are unlikely to be affected.