Applications for Dental Implants

Below we present different example applications for dental implants, which are carried out in our practice every day. Drs. Kappel & Partner, along with our master-technician team, now look back on more than 20 years of experience in dental implantology. We take great pride in considering this branch of dentistry our specialty. Even though the topic is far more complex and could fill entire books, we'll sketch a brief overview below. This is by no means a substitute for a dental consultation, since important individual factors are not accounted for here. The single gap Closing a gap in an otherwise intact row of teeth is the most common application for implants. Using an all-ceramic crown, the gap can be closed once the implant has healed successfully — without having to grind down the neighboring teeth as would be needed for a bridge. Below is a simplified comparison of the pros and cons of implantation, though this cannot be taken as universally valid given individual circumstances. Advantages: - Neighboring teeth stay healthy - Jawbone is preserved - Greater stability - Better aesthetics Disadvantages: - Surgical risks - Longer treatment duration - Higher cost (at least short-term!) The remaining dentition In a situation where only a few scattered teeth remain, dental implantology is the only alternative to a classic removable partial denture. Here, the possible form of future dental prosthesis mainly depends on the position and quality of the remaining teeth. If the conditions for implantation are met, a fixed restoration can be planned. An essential requirement, however, is that you have regular professional teeth cleanings and dental check-ups, to best protect your remaining teeth and the implants. About risk factors... The toothless jaw When no natural teeth remain at all, three implant-based concepts can generally be applied. Here, the recommendation for the different treatment types strongly depends on individual circumstances (e.g. jaw volume, bone quality, medication, tobacco use, etc.), and not every variant can always be carried out due to potential risk factors. These concepts differ: - in the number of implants to be placed, - in the dental-technical construction (fixed / semi-removable), - in comfort, and - in cost. Concepts for fixed teeth For restoring a toothless upper or lower jaw, there are three different restoration concepts, briefly introduced below. In this restoration option, two implants are placed in the original canine regions. Once healed, special press-stud attachments can be fitted onto the implants. These significantly improve the fit of the full denture. Here, two implants are placed on each side and then restored with a semi-removable bridge. This form of restoration combines the hygienic advantages of a removable prosthesis and offers considerably more comfort compared to the press-stud variant. This restoration requires 6–8 implants. Only then can sufficient stability be guaranteed for a fixed construction. It is by far the most comfortable option and comes closest to natural teeth. However, it is also the most involved and costly therapy, and depends heavily on the shape of the jaw.