Implant
Implant dentures have become increasingly popular over the past few years. This is based on the idea that the replacement of lost teeth is provided by an implant fixed in the bone.
The advantage of this replacement is that you do not have to grind down and crown adjacent teeth to replace the lost teeth, and if there is a problem with one of the pillar teeth supporting the bridge, you do not have to remove the entire bridge to extract that tooth. In addition, the part of the implant that is fixed in the bone can accompany its owner for life.
However, it is important to note that one implant is not enough to replace several teeth, as implants cannot be connected to natural teeth because they are fixed to the jawbone in a different way. While natural teeth are fixed in the jawbone by elastic bands, implants are completely rigidly bonded.
The other disadvantage of implants is the time factor, while bridge replacements are ready within about two weeks, implant replacements take much longer, because after implantation you have to wait a few months for the implant to ossify and stabilise in the jawbone, and only then can you start the reconstruction part.
In addition, there is another very important criterion for the placement of implants: the availability of sufficient bone in the area and the quality of the bone. To do this, we need a three-dimensional CT scan in every case to plan the implants.
We do not only use implants for fixed replacements. In some cases, when there is not a sufficient height of the jawbone ridge to receive removable replacements, we can use implants to achieve the correct retention for the prosthesis.
Mini implants can also be used as an anchor for orthodontic purposes.
