Frequently asked questions
How have teeth been replaced to date?
To date, many patients have been used to traditional dental bridges and dentures. Both methods help people, but they also have considerable disadvantages.
A bridge (as implied by its name) bridges the gap between teeth. And just like a bridge, it needs two firm supporting abutments. To build them, two healthy and fully functional teeth must be used. They are irreversibly damaged by grinding and can no longer fulfil their original function.
Total tooth replacement also causes considerable problems. Over time, the denture fits worse and worse. The reason is, in some patients, the progressive loss of the jawbone tissue under the denture while others experience hypertrophy of the oral mucosa under the denture. The wearer of a loose denture is unable to chew food properly, which can subsequently cause severe disorders of the digestive tract. In addition, the denture may also inhibit the patient from enjoying a full social life.
How do LASAK implants work?
An implant is an artificial replacement of the tooth root, made of unalloyed titanium, which is not rejected by bone tissue as an alien body; on the contrary, it creates a direct and tight bond with it. The implant is inserted in the jawbone to replace the missing root of the original tooth. Together with the abutment, it creates the base for attaching a new tooth. The artificial tooth is anchored in a similar way as a healthy tooth. This is the only way to make the implant as strong and fully functional as the original tooth.
What is the treatment process like?
First, the implant in the shape of a small screw is inserted into the jaw. As soon as the implant heals over the following weeks, the abutment is mounted onto the implant. The abutment has a cylindrical shape protruding from the gum. An artificial ceramic tooth, indistinguishable from an original one and with a strong bite, is then easily fixed to the abutment.
Is the treatment painful?
Absolutely not. Implant insertion into the jawbone is a regular procedure for a trained dentist. It is performed in the dentist’s surgery under locally injected anesthetics. The insertion of one implant takes approximately 15 minutes. Our patients claim that the experience with the implant insertion is comparable to tooth extraction.
Who are implants recommended for?
The implants can be recommended for anyone. They help fill both smaller and larger gaps, restore a shortened dental arch and they can be used for completely toothless patients as well. The concrete application should always be chosen by the dentist with regard to the patient’s overall state of health.
How long do implants last?
To a certain extent, it depends on you. You should pay attention to regular and careful oral hygiene, as advised by your dentist. It is absolutely essential that your mouth be in a good hygienic condition, as the inflammatory process of periodontal tissue can lead to implant failure. In the case of inflammation, an implant can do more harm than good. Your dentist is as interested as you are in the implant’s long service life. For this reason, you will be invited for regular check-ups. Please, follow your dentist’s detailed instructions.