Frequently asked questions about dental implant in Luxembourg
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is the easiest way to replace a natural tooth. The implant mimics the root of your natural tooth allowing it to be strongly attached to your jaw bone. Implants last for years and require minimal care.
Which material is the ceramic implant made of?
With the high-performance ceramic zirconium dioxide, our ceramic implants display great body compatibility. They are 100% biocompatible and are thus suitable for all our patients.
What are the benefits and advantages of a ceramic implant?
Ceramic implants made from zirconium dioxide are the most biological system for secure, healthy teeth with a natural appearance. At INTEGRA Smile, we will always make sure that you benefit from an uncompromisingly high-quality, metal-free and therefore highly biocompatible material. Ceramic implants remain stable for decades and satisfy the highest requirements in terms of aesthetics and preservation of health. Your ceramic implant will be completely white, ensuring no dark edges that can become visible along the gums or shine darkly through the gingiva, as is often the case with titanium implants. Ceramic implants are metal-free, which means no corrosion, no electric charges and no other discomforts that you may have with metal-based implants.
What are the components of a dental implant and how do they function?
Dental implants are advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth, designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They consist of ceramic root that is surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a foundation for replacement teeth. This root integrates with the bone over time, providing a stable base for the abutment and crown that complete the restoration. Dental implants are favored for their durability, aesthetics, and ability to preserve bone structure.
Components of a Dental Implant:
- Ceramic Dental Implant (Root)
The ceramic dental implant acts as the root of the replacement tooth. Made from biocompatible ceramic material, it is inserted into the jawbone, where it undergoes a process called osseointegration, fusing with the bone over a few months. Ceramic implants are a popular choice for those seeking a metal-free option. They are durable and provide a natural-looking solution that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding bone. - The Abutment
The abutment is the connector piece that attaches the ceramic implant to the crown. Typically made of ceramic or metal, the abutment is screwed or cemented onto the implant once it has fully integrated with the jawbone. It sits above the gum line and serves as the foundation for the crown, providing a secure and stable link between the implant root and the visible tooth structure. - The Crown
The crown is the visible part of the dental implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It is custom-made from durable materials like porcelain or zirconia to match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. The crown is affixed to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration. This final piece not only restores the patient’s smile but also enhances chewing and speaking capabilities, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
How will my ceramic implant be placed?
At INTEGRA Smile, our experienced implantologists use minimally invasive surgical techniques and the possibilities of biological dentistry. For you, that means considerably less pain and swelling as well as faster wound healing.
How long does it take to place my ceramic implant?
Depending on the complexity of your case, it can take from 30 min to several hours. This is to be discussed with your dentist beforehand and after a thorough examination.
Is there any discomfort with a ceramic implant?
Just as any surgery, there can be some discomforts. Your dentist will prescribe all the necessary medication needed to ease this discomfort. Special care will also be taken in order to stay in contact with your dentist 24/7 after your surgery to answer your questions in case of any worry. After your surgery and proper cicatrisation, you will not feel your ceramic implant anymore.
Is there any chance of rejection?
An implant is not a proper transplant, as soft tissue might be. This does not mean that failure is not an option, but this means that other parameters should be taken into account to ensure the proper placement of your implant. At INTEGRA Smile, we will make sure to explain every step and every risk that can occur.
How long should I stay off of work after my dental implant surgery?
Thanks to our minimal invasive surgery, you will be able to go back to work the next day. At INTEGRA Smile, we will advise and provide you with a sick leave certificate if needed.
What make ceramic implants last longer than others?
Long-term success depends on multiple factors:
- The quality of the bone is a decisive factor. The better the bone and the more available, the greater the chance of long-term success.
- Secondly, the experience. At INTEGRA Smile, we value a combined experience of 50 years in implantology.
- Third, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or over dentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.
- Finally, like natural teeth, implants need to be checked and maintained regularly by your dentist at INTEGRA Smile.
What would happen if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Losing a tooth and not replacing it may cause other issues in the future. After some time, the bone starts to retract. As this bone disappears, problems with other teeth nearby and a lack of support for dentures, partials and bridges increase. These could include pain, mobility, lack of retention for prosthetics, sharp, painful ridges, mobile gum tissue and sore spots. The tongue enlarges to accommodate spaces of missing teeth. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function occurs and the diet shifts to softer foods. Also, when bone is lost, numbness to the lower lip or even the possibility of fracture of the jaw rises. Since the bone is deteriorating, it will spread and deteriorate around healthy teeth and ultimately cause the loss of those teeth like the “domino effect”.
Who can get a dental implant?
Anyone missing a tooth, several teeth or even all teeth can receive a dental implant. Ceramic implants are biocompatible meaning no tests are required beforehand. Together with your dentist at INTEGRA Smile, you will determine the best solution for your case.
Are there any age limitations for dental implants?
Minors that have not finished all their growth must not receive implants because this could interfere in the growing process of the jaws.
What might be some of the factors that would prevent me from receiving a dental implant?
If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to have an implant. General good health and adequate bone in the jaw are the key requirements. There are some medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor-quality bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.
How often will I need to have my dental implants checked?
The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well you maintain them. They will need to be examined by your implant dentist at least every 6 months. Also, brushing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term success. At INTEGRA Smile, you will receive some aftercare tips to ensure your implant to last the longest!