Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 16:30, Friday: 8.30 - 12.00, Saturday and evenings: by appointment
Implant prosthesis
While wearing a denture the lower jaw shrinks slowly. As a result, the lower teeth denture will, over time, becoming loose. The dentist or denturist can temporarily resolve these problems. But many people would rather have a firmer and more comfortable denture. Fortunately, such a denture exists! Namely an “implant supported denture” (click-denture).
This is a thin screw of titanium in the (lower) jaw. Titanium is a tissue-friendly material. After inserting this, it will form a solid connection with the jawbone.
This depends mainly on what needs to be done but usually around 4 months (from the placement of the implants until the final click-denture).
The insertion of the implants is usually done under local anesthesia. After this procedure there may occur some swelling. This discomfort will disappear after a few days.
For this prosthesis a 17% personal contribution is required, and 10% for a replacement version. However, the treatment is often partially covered by supplementary insurance from health insurers. Please seek advice about this from your denturist, oral surgeon or dentist before your first treatment.
What to expect
Step 1
If you had an artificial denture for a long time, it might not fit tight anymore because your jaw rim shrinks. This causes pain. In this case, you might want to consider implants. We discuss your complaints and wishes regarding your current denture. The cost analysis is also very important. Do note that since 2017 there is a 17% personal contribution for this prosthesis and 10% for a replacement version.
Step 2
An implant is an artificial root on the spot where our teeth previously stood. Your denture is attached to the implants, which makes it firmly anchored. There is an intensive collaboration between the denturist and oral surgeon / dentist implantologist. The surgeon removes teeth and places the implants, while the denturist creates the removable part of the denture. We make, in consultation with you, a treatment proposal.
Step 3
For a good grip 2-4 (sometimes 6) implants are usually placed. The jaw bone needs 2-5 months to grow around the implant. During that time, you wear a temporary denture that will not always have a perfect fit. When your jaw has healed and grown together around the implant, your final click-denture can be placed. Now your denture fits firmly. You can, without any worries, laugh, talk and eat again.
Step 4
Generally, you need almost no aftercare. Should symptoms occur, you can always contact us again.
Step 5
You are satisfied with your denture and have no more complaints. If this changes in the course of time, do not hesitate to contact us again. We are happy to serve you.
Questions that have already been raised by many
An implant is similar to an artificial root. It is made of titanium, a light and strong metal, which is also tissue-friendly. The implant is a small screw inserted into the jaw and the jaw bone will grow to attach itself to it. Thus, an implant replaces the missing tooth root. The implant provides a firm basis for a crown, bridge or click-denture.
Small holes will be drilled into the jaw under local anesthesia, in which the "artificial root" is applied. Until your jaw has securely grown around the implant you will first carry your "old" denture or temporary crown. Due to the stitches it will not really sit comfortably in the first week, but at least you will not have to go outside toothless.
There are a number of cases where it is not preferred to apply implants:
Yes, the healing process takes a few days till a week to complete. For example, slight bleeding afterwards, slight tingling in the lower jaw, numbness of the lower lip. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. Also short discoloration of mucosa, cheeks or lips as well as swelling may occur. These symptoms often disappear by itself within a week.
Implants can safely last for 30 years. Studies have shown that 90% of the placed implants still function after 30 years. It mainly depends on regular monitoring and proper oral hygiene. For example, by gnashing one’s teeth, poor oral hygiene, illness or nicotine usage an implant can sometimes loosen.
At the very least, brushing twice a day, just like your natural teeth. We also strongly recommend using toothpicks and flossing, because it extends the lifetime of your implants. After we have secured your implants, we will go through the best oral hygiene instructions with you.
No, but your implants must be checked annually by a dentist implantologist, so that any problems can be identified in a timely manner and can get treated. The implantologist checks also the bone around your implants through an X-ray.
In most cases, your jaw naturally grows attaching itself to the implant. If this would not be the case, a new implant could be inserted.