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Implant FAQ | DR. HAGER

Frequently asked questions

Dr. Michael Hager - Dr.Ingeborg Hager- Conversation - FAQ - Dental Implants | Dr. HAGER
I have heard that implants only last for 5 years. Is that true?

No. Long-term studies show that the success rate of implants after 10 years is over 90%, on average. An expertly performed implantation procedure and careful planning of the surgery are required to achieve this. Implants can last a lifetime for patients that are in good health who attend regular dental hygienist appointments and check-ups with the dentist, and also carry out meticulous cleaning of their teeth at home.

Can implants cause harm?

This is where high levels of care and precision and specialised training are essential. It is particularly important for procedures to be thoroughly planned, e.g. using 3D tomography imaging techniques. A surgical room equipped with cutting-edge technology and devices e.g. digital real-time X-ray imaging for use during the surgery itself, increase the precision that can be achieved during surgery, and ensure higher levels of safety.

Does implantation involve any pain?

Implantation is carried out under local anaesthesia so that patients feel absolutely no pain during surgery. Only after the surgery do patients experience some generally minor complaints, which tend to clear up in the first few days following the procedure.

Do implant-supported teeth feel different compared to natural teeth?

Implant-supported teeth will give you a completely natural feeling in the mouth while speaking, eating and laughing. You will feel little difference, if any.

Are implant sometimes rejected?

Rejections as such cannot occur. However, in cases where implants are not properly cared for, inflammation may occur around the implant, which in the worst cases results in the implant requiring extraction.

How long do I have to wait after the implant surgery before returning to work?

After inserting the dental implants there may be some slight swelling and minor pain. However, most patients are able to go back to work the next day.

How long does the surgery last?

The implantation lasts between 30 minutes and 2½ hours, depending on the circumference.

When will I be able to chew normally again?

As a rule, implants can be used for chewing after 2-3 months. It is strictly the related bone-grafting procedure that has a healing time of around 6 months.

Will I be left without teeth during the treatment and during the healing periods?

If you have previously had a removable denture, in most cases you can continue to wear it after small modifications have been made. Otherwise, tooth gaps will be closed with a temporary denture. Under the right conditions, the implant can be inserted immediately, called a “long-term temporary restoration”.

Up to what age can implants be used?

In principle, dental implants can be used in patients of almost any age. Exceptions include children and young people whose bones are still in the growth phase. In these cases, jaw implants would affect the jaw’s growth and lead to unsatisfactory results.

How much do implants cost?

Each patient requires an implant treatment adapted to their specific situation. During our one-to-one consultation with you, we will discuss costs together with you and you will go away with a cost plan, including a fixed ceiling price which we guarantee cannot be exceeded. This makes sure all the costs are clear and form a better basis for the all-important decision-making process. Good decisions require time. However, if you just want to get a price estimate, please contact our service team via our contact form.

I've heard of things like “new teeth in one hour”, “fast and fixed”, and “beautiful teeth, now” in the media. Will I really be able to chew with my new implant-support teeth straight away?

The procedures outlined above, and some other techniques, generally allow for a temporary tooth replacement solution to be fixed onto the implants immediately. This is only possible when there is a good amount of quality bone available, i.e. if bone grafting is not required. Despite this, great care is still absolutely fundamental when using the temporary dentures for the eight-week period. After this healing time, the manufacture of the final, definitive denture is begun, which is then fitted after a further two-week waiting period.

Why are all implants not carried out using this fast method?
Is bone grafting not a very painful procedure?

Generally, patients do not have any notable complaints even after the effects of the anaesthetic and numbing agents have worn off. This is because we tend to use synthetic bone in the areas where bone is lacking. There is therefore no need for painful bone extraction from the jaw bone, chin, knee, pelvis, or any other any of the body where bone material may be taken. Using this minimally-invasive grafting technique, we are able to keep the region affected by surgery to a minimum. The pain killers that we prescribe for you to take away with you are generally not even needed.

I would like to have ceramic implants. Is that always possible?

According to patient wishes, we can use either titanium or ceramic implants in each case. Our certifications and many years of experience serve as testament to the safety of the different systems available. It should be noted, however, that currently almost all available ceramic implants are “one-piece” i.e. after being inserted, they protrude around 5 mm from the gum into the mouth, but must under no circumstances be put under any stresses or strains. This means that there are far stricter demands put on patients in terms of their care and attention regarding the implants for the duration of the healing period. This is especially true if bone grafting was required. In the near future, everything will be much improved! We are currently developing our own two-piece ceramic implant, which can be left protected under the soft-tissues (gums) to heal. Only once the healing process is completed is the implant then exposed to the stresses of the mouth, as is the case with titanium implants. For the new two-piece ceramic implants that have been presented only very recently, the critical point is the connection between the “two pieces”, abutment and implant. There is still not very much clinical experience available to refer to concerning long-term effects of stress on these implants.

What advantages are there to the entire treatment all being carried out by one treatment team?

As you will surely have noticed, particularly within the complex field of implantology (as is also the case for all medical treatments) there are many different factors to be taken into account in any individual case. A combined approach must be developed involving both surgical considerations and the manufacture of the implant-supported dentures. Solid technical manufacturing and long-term follow-up and maintenance care must also be ensured. The extensive, initial consultation with our expert dentists is of particular importance. During this consultation, all of the treatment options mentioned here will be discussed with you with a view to extensive treatment planning. We will make all possible treatment options available to you. Every single treatment step is carried out in our dental practices and by our dedicated team of dental staff.