Various Reasons for Tooth Loss
- Diseases such as caries and periodontitis
- Accidents in sports or daily life
- Congenitally missing teeth (teeth that never grew at all)
When you lose one or more teeth, the bone that surrounded the root will no longer receive any stimulation from chewing, and therefore may shrink. Bone loss is responsible for many of the problems encountered after tooth loss.
Possible Consequences of Tooth Loss:
- Difficulties with biting and chewing
- Changes in facial appearance due to muscle tone reduction and jawbone deterioration
- pain
Bridges
Healthy neighboring teeth have to be ground to attach a bridge using conventional methods. This is how they are prepared for a crown or bridge and later take over the carrier function. The removed dental substance is lost forever.
Implants
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium that is well tolerated by the body and takes over the function of a tooth root. The dental implant is inserted directly into the bone of the jaw, which subsequently grows onto the surface to anchor it firmly.
The healing period lasts 6 to 12 weeks depending on the initial situation. After this period, the tooth replacement in the form of a crown, bridge or denture is secured to the implant.
Treatment With An Implant
The dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and acts as a post for the implant crown. Grinding away the healthy substance of neighboring teeth is not necessary.
Single Tooth
Several Teeth
Three unit bridge supported by two dental implants.
All Teeth
Three separate bridges supported by six to eight dental implants.
Implant
Dentures
Dentures Without Implants
In the conventional method, removable full dentures attach to the gum by a kind of suction effect. Because of the absence of loading of the bone, it shrinks more and more and the denture gradually loses its hold. Poor or absent denture stability is a big esthetic problem for many patients and can lead to painful pressure areas on the gum.
Denture With Implants
Implants stabilize removable full dentures on the jaw and help to preserve the jaw bone. The denture can be removed and replaced again easily for daily cleaning. The dental implant anchorage technique spares you the troublesome side effects of conventional removable full dentures, such as painful pressure points. You can also do without denture adhesives now. The dentures sits firmly in the mouth while you are eating, laughing and talking.
Treatment Sequence for Dental Implants
Example Replacement Of A Single Tooth:
Planning the Tooth Replacement--Planning the surgical procedure begins with an assessment of your individual oral situation. Your dentist will give you detailed information and will advise you in accordance with your wishes. When all questions have been clarified, X-rays will be taken to plan the operation and determine the position of the dental implant. 
The Operation--The next step is insertion of the implant under local anesthetic. Subsequently, the bone grows around the implant and anchors it firmly.
Incorporating the Dental Replacement--When the healing period is complete, the new crown is secured on the implant.
Post-Operative Maintenance and Care For Dental Implants
Things You Should Know About Your New Dental Implant
Aftercare following surgery--You have just received an implant or decided in favor of such a therapy, a state-of-the-art tooth replacement treatment option that requires proper care and maintenance. This contains important information that should be followed after dental implants have been surgically placed.
Surgery and healing period--The implant is inserted in the jaw bone under local anesthetic. The surgical incision is then closed with fine sutures, which will be removed after 7-10 days.
Temporary restoration--During the healing period, the implant will be fitted with either a healing cap or a temporary restoration (i.e. a crown, bridge or denture) depending upon your individual situation. Call your dentist if your temporary restoration becomes loose.
Possible side effects after surgery--Implantation is a routine procedure and complications are very rare. Nonetheless, you may experience some discomfort and other side effects in the period after surgery. Should you experience any side effects, it is important to react appropriately.
Bleeding or pain after surgery
Bleeding--In case of bleeding, bite on a folded pad of gauze for one hour. Do not replace the pad during this time. Keep your head elevated and apply external cooling to your cheek. If you continue to experience bleeding, call your doctor.
Swelling--You can reduce possible swelling by applying an ice pack to your face on the surgical area. Intermittent application is most effective (i.e. 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off). Keep your head elevated above chest level during the first two days and nights after the surgery. Sitting is better than lying down.
Medication--If your dentist prescribed painkillers and/or antibiotics for you, keep to the specified dosage.
When should you call your doctor?
- If you have persistent complaints, swelling or throbbing pain several days after surgery.
- If bleeding recurs.
- If you still feel numb 12 hours after surgery.
- If you have any symptoms or questions not covered in your post-operative instructions.
Important: Follow your dentist �s instructions for follow-up visits.
Do's and don�t after surgery
Driving--In the first few hours after surgery, your ability to drive may be impaired depending on the type of anesthesia and pain medication you are given. Ask your dentist how you may be affected.
Head up--Keep your head elevated throughout the day. Sitting is better than lying down. At night, position your head higher than the rest of your body. While sleeping, avoid resting your head on the side where the surgery took place.
Eating and drinking--Drinking is possible even soon after surgery. Avoid hot drinks. Do not eat before the anesthetic has fully wore off.
Irritants--Irritants can cause complications. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, nicotine, coffee, black tea, and fresh milk products for the first three days after surgery. Do not smoke.
Exercise--Avoid vigorous exercise for the first three days after surgery.
Dental care--Do not use a toothbrush in the surgical area for ten days, or until instructed by your dentist. Do not rinse within 8 hours after surgery as this may cause bleeding. Begin rinsing the day after surgery, three times per day (i.e. after breakfast and lunch, before going to bed) with the prescribed rinsing solution.
Your new tooth replacement needs conscientious dental care
Care and check-ups--After you have received your permanent restoration, your new teeth will be just as stable as your natural ones. You can include them fully in your daily oral hygiene routine. Ideally, brush your teeth after every main meal, particularly after breakfast and at night.
Use a soft toothbrush, which you should replace regularly. If you use an electronic toothbrush, you can continue to do so.
Clean all of each tooth when you brush your teeth. Clean the front and back as well as the chewing surface. Cleaning the spaces between the teeth is also important. Use aids recommended to you by your dentist, such as inter-dental brushes. Give yourself sufficient time to clean them thoroughly.
Professional cleaning is important too. Your dental team will suggest a suitable recall schedule for you based upon the complexity of your dental restoration and your overall oral health. They will also demonstrate appropriate cleaning techniques so that you can become familiar with the tools and procedures that are required for implant in the same manner as you would for your natural teeth.