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- Questions to the expert
- How long does an implant last?
- How do I recognize an expert?
- For whom are implants not suitable?
- Are there other risk groups?
- Who pays the bill?
Questions to the expert
About one million artificial teeth are used annually in Germany. But again and again it comes to problems. It is estimated that every seventh tooth implant loosens sooner or later or even falls out altogether. One reason for this is the lack of experience among the dentists, says Prof. Gerd Gehrken of the German Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGMKG). In our interview, the expert answers the most important questions about dental implants .
How long does an implant last?
"Today's technology and modern materials promise a chance of success of more than 90 percent. If the treatment is performed by specialists, dental implants are very safe and there are hardly any complications. They usually last a lifetime and are usually no longer distinguishable from real teeth. "
How do I recognize an expert?
"Basically, both dentists and oral and maxillofacial (MKG) surgeons are allowed to use dental implants . Crucial to the success of the treatment is the experience of the implantologist. Anyone who has been specializing in implantology for a long time and has more than 30, ideally more than 100 implants per year, has a certain routine. In order to achieve the best possible result, it is important that the surgeon has extensive knowledge of the treatment steps and knows what to do in case of complications that may occur. So ask your dentist or maxillofacial surgeon beforehand if he can prove additional training in implantology and regular training. "
For whom are implants not suitable?
"Prerequisite for the implant's retention is the presence of enough bone that can be used to connect the artificial tooth root. The so-called digital volume tomography (DVT), which can represent the jaw three-dimensionally, reveals this. An increased risk of complications exists in diabetics. Due to the disturbed metabolism in their blood circulation of the bone tissue is worse - the dental implant can not grow well and eventually fall out again. However, with well-adjusted blood sugar levels, treatment is usually possible. "
Are there other risk groups?
"For patients taking blood thinners, eg. B. due to a heart condition, the healing of the implant in the bone is also difficult. Also with an osteoporosis illness an artificial tooth root keeps usually worse. In patients taking medications for bone loss, one should also expect wound healing disorders. "
Who pays the bill?
"For a conventional implant, the statutory health insurance funds bear about a quarter of the costs, which are around 2, 000 euros. A previous bone structure is usually not taken over. "
