High quality and beautiful fixed teeth with dental implants
Implants are artificial titanium dental roots that are used to fix single teeth or appliances in the jaw. This avoids cutting the neighboring teeth and restores natural and comfortable chewing, even with a removable prosthesis. Since these are often complex treatments and an implant must remain in the body for a long time, it is recommended to rely on a specialized dentist with good experience in the field of implant treatment and aftercare. On this page you will find information about dental implants and the course of treatment.
Dental implants have been used to replace missing teeth since the mid-1960s, but in recent years their use has become more widespread. They can be used to support crowns that replace a single missing tooth, bridges that restore a larger span of missing teeth, or even dentures. Implants are made of titanium, a metal known to be compatible with the body's tissues and able to bind to adjacent bone during healing. Studies and clinical experience have shown that dental implants are a safe and convenient way to replace lost teeth with a natural appearance and comfort similar to a real tooth.
Who's it for? Can I get an implant?
Dental implants are suitable for almost everyone who has lost one or more teeth and wish to restore their appearance or chewing ability; however, because it is important that the patient's jaws are fully developed, we do not recommend them in people under the age of 25. Before an implant is placed, your mouth must be in a healthy condition, free of untreated cavities or active periodontal (gum) disease. If implants are placed in the presence of active periodontitis, there is a risk that an infection will develop around the implant, leading to its failure and loss. Your dentist will need to ensure that your oral hygiene is adequate before offering treatment, as the long-term success of implants depends on good plaque control. Once treatment is complete, you should be prepared to attend regular follow-up appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist so that they can evaluate the implants and take steps to prevent complications at an early stage. We will be happy to discuss the various treatment options that are available, which will depend on many individual factors, such as your general health, the number and position of missing teeth, and the quantity and quality of your jawbone.
The process
How does implant treatment work? Does it hurt?
1
Examination
After discussing possible treatments, we will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. We will then take x-rays of your jaws to assess the shape and condition of your bone and to locate the positions of any important structures, such as nerves and sinuses, that may be near the planned implant site. This allows us to plan exactly how the implants will be placed. Rarely, if x-rays are not adequate, a computerized tomography (CBCT) scan can be used to provide three-dimensional images.
2
Implant placement
L'intervention de la pose de l'implant se fait sous anesthésie locale. Elle consiste à effectuer une petite incision dans la gencive pour exposer l'os et à utiliser un foret spécial pour façonner le site de l'implant, ce qui resemble à la sensation d'une carie que l'on remplit. L'implant sera ensuite implanté profondément dans l'os de la mâchoire. L'os finira par fusionner avec l'implant dentaire (ce qui peut prendre plusieurs semaines ou plusieurs mois). Les antidouleurs simples (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen etc.) peuvent être utilisés après l'intervention au besoin. Étonnamment, les implants ne provoquent souvent que très peu, voire pas du tout, de douleurs. Une chirurgie en deux temps peut être nécessaire s'il est nécessaire d'augmenter la quantité d'os sur le site avec une technique de régénération osseuse. Plusieurs raisons peuvent expliquer le manque d'os au site de l'implant, notamment l'absence de dents depuis longtemps, la perte osseuse due à une infection, au vieillissement ou à un traumatisme. Lorsque des dents sont manquantes, la gencive environnante et l'os sous-jacent se rétractent avec le temps. Ceci est dû au fait que normalement la présence de nos dents stimule le renouvellement naturel de l'os, et sans cette stimulation l'os va fondre avec le temps.
3
Impression taking and preparation of the teeth
When your gums have completely healed, we take a digital 3D-scan (or an impression) of your mouth. This will be used to make a model of your teeth on which the dental technician will build your crown or bridge, paying special attention to achieve a natural finish that matches the rest of your teeth.
4
Placement of crowns or bridges
Once your new crowns and bridges are delivered from the laboratory, we will screw them into the implant(s), evaluate their appearance and fit, and check that your upper and lower teeth fit together comfortably when you bite. We might ask you to come back one more time to make sure the implants are stable and working well, and that you are completely satisfied with the final result. From then on, together with our hygienists we will follow up on you regularly to make sure no inflammation or bone loss can develop. This is on order to make sure your implant will stay for many years to come.
How long does an implant last? Is it forever?
Dental implants have been used successfully for many decades and we know that with careful maintenance they will work for many years. According to studies, more than 90% of implants are still functioning after 10 years, but with a good maintenance and care they can have a much longer lifespan. To keep your implant as long as possible, it is strongly advised to avoid smoking. It is also extremely important to maintain a thorough oral hygiene program at home and to visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for a thorough inspection of your implant, teeth and gums. This will allow you to have your implant and teeth professionally cleaned and to quickly detect and treat any problems before they threaten the stability of your implant. With very good oral hygiene, regular follow-up visits and avoidance of smoking, your dental implant is likely to last for many years.
What kind of implant will I get?
At Cabinet Dentaire de Satigny we use implants of the Swiss brands Thommen Medical and Straumann. Since an implant is a foreign body that must remain in your body for as long as possible, it is advisable not to make any concessions in terms of material quality and follow-up.
Is it expensive? What's the price of a dental implant?
As these are often complex treatments, and an implant needs to remain in the body for a long time, it is advisable to rely on an implant dentist with experience in implant treatment and follow-up. The cost of treatment depends on many individual factors, which we need to analyze during an initial consultation. This will enable us to provide you with a precise quote and discuss different payment options.
Excellent advice from Doctor Engelhardt who intervenes with perfect care, and very good care from the hygienist who allows a better condition of the dental system. I suffered from gum pain which has completely disappeared. And very warm welcome at the office! Thank you Doctor and to your professional entourage.
Bon accueil, excellent traitement, maîtrise et qualité du travail. Une belle équipe avec une bonne moralité. Tous nos remerciements et notre appréciation à l'équipe de travail.
From my first phone call to make an appointment, I was greeted with a warm welcome.
I never felt judged, quite the contrary. I really felt accompanied, encouraged and, above all, understood.
Everyone I met was absolutely wonderful.
The kindness, sympathy and gentleness of all the staff at this practice really gave me confidence and enabled me to overcome my fear, so that I could finally look after my teeth.
