What is an implant?
A dental implant is a screw made of titanium that is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth or molar. Inside the implant there is a very strong connection mechanism that allows a crown, bridge, or denture to be securely attached.
When is an implant placed?
Implants are used to replace missing teeth or molars, or to support a full denture. Sufficient jawbone is essential; sometimes a bone graft is required beforehand, or it can be performed at the same time as the implant placement.
How does the treatment proceed?
1. Consultation: your general health, oral health, the available space in the jaw, and the amount of jawbone present are evaluated. Your wishes regarding the restoration of chewing function and/or aesthetics are taken into account. The examination includes a 3D cone-beam CT scan and an intra-oral scan. Based on this imaging, it can be determined whether there is sufficient bone and the implant can be planned in 3D according to your specific situation. In some cases, photographs of the face and mouth are also taken.
2. Placement of the implant: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a small incision is made in the gum, a hole is pre-drilled for the implant with the correct diameter and depth. The implant is then screwed into the jaw while carefully monitoring the torque applied to the implant. The gum is sutured with dissolvable stitches. The gum heals within two weeks. The integration of the implant into the bone takes about 3 months. A cap can be placed on the implant either under the gum or visible through the gum. In the first case, the implant will need to be uncovered later; in the second case, this is not necessary. I will always see you again briefly 2 to 3 weeks after placement to check the healing of the gum.
3. Uncovering the implant after 3 months of healing: If the implant was placed under the gum (not visible), it needs to be uncovered before the dentist can proceed with placing the crown, bridge, or denture. A different cap is then screwed onto the implant so that it becomes visible through the gum. After proper healing of the gum, the implant is ready for the next phase with the dentist.
Costs and reimbursement
Implants are not usually reimbursed by the mutual health insurance. During the intake consultation, the costs will be discussed with you.
In some cases, the basic mutual health insurance may reimburse part of the costs through a so-called harmonization document. It is also advisable to check whether you have additional dental insurance, as this may cover a significant portion of the costs depending on the policy conditions.