Dental implant explained
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What an implant consists of and what is checked beforehand
An implant-supported tooth usually consists of several parts. The implant is the anchor in the bone. A connecting component, often called an abutment, supports the crown, bridge or other restoration. What you see in the mouth is the restoration. This distinction helps when discussing a loose restoration, a damaged crown or inflammation around an implant. The examination and possible next steps depend on which part is affected. How you clean the area also depends on the type of restoration attached to the implant. [1] [2] smileDentity offers implant dentistry.
What is assessed before a decision?
Planning takes into account the size of the gap, its position in relation to nearby structures, and the available bone and gum tissue. The condition of the remaining teeth is also important. Before a procedure, the dental team discusses past illnesses and treatment, any regular medicines and potential risks. Active inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth or difficulties with oral hygiene must be taken into account. Ask which requirements are already met and what else would need to be checked or treated before placing an implant. [1] [3]
What is checked before placing an implant?
The dental team assesses the gap, the bone and gums, the condition of adjacent teeth and the expected load on the implant. Your medical history, medicines and ability to clean the area daily can also affect the decision. [1] [3]
How implant treatment and the restoration are planned
The planned restoration determines where and how the implant will eventually be loaded. Depending on the initial findings, you may need other treatment before the implant is placed. After placement, the dental team assesses how the implant and surrounding tissues are progressing and when the planned restoration can be fitted. The timing depends on the procedure, any additional treatment and how you heal. Ask what temporary replacement is planned and how the steps would change if another requirement were identified during treatment. [1] [2]
Implant, bridge or denture?
A tooth-supported bridge rests on adjacent teeth. A removable restoration can replace several missing teeth. The choice depends in part on the condition of the neighbouring teeth and whether a surgical procedure is suitable for you. [2] [4]
What alternatives might be suitable?
A bridge may be an alternative for a single gap. A conventional tooth-supported bridge uses neighbouring teeth as supports. The balance of benefits and drawbacks is different if those teeth already need major restorations or are largely intact. If several teeth are missing, a removable restoration may be an option. An implant can avoid using adjacent teeth as supports, but it requires surgery and adequate care. When comparing options, consider the first step, daily cleaning, follow-up and how any complications would be managed. [2] [4]
What matters after the implant is placed
Clean where the implant-supported restoration meets the gums. A bridge or a larger restoration can have hard-to-reach areas that need a suitable cleaning aid. The dental team can show you how to clean your particular restoration. Have recurrent bleeding, swelling or a change in how the restoration fits checked. Inflammation around an implant can occur without pain. Regular check-ups allow the dental team to compare current findings with earlier images and measurements and identify changes as early as possible. How often you need a check-up depends on your individual risk. [3]
Why is follow-up important?
Implants need cleaning and regular checks. Inflammation in the tissues around an implant may cause few obvious signs at first. Follow-up takes into account oral hygiene, the condition of the tissues and personal risk. [3]
What does the choice of material mean for patients?
Implants can be made from different materials. The choice should be considered alongside the implant design, the findings and the planned restoration. Choosing a material on preference alone may overlook other requirements. Ask why a particular system is being recommended, how it has been used in situations like yours and what its limitations are. Whatever material you prefer, you need to be able to clean around the restoration. Follow-up is guided by the condition of the tissues as well as the material used. [1] [3]
How do we work at smileDentity?
Andreas Haas, M.Sc., and the dental team can review which records are already available and which previous treatments need to be considered. When comparing costs, ask for the separate costs of the implant, abutment, crown and any additional procedures. In Germany, the fixed contribution from statutory health insurance for a dental prosthesis is based on the underlying findings. [2]
The implant team at smileDentity helps plan how to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Discussing the planned restoration first is particularly important. A single missing tooth, several gaps and a jaw with no teeth have different requirements for support, cleaning and treatment effort. The position of the eventual restoration influences where an implant can usefully be placed. [2] [3]
At smileDentity, we start by asking where the future crown or bridge needs to sit. In implant dentistry, we consider the bone, the gums and the planned restoration together.
Related treatments and information at smileDentity
Related services
Related entries in the smileDentity glossary
Frequently asked questions
The crown is the visible tooth replacement. The implant anchors it in the jaw.
No. Whether a graft is considered depends on the existing bone, the planned position and the treatment approach. Planning also considers whether treatment without a graft or another kind of restoration would be suitable.
Yes. The tissues around an implant can become inflamed. In peri-implantitis, supporting bone is also lost. Bleeding, swelling or changes in the restoration should be examined. Follow-up based on individual risk can be worthwhile even if there are no symptoms.
Previously treated periodontitis does not automatically rule out an implant. The condition of the tissues that support your teeth and regular follow-up are part of the planning. [3]
Questions about your findings?
At an appointment, we can discuss the findings, possible next steps and alternatives.
Author: Andreas Haas, M.Sc.
English translation of the clinically reviewed German article.