The field of application extends from a single tooth replacement to more missing teeth up to an edentulous jaw (many missing teeth). Dental implants offer a modern therapeutical alternative to conventional dentures in almost every situation.
To replace individual teeth or to close smaller tooth gaps, dental implants are preferable over a bridge because adjacent neighbouring teeth no longer need to be worn down to accommodate the bridge structure.
The adjacent structures remain intact and the possible consequences and risks to the bridge, nerve damage after the abrasion process, overloading of the supporting teeth or the formation of crown margin caries can therefore be avoided.
The desire for fixed teeth in an edentulous jaw can be met without removable appliances. At least 8 dental implants should be inserted in the upper jaw and at least 6 of them in the lower jaw. The bridges built up on them are cemented or screwed within the mouth. Wearing prosthesis can therefore be avoided altogether. The bone is preserved, the palate remains free. This means a better chewing and tasting experience without any annoying construction elements in the mouth.
Likewise, ill-fitting dentures can be stabilised with dental implants. Dentures can gain a firm foothold with the help of various fasteners. There should be an appropriate number of implants; in the lower jaw at least 2, in the upper jaw at least 4 implants. Through this, comfort can be greatly improved. Depending on the desired treatment goal (from a simple stabilisation of the prosthesis to being able to bite hard on an apple), locator elements, telescopic or bridge anchors represent appropriate treatment options.
Apart from the fact that a tooth gap only looks cute with milk teeth, each tooth retains its fixed position only as long as it is supported by the adjacent teeth and has contact with its partner tooth in the opposite jaw. If there is no grip, not only with the adjacent teeth move into the resulting gap, but gradually all the teeth in the dental arch start moving.
A conventional bridge restoration is no longer possible after the loss of molars due to the lack of a rear bridge platform. To facilitate wearing a partial denture in this case, dental implants offer a useful treatment option here because the teeth can be completed again without a loss of comfort.
If periodontal disease (periodontitis) occurs, in most cases it affects the whole area so an anchor of bridges or dentures puts an even greater strain on the remaining teeth. A dental implant provides a gentler and more sensible alternative in this case, as further strain on more teeth can be avoided.
