New: Teeth in an hour

Implants are increasingly becoming the method of choice for tooth replacement after the loos of teeth. To date, treatment with implants frequently took several months. Indeed, it was possible to incorporate temporary dentures immediately after setting the implants in come cases, but multiple adjustments and modifications were frequently required.

Thanks to a completely new method –- new teeth in just one hour -– it is now possible to set implants with a precision that allows the production of the dentures ahead of time at our own practice laboratory.

Subject to adequate bone substance, the patient receives the permanent implants immediately after the procedure. For the patient, this means reduced treatment time, no need for multiple adjustments of the abutments as well as a functional and aesthetic dentition within a shorter period of time.

Different treatment options are available, depending on the existing dentition and the desired comfort. Whether you are looking for a single tooth replacement (especially in the frontal area), a fixed bridge construction for the treatment of partial tooth loss or a fixed denture to treat complete tooth loss – implants represent a comfortable alternative to conventional tooth replacement in many cases.

The treatment sequence (using an edentulous upper jaw as an example)

Moulds of the existing dental prosthesis or the remaining teeth are created at the start of the treatment. These moulds are used to discuss a plan for the new tooth replacement with the patient and the dental technician at our practice, taking into account both aesthetic requests (lip fullness, structure of the facial outline, length and shape of the new teeth) as well as functional requests (palateless denture, correct speech pattern).

The obtained information is subsequently tested and evaluated using a removable dental arrangement (see figure) until the desired final outcome is achieved. The template is then prepared specifically for the three-dimensional X-ray image created only now after the completion of the planning phase.

Precise three-dimensional images of the jaw are obtained by means of the digital volume tomography device (DVT) – at low-radiation and with an accuracy to the tenth of a millimetre. First, images are created of the patient with the planning template inserted, followed by images of the template without the patient. If necessary, the patient can use the planning template as temporary dental prosthesis until the actual procedure is performed.

Preparation at our own practice laboratory

Both digital data sets are combined and reconstructed by means of a specially developed new computer programme. Based on the three-dimensional images, the implants are virtually positioned at the desired location on the computer, making optimal use of the existing bone mass and taking into account the dimensions of the tooth replacement determined with the patient beforehand.

After the completion of the computer-aided planning, the obtained data set is used for the external industrial manufacture of a precise computer-milled (CNC) drilling template. The template is delivered after approximately one week; on the one hand, it is used as basis for the advance production of the planned tooth replacement at our own dental laboratory. On the other hand, the drilling template ensures the extremely accurate positioning of the implants during treatment. In addition, every drilling template includes a customised drill set that specifies the exact drilling depth.

The implantation

The actual procedure can now be performed: the template is attached to the jaw. It is used for drilling the implant bed and for inserting the implants specially designed for this technique with never before achieved accuracy. Because the implants are inserted directly through the mucous membrane, the implantological procedure is precise, efficient, minimally invasive and tissue-preserving. Local anaesthesia is usually sufficient and swelling or wound-associated tenderness rarely occur.

After the implants have been placed, the tooth replacement produced beforehand is screwed onto the implants. Subject to adequate bone substance, the patient will leave the practice with stable teeth. One or two follow-up consultations will be scheduled to check the function of the teeth. After the end of the healing phase which takes approximately 2 months, the tooth replacement can be revised and lined, if necessary.

Stable teeth in just one hour

Because this method allows the very precise setting of implants, the tooth replacement can be produced beforehand and inserted immediately after the implantation. The actual treatment is associated with very little to no pain – therefore, nothing is in the way of a light-hearted smile immediately after the treatment.

Further reading:

• “Neue Zähne in einer Stunde” – Dr. Nowak erklärt das Verfahren (MDR Hier ab Vier)
• FAQ about implants
• German Only: Behandlungsablauf
• German only: Was kosten Implantate?