Dental Implants & Lumineers, D.D.S. Marcus Nowak, dentist in Berlin Germany » Implants

New: Teeth in an hour

eric — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:36:51 +0000

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.

New teeth in just one hour – this video was shot by MDR (Central German Broadcasting Corporation) at our practice and illustrates the treatment procedure

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)

Discussion of the treatment plan

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 planning template

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.

Low-radiation X-ray

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

Computer-aided planning

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.

The drilling template

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

Insertion of the drilling template

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.

Tooth replacement following the implantation

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

New 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.

Additional information

Are you interested in “stable teeth in just one hour”? Please call us at 030 – 302 96 95 for free, no-obligation information or write to us (-> Contact). We are looking forward to providing you with comprehensive advice.

German Only: Behandlungsablauf

eric — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:35:52 +0000

Teile des Vortrags "Implantate" von Dr. Marcus Nowak haben wir für Sie als Video aufbereitet. Zur Sprache kommen dabei wichtige anatomische Merkmale, die dreidimensionale Röntgendiagnostik (digitale Volumentomografie) sowie der eigentliche Behandlungsablauf der Implantation. Um sich diesen Vortrag anzuschauen klicken Sie bitte auf das obere Bild.

German only: Was kosten Implantate?

eric — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 09:34:19 +0000

Die Kosten können – abhängig vom gewünschten Komfort – sehr unterschiedlich ausfallen

Die Kosten für Implantate können sehr unterschiedlich ausfallen: sie sind abhängig von der Anzahl, der Lage, der gewünschten Ausführung, dem vorhandenen Knochenangebot und ähnlichen Faktoren. Sind sie gesetzlich krankenversichert, übernimmt ihre Krankenkasse nur bestimmte Kosten, ein Eigenanteil ist in den meisten Fällen unvermeidlich. Beachten Sie die folgenden Punkte, kann zumindest ein Teil der Kosten erstattet werden.

Für Kassenpatienten gilt:

Es sollte immer vor Behandlungsbeginn eine Gesamtplanung so weit es möglich ist erstellt werden! Diese sollte vor Behandlungsbeginn bei der Kasse eingereicht werden. Die Kassen behalten sich besonders bei größeren Versorgungen eine Vorbegutachtung vor. Ist mit der Behandlung bereits begonnen worden, so kann der Patient unter Umständen seinen Kassenzuschuss verlieren oder nur zum Teil ausgezahlt bekommen!

Die Gesamtplanung besteht in der Regel aus mehreren Schritten und Plänen:

Implantologische Planung:
Die gesetzlichen KK geben keinerlei Zuschüsse für die Implantate. Ausnahmen
sind spezielle Vorerkrankungen (z.B. Zahnnichtanlage oder Krebspatienten nach erfolgreicher Behandlung), die in der Regel nicht zutreffen und speziell durch die Krankenkassen begutachtet werden müssen.
Für diesen Behandlungsabschnitt erhält der Patient einen sogenannten “implantologischen Kostenplan”. Die Kosten für diesen Behandlungsteil trägt der Patient in der Regel komplett selber
Provisorische Versorgung:
Für die provisorische Versorgung, falls nötig, mit einem herausnehmbaren Klammerprovisorium oder einer Vollprothese gibt es einen entsprechenden Kassenkostenplan, der vorher von der Krankenkasse genehmigt werden muss.
Wenn die Versorgung mit einem festsitzenden zahn- oder implantatgetragenen Provisorium erfolgen soll, kann auch hier zumindest eine teileweise Kostenübernahme durch die gesetzliche Krankenkasse erfolgen. Auch hierfür muss ein spezieller sog. “andersartiger” Kassenkostenplan erstellt und durch die Krankenkasse genehmigt werden. Leider werden diese festsitzenden provisorischen Versorgungen nicht von jeder gesetzlichen Krankenkasse genehmigt. Der Patient trägt dann auch diese Behandlungskosten komplett selber.
Prothetische Versorgung (Endgültiger Zahnersatz)
Für die prothetische Behandlungsphase /Anfertigung des endgültigen Zahnersatzes) wird wiederum ein sog. “andersartiger” Kassenkostenplan erstellt.
Der sog. “andersartige” Kassenkostenplan besteht aus zwei Teilen:
Zum einen aus der Kassenplanung mit dem entsprechenden Kassenzuschuss und zum anderen aus der eigentlich durchzuführenden implantatprothetischen Versorgung. Der von der Krankenkasse dann festgelegt Festzuschuss kann dann
als eine Art “Anzahlung” mit der eigentlichen Versorgung verrechnet werden, wenn der Patient diesen Zuschuss an die Praxis abgetreten hat. Der Zuschuss der Krankenkasse ist Abhängig von der Anzahl, Lage und Zustand der restlichen natürlichen Zähne.

Wenn der Kassen Patient eine private Zusatzversicherung abgeschlossen hat, so kann auch hier ein entsprechender Zuschuss durch die private Zusatzversicherung erfolgen. Auch hier sollten entsprechende Pläne vorab eingereicht werden. In der Regel erfolgt die Auszahlung abhängig vom Kassenzuschuss.

Für Privatpatienten gilt:

Auch hier sollte immer vor Behandlungsbeginn eine Gesamtplanung so weit es möglich ist erstellt werden! Diese sollte vor Behandlungsbeginn bei der Kasse eingereicht werden. Die Kassen behalten sich besonders bei größeren Versorgungen eine Vorbegutachtung vor. Ist mit der Behandlung bereits begonnen worden, so kann der Patient unter Umständen seinen Kassenzuschuss verlieren oder nur zum Teil ausgezahlt bekommen!

In der Regel bekommt der Patient drei Kostenpläne:

Einen für die implantologische Phase (für das Setzen der Implantate)
Einen für die provisorische Versorgung, wenn nötig
Einen für die endgültige Versorgung

FAQ about implants

eric — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:58:41 +0000

How safe and how durable are implants?

Based on refined surgical techniques and more mature materials, the average success rate for the first 5-10 years after the implantation is 95 %. However, in the majority of cases, they last much longer. These days, it is safe to say that the function of dental implants is identical to any other dental reconstructions.

Does the bone substance diminish faster around implants compared to edentulous areas?

No. An initial decrease of 1-2 mm – usually up to the thread of the implant screw – is only observed during the first 1-2 years, while the dental roots adjust to the high mechanical chewing forces in the mouth. After that, the bone diminishes by 0.1 mm per year, similar to the bone surrounding natural teeth.

How long does the implant treatment take?

As a rule of thumb, the following applies to regular implant treatments: in the lower jaw, implants osseointegrate within 2-4 months; the complete treatment including tooth replacement will take slightly more than 6 months. For the upper jaw, the wait time is 3-5 months, depending on the bone quality. Another 8-10 weeks are required for the exposure of the implants and the associated tooth replacement; in other words, the patient will be waiting up to 8 months for his new teeth.

Teeth in an Hour: thanks to this technique, it is now possible to set implants at 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. Even the immediate limited application of load is possible.

Is the implant treatment painful?

IThe continuous improvement and accuracy of the implant methods make sure that implants can be set with absolute precision. This is done without the prior opening of the oral mucous membrane, i. e. by means of a minimally invasive procedure. The three-dimensional diagnostics performed beforehand are designed to make sure that none of the main vessels or nerves will be injured. In other words, the wound generally heals quickly. Minor pain for up to three days following the implantation procedure is possible, but it is treatable with conventional pain killers.

What types of implant systems are you using?

We exclusively rely on CE-certified quality products from major companies because the research and product development must comply with strict benchmarks, excellent testing and approval of the implants must be guaranteed and because we must be able to obtain potentially required system parts 10 years from now. So-called cheap implants or generic products manufactured abroad may more frequently result in damage or inaccuracies involving the implants.

How long will I feel discomfort after the procedure?

Depending on the general health condition, you should take some extra care for the first 2-5 days. Minor swelling may occur which recedes quickly (with the use of ice packs). Pain is generally only expected to occur on the day of surgery and can be suppressed with prescribed analgesics.

I have been wearing removable dentures for an extended period of time and my jaw bone has degenerated. Can I still get implants?

The purpose of the three-dimensional x-ray diagnostics by means of our volume tomophraphy device is to measure the existing jaw bone and to plan the precise position of the implants on the computer. Therefore it is possible in many cases, including cases with degenerated bone substance, to set the implants without prior bone augmentation. Different options are available, such as setting several shortened implants or setting implants with special angles. Even with severe bone degradation, it may be possible to set implants following bone augmentation. Please ask your dentist about the possible bone augmentation procedures.

How do I care for my implants?

After your new tooth replacement has been integrated, you will receive special hygiene technique instructions. Excellent tools for dental and implant hygiene at home are available. In addition, you will receive regular follow-up treatments from our oral hygiene specialists at the practice.

What is the cost for dental implants?

Your dentist or implant specialist will explain 2-3 treatment options to you. It will be up to you to decide whether you wish to receive standard, customised or optimal treatment, depending on the benefit-expense ratio.