Dental Implants

Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth. This brochure tells you about dental implants, costs, maintenance and other things you might be wondering.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial root that is inserted into the jawbone. On the implant, the dentist can attach a “top construction” in the form of a crown, bridge or prosthesis to replace missing teeth.

The implant itself is usually made of titanium and resembles a screw. Implants can be of different sizes and need to grow into the jawbone itself before the top structure can be made and put on.

When is implant topical treatment?

Implants can replace teeth lost due to caries, disease, injuries or teeth missing from nature (agenesis). If you are missing many teeth, your dentist may insert several implants that can provide attachment for a bridge or prosthesis.

Who can get an implant?

Implant therapy is a recognized treatment method that many can benefit from. Most people who are missing one or more teeth can be treated, but too little bone in the jaw, illness or medication use can limit the options for treatment with implants. A thorough examination at the dentist can give you an answer as to whether implant or other treatments will be the best way for you to replace lost teeth.

How long does an implant last?

Implant is a structure that can sit for a very long time and, at best, for a lifetime. How long an implant sits depends entirely on the job being done to maintain the implant. It is the daily work that is done that is most important, and with good cleaning, the implant will be able to last a lifetime.

This is how the treatment takes place:

1. Thorough examination, which includes x-rays and imprints of the jaws.
2. The implant is operated into the jawbone and must have time to heal, usually it takes from 3 to 6 months for the screw to attach.
3. Sometimes people choose to hide the implant under the gum while it grows. In this case, a small operation must be done to put on an extension through the gum.
4. After the implant has fully grown into the jaw, the dentist will take imprints that are sent to a dental technician who makes a crown, bridge or prosthesis.
5. The dentist attaches the finished top construction (crown, bridge or prosthesis) to the implant in the mouth.
6. Afterchecks at the dentist or dental hygienist.

How much does an implant cost?

Of course, this will vary greatly depending on how many and which teeth are to be replaced or which treatment is chosen. You are entitled to a specified cost estimate from your dentist. Replacing a single tooth with an implant is somewhat more expensive than replacing it with a traditional bridge, but one avoids grinding down neighboring teeth. In certain cases, you can get a social security refund for implant workers, the dentist can provide you with information about the rules that apply and what rights you have.

What do you have to do yourself?

• Provide the dentist with all your health information, in this way the treatment can be done in a safe way. The dentist can then also assess whether you are entitled to a social security refund.
• Follow your dentist's instructions before, after and during the surgery period to get the best results of your treatment.
• Implants require as good a cleaning as your own teeth. The bacterial coating along the gums and on the crowns, must be removed morning and evening. In addition to the usual toothbrush, you should use “bottled food” and/or dental floss wherever possible.
• Avoid smoking or sniffing before, during and after implant insertion.

Implant maintenance

• Implants are an economic investment in your own dental health, and need thorough maintenance in order to last a long time.
• Use your dentist and dental hygienist for instruction in cleaning and for tips on daily maintenance.
• The implants should be checked regularly by a dentist or dental hygienist in the same way as your own teeth.
• If you smoke, the risk increases that the implants may come loose and need to be removed.