Why are implants placed? — dental implants and prosthetics

Dental implants are usually the best solution when the aim is prosthetics of high aesthetic and functional quality. The classic treatment methods often come with unwelcome drawbacks. With conventional, mucosa-borne dentures, for example, chewing function can often be restored only to a limited degree. In many patients, wearing a denture for a longer period produces pressure sores that can hurt when chewing. When a tooth is lost, the bone that is no longer loaded breaks down – much as a muscle does. Facial expression changes.

Implant-supported teeth and dentures replace the teeth that have been lost. Dental implants load the bone naturally, give dentures a firm hold again and prevent painful pressure sores. Patients regain a sense of security when speaking, eating or laughing.

An implant-supported single crown or bridge closes the gap without the neighbouring teeth having to be ground down. With the conventional solution the adjacent teeth have to be prepared so that a crown or bridge can be fixed to them. An implant solution preserves healthy tooth substance.

So why are dental implants used instead of classic removable dentures? Implants replace the missing teeth and make sure the bone is loaded. They transfer chewing forces into the surrounding bone and so stimulate its natural metabolism. The dreaded bone loss (atrophy) through lack of loading is thereby prevented.

Fixed, implant-supported teeth are meant to feel like your own. The palate of the upper jaw stays free of denture material, so patients can taste freely again. In most cases implant-supported restorations allow greater chewing efficiency. Older people in particular tend to find implant-supported restorations far more comfortable than a classic denture.

Why are dental implants placed? Because removable restorations sit firmly on implants too. The implants stop the denture from rocking and hold it securely in place. With a removable denture, the attachment system can be chosen to match the patient's manual dexterity.