Includes improvement of denture fit, either by mucosal and musculoplastic surgery or ridge augmentation and implant restoration, as well as replacement of missing teeth by placement of dental implants.

The restoration of chewing function by means of artificial tooth roots (dental implants) is an established standard procedure in modern oral and maxillofacial surgery. Implants made of pure titanium or titanium alloys (in special cases made of ceramics) are anchored directly in the jawbone. In this way, either a fixed denture can be inserted or the fit of a removable denture (prosthesis) can be improved.

 

Nowadays, cylindrical or screw-shaped implants with different surface treatments are preferred. After a healing phase of approx. 3-6 months - in individual cases even earlier - the implants are fitted with crown/bridge constructions or with telescopes or bars for fixing a removable denture.

 

If the jaws are toothless for a long time, bone loss may occur. In such cases, a prosthetic restoration can be difficult, sometimes even impossible. There is also a risk of spontaneous mandibular fracture in cases of extreme bone loss. In such cases, bone material must be grafted in preparation for implantation before a planned restoration with implants. Depending on the extent of bone loss, artificial bone substitute materials or autologous bone from the regional area (e.g. mandible: chin, jaw angle) are used.

If a larger amount of bone is required, it may also be necessary to remove bone from the pelvic bucket (under general anesthesia).

 

Usually, these procedures can be performed under outpatient conditions. In some patients, general diseases may complicate the performance of implantation, e.g., bleeding tendencies due to the use of anticoagulants (e.g., Marcoumar). In these cases, blood coagulation must be adjusted before the operation - if necessary under inpatient conditions.

 

The planning and execution of an implant-supported dental prosthesis is closely coordinated by maxillofacial surgeons with the attending general dentist. For further information, please contact an MKG surgeon who will be happy to provide you with information.