- When is a dental implant truly necessary? A dental implant is recommended when one or more teeth are missing, and you are looking for a long-term, stable solution that does not place load on neighbouring teeth (as a conventional bridge does). Implants are also advisable if removable dentures are uncomfortable, unstable, or negatively affect the quality of life (chewing, speech, self-confidence).
- Who is not a suitable candidate for dental implants? Age itself is not the decisive factor; overall systemic health and oral hygiene are far more important. Untreated periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, active smoking (especially heavy smoking), certain bone metabolism disorders, or a history of radiotherapy require careful assessment and increased caution. In many cases it is not “impossible”, but rather “we stabilise the situation first, then proceed”.
- What is the difference between an implant and a crown? The implant is the artificial tooth root placed into the jawbone (most commonly titanium or zirconia). The crown is the visible “tooth” that is fixed onto the implant. Together, they form the complete tooth replacement, but they are distinct components in both function and material.
- How long does the complete implant treatment take? Typically 3–6 months, although it can be shorter (with immediate loading) or longer if bone grafting, sinus lifting or inflammation is involved. Achieving a stable, long-term result often depends on not rushing the process. More about timeline of tooth implantation
- Is implant placement painful? The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Mild to moderate swelling, tightness or tenderness may occur afterwards, but these symptoms are usually well controlled with medication and rest. Many patients are surprised at how manageable the experience is.
- When can an implant be placed after tooth extraction? There are three common approaches: immediate placement (at the time of extraction), early placement (within a few weeks), or delayed placement (after 2–6 months). The appropriate timing depends on bone quality, soft tissue condition, and the presence of infection or inflammation.
- Is implant placement possible if there is insufficient bone? In many cases, yes. Bone grafting, guided bone regeneration, or sinus lift procedures in the upper jaw can create a suitable foundation. Modern techniques are specifically designed to achieve stable results even in less-than-ideal bone conditions.
- What is a sinus lift, and when is it necessary? In the posterior upper jaw, where the maxillary sinus is close, there may be insufficient vertical bone height. A sinus lift involves carefully elevating the sinus floor and placing bone graft material to create enough space for implant placement.
- What is osseointegration, and why is it important? Osseointegration is the biological process by which the bone bonds directly to the implant surface, providing long-term stability. It is the cornerstone of implant success and typically takes 3–6 months, depending on bone quality and general health.
- What is the difference between immediate implantation and immediate loading? They are not the same. Immediate implantation means placing the implant at the time of tooth extraction. Immediate loading refers to fitting a temporary restoration shortly after placement (sometimes within 24–72 hours). One can occur without the other, although they are often combined under strict conditions.
- When is the All-on-4 concept suitable? All-on-4 may be an option in cases of multiple missing teeth or complete tooth loss, when a fixed (non-removable) solution is desired. It involves a full-arch restoration supported by four implants, often with a rapidly placed temporary prosthesis. It is not suitable for everyone, but for many patients it represents a significant improvement in quality of life. Further information about the All-On-4 dental implants
- What is the difference between titanium and zirconia implants? Titanium implants are the most widely used, with decades of clinical success and excellent biocompatibility. Zirconia (ceramic) implants are a metal-free alternative, sometimes chosen for aesthetic reasons or individual sensitivities. The decision depends on bone conditions, gingival type and the overall treatment plan.
- What makes an implant “high quality”? Quality is not determined by the brand alone. Implant surface characteristics, design, surgical protocol, diagnostic accuracy (CBCT), sterile conditions, and precise fit and occlusion of the final restoration all play a role. True quality results from the combination of a reliable system and strict professional standards.
- What examinations are required before implant treatment? A clinical examination, panoramic radiograph, often a CBCT (3D scan), assessment of periodontal status and occlusion analysis. In some cases, blood tests (e.g. for glucose metabolism) or medical consultation may also be necessary.
- How long does the surgery itself take? Placement of a single implant often takes 20–60 minutes. Multiple implants or additional bone grafting will increase the duration. The exact time depends on the planned procedures rather than the number of implants alone.
- What can I eat after implant placement? Soft, lukewarm foods are recommended for the first few days. Avoid hot foods, hard or crumbly textures, and alcohol. Your dentist will advise which side to chew on. Some discomfort is normal, but it is temporary.
- When can I resume sports after implant surgery? Light activity is usually acceptable after a few days, but intense exercise, weight training and sauna use should be avoided for 5–10 days, as they may increase bleeding and swelling. Always follow individual instructions.
- What is considered normal during healing? Mild swelling, slight bleeding within the first 24 hours, tightness and tenderness for 2–4 days are normal. Increasing pain, pus, fever or heavy, persistent bleeding are not normal and require professional review.
- What are the most common causes of implant loosening? The most frequent causes include peri-implant inflammation, overload due to incorrect occlusion, smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), or less commonly poor bone quality.
- What is peri-implantitis and can it be prevented? Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around an implant, leading to bone loss. Prevention includes professional cleaning, regular follow-up visits, effective home care (interdental brushes, floss or implant-specific floss), smoking reduction and stable occlusion. Read more about how to prevent dental bone loss.
- How should an implant be cleaned at home? Use a soft manual or electric toothbrush, appropriately sized interdental brushes, and a water flosser if indicated. The key is thorough cleaning of the gum line and the areas beneath the restoration. If unsure, request personalised oral hygiene instruction.
- Do I need special toothpaste or mouthwash for implants? Not necessarily, but strong, alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided. Gentle formulations with antibacterial properties may be recommended, especially in the post-operative period.
- Why is occlusal adjustment important after implant placement? Implants do not have the same shock-absorbing capacity as natural teeth. Excessive forces can lead to micro-movement, screw complications or bone overload. Correct occlusion is not optional—it is essential.
- Can I have implants if I grind my teeth? Often yes, but it requires more meticulous planning. A night guard, appropriate material selection and regular monitoring are frequently recommended. Managing bruxism is not optional in implant therapy.
- How long does a dental implant last? With proper planning, execution and maintenance, implants can function successfully for decades. However, they are not “lifetime guarantees”; long-term success depends on surrounding tissues and oral hygiene.
- What happens if an implant fails? Occasionally, an implant does not integrate (early failure) or later develops complications due to inflammation. In such cases, removal, healing and, if necessary, bone grafting may allow for re-implantation. Identifying the cause is crucial—not simply replacing the implant. More about the risks of dental implants
- Can implants be placed during pregnancy? Implant surgery is generally not recommended as an elective procedure during pregnancy. Consultation and diagnostics are possible, but surgical steps are usually postponed until after delivery unless there is an urgent indication.
- What is the difference between conventional and digitally planned implant placement? Digital planning uses CBCT and intraoral scanning to pre-plan implant position with high precision, often with the aid of a surgical guide. This approach can be more minimally invasive, faster and more predictable, particularly in complex cases. More about the implantation procedure
- Why are regular check-ups important if the implant does not hurt? Because many complications develop silently. Follow-up visits allow early detection of inflammation, bone level changes or occlusal discrepancies, often preventing implant failure.
- How much does a dental implant cost and what influences the price? Costs depend on the implant system, the need for bone grafting, the type of restoration (crown, bridge, full-arch), diagnostic procedures (CBCT), and laboratory work. A proper treatment plan always starts with a detailed, itemised quotation. Check our prices for dental implants
- What should I ask during my first implant consultation? Ask about bone availability (and whether grafting is needed), expected treatment duration, temporary solutions, warranty conditions, maintenance requirements, and which implant system is used and why. Book a dental consultation
- How do I know if an implant is the right decision for me? A good decision lies at the intersection of three factors: healthy gums, sufficient or augmentable bone, and a commitment to maintenance (hygiene and follow-ups). When these are present, implants are usually a highly rewarding solution.
Read about dental implants pros and cons, and check our dental implants reviews
