What is an implant made of?
Most implants are made of titanium. This material is very well accepted by the body. The bone can even grow against it. Often, the surface of the titanium is specially processed so that the bone grows even faster to the implant. This keeps the implant firmly in place.
How likely is it to succeed?
In about 95 out of 100 cases, an implant grows well into the bone. In people who smoke, have diabetes or need bone repair surgery, the chances are lower.
How does placement work?
Placement of an implant is usually done under local anaesthesia. As a result, you will not feel any pain during the treatment. The implant is often placed in one appointment. The bone then needs time for the implant to grow into place. This is called the healing period and usually takes a few months.
What comes on top of an implant?
A crown, bridge or click teeth can be placed on an implant. This depends on how many teeth you are missing. The dentist will discuss with you which solution fits best.
How long does an implant last?
An implant can last for a very long time, often decades. It works especially well if you:
- brush properly and use stoker or brush,
- Visit the dentist or dental hygienist regularly,
- does not smoke or is trying to quit smoking.
Does it hurt?
The treatment itself does not hurt because you are sedated. Afterwards, you may experience post-treatment pain or swelling. This is normal and usually disappears within a few days. You can take painkillers for this.
Is an implant possible for everyone?
Not always. Sometimes too little bone is present. In that case, the dentist may first perform bone remodelling or bone repair surgery. Implants may also be less suitable in certain diseases or medications. We do not place implants on people who smoke. Your dentist will discuss this with you beforehand.
What is the advantage of an implant over loose dentures?
An implant is fixed in the bone. This often feels more natural and gives more security when eating, talking and laughing.
Loose dentures can sometimes slide or hurt, especially when chewing. An implant stays firmly in place and prevents the dentures from wobbling.
Is the dentist trained to place implants?
Only dentists who have completed training as implantologists can place implants. Sometimes it is done in collaboration with an oral surgeon. So you are in good hands.
Our implantologist: Geraline Kers
What dentist Geraline Kers likes best about her work is that people often regain self-confidence through implant treatment. That gives her great satisfaction.
Geraline is a recognised dental implantologist (NVOI-registered) and has been working as an implant specialist since the year 2000. She has gained a lot of experience in various practices and also worked for several years in a hospital, in the oral surgery department. There she dealt with bone remodelling and extensive reconstructions.
She studied dentistry at ACTA and then specialised in implantology. Besides her work, she also conducted research on implants and regularly lectures on her field.
