Question
I have read about dental implants that are not only supposed to be cheaper than conventional methods, but that in most cases do not require a long healing period for the implant in the bone and are completed in one day. Apparently, however, this method is hardly used in Switzerland, even though it seems to have only advantages. Why is this the case? Is this fast and apparently less expensive technique not safe?
Short answer
Dental treatment must always take into account the specific situation in the patient's mouth as well as general criteria such as health, age and financial means. The method in which the dental implants are fitted with teeth immediately after insertion and thus loaded is only suitable in around 10 to 15 percent of all cases according to previous experience.
Dental treatment is never a consumer product that can be compared with other products like an item of clothing or an electronic device and then purchased. Serious dental treatments should always be individually selected and planned according to the specific, local situation in the patient's mouth and taking into account several general criteria, such as health, age, financial possibilities, etc. The best solution should be found for each patient. The best solution should be found for each patient. This does not require advertising, but serious information.
Dentists who advertise are suspected of primarily wanting to sell a product. Advertising can call into question the high and justified claim that the dentist is primarily oriented towards the well-being of the patient and finds the best individual solution for them. SSO dentists are committed to continuous further training and may refer a patient to a competent colleague for optimal treatment.
Aggressive therapy policy
The method you mentioned in an advertisement is a relic from the boom years of a Swiss company. From 2002 to 2007, this company pursued a very aggressive advertising policy, which unfortunately led to the failure of many patients and their dentists. We now know that this method, in which the implants are fitted with teeth immediately after insertion and thus loaded, is only suitable in approx. 10-15% of all cases. Incidentally, this method could be used with all common implant systems, provided that the patient's situation is suitable. Advertising this method without pointing out its rare applicability is dubious.
Wait for healing time
Immediate loading of implants is associated with a higher risk of failure. This is because dental implants must heal in the bone for long-term dental success. Titanium implants grow firmly into the bone within two months. If an implant is subjected to recurring loads during this healing period that move it more than 0.15 millimetres in the bone, healing can be jeopardized. This can lead to loosening and loss of the implant.
AuthorDr. med. dent. Jürg Eppenberger
Published in: Neue Luzerner Zeitung on September 18, 2011