The superstructure is the visible "superstructure" of an implant after the loss of one or more teeth. Dentists attach a dental crown or bridge or a partial or full denture to an implant (artificial tooth root made of titanium or ceramic).
You can find out exactly how this works and where you can find suitable specialists for a superstructure in this article.
A dental implant is often used after the complete loss of one or more teeth.
Once the implant has healed into the jawbone, the dentist can screw the prosthesis (crown, bridge or similar) into place. Doctors call the visible part of the prosthesis a superstructure.
A superstructure is the dental prosthesis attached to an implant @ Marcus Kretschmar /AdobeStock
Unlike in orthopaedics, for example, implants made of pure titanium are mainly used in dental surgery.
The advantage: titanium is a highly reactive material that immediately forms a passive layer of TiO2 when it comes into contact with oxygen. This makes titanium-based dental implants biocompatible.
Modern titanium implants also often contain micropores of 5 to 100 µm, which enable better bone integration (osseointegration). Titanium allergies or foreign body reactions are very rare.
Titanium implants bond well with the jawbone and can be loaded more quickly @ Enigma /AdobeStock
In contrast, the first ceramic implants used aluminum oxide ceramics. These were more prone to implant fractures. The dental prosthesis literally broke off at the "implant root" .
With the introduction of modern ceramics, these problems have been minimized as far as possible, so that ceramic implants are gaining in popularity today.
Modern ceramics are considered an aesthetic option for tooth replacement due to their color and good tissue compatibility.
Ceramic implants look much more like real teeth @ Andreas /AdobeStock
In general, the choice between titanium and ceramic implants depends on the patient's individual wishes and procedures.
The subsequent superstructures can also be prefabricated and made of materials such as ceramic, titanium or gold. This flexibility makes it possible to customize the dental prosthesis to the patient's needs.
The connection between the superstructure and the implant is made by screwing. To make the prosthesis look as natural as possible, the dentist must conceal the screw connection at the end .
The simplest way is to divide the superstructure into primary and secondary parts:
However, the more elegant approach is not to divide the superstructure. The screw access then remains visible inside the dental crown.
The dentist closes the small channel that leads to the screw access. This makes the screw connection "invisible". This procedure makes it easier for the dentist to access the screw connection if necessary, as he only has to remove the filling.
Up to eight implants are required to treat a completely toothless jaw in order to attach bridges and other dentures.
In some cases, it is possible to make superstructures (bridges) removable, which makes cleaning easier.
Even if superstructures look natural and are usually not recognizable, there are still differences to natural teeth. One of the most obvious differences is the cushioning of the teeth.
A complicated fibrous apparatus in the jawbone holds the natural teeth in place. This dampens the pressure when chewing. Implants do not have this fibrous apparatus.
They heal into the jawbone and remain firmly attached to it. This can cause the implant to break off or become loose. In addition, inflammation in the area of the implant is possible.
For these reasons, it is advisable to check the implants and superstructures every six months .
Statutory health insurance companies usually only provide a fixed allowance for prosthetic treatment. However, this does not depend on whether the treatment involves conventional dentures or implants (with superstructures). Implant treatment is only subsidized in exceptional cases.
Dentists who offer implantology and superstructures usually have additional qualifications such as implantology, oral surgery or oral surgery.
You can also find superstructure experts in your area. We have therefore compiled a list above of selected specialists for superstructures and/or dental health centers with experience in implantology.
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