Ceramic Dental Implants: Your Questions Answered With Dr Andreas Jahnigen
We’re excited to speak with our expert Dental Implant Surgeon, Dr. Andreas Jahnigen, to delve into the world of dental implant treatments. In this insightful interview, Dr. Andreas shares his expertise on what makes dental implants an excellent solution for restoring smiles, as well as why we use ceramic implant systems here at Optimal Dental Health, London.
What Sparked Your Interest in Ceramic Implant Dentistry?
Whilst I was studying dentistry, I was also in the middle of a holistic degree in Germany which took me four years to complete. A degree focusing on naturopathic, alternative medicine studies. I have always found natural, alternative medicine and treatments fascinating, so I wanted to learn more about it and integrate it within my dental career.
I also became very interested in the work of an Integrative Medicine physician, Dr Klinghart MD, PhD, especially after reading one of his books on detoxifying the body with SMART Amalgam Removal back in the 90s.
He is now regarded as one of the most influential GPs globally, running his own institute and traveling the world to deliver lectures. His work has been a significant source of inspiration throughout my career. I became particularly fascinated by his diverse range of protocols, which prompted me to delve deeper into them.
I even travelled to the Swiss Biohealth Education Centre in Switzerland in 2022 to speak at the SDS Success Day, as part of their Ceramic Implantology Week.
Delivering a lecture on the latest advancements in implant treatments was an unforgettable experience. While standing before hundreds of guests was daunting, stepping out of my comfort zone brought an incredible sense of accomplishment.
How Did You Begin Working At Optimal Dental Health?
It was a great story actually, Dr James Goolnik reached out to Swiss Dental Solutions and I was recommended during their initial conversations. James then reached out directly and the rest is history! I have been working with James at the team at Optimal Dental Health ever since.
One thing I admire about working with James, was not only his professional credibility, but his passion for public speaking, lectures and his close work with Dr. Dominik Nischwitz. James took part in a BioDentistry 3.0 programme and now has a variety of certifications on his surgery wall, which I have always found inspiring.
I value the strong connections we’ve been able to foster within the implant community, allowing us to continuously learn from and engage with experts in the field.
What are the benefits of ceramic implants over titanium implants?
Titanium implants contain nickel, a metal that is now banned in jewelry due to its potential for causing allergic reactions. For this reason, we prefer not to introduce such materials into the body. One of the key advantages of ceramic implants is that they are completely oxidized, meaning no electrons are released from the material, ensuring greater biocompatibility.
You could think of a ceramic dental implant as a ‘healing stone‘; a natural, non-reactive material that integrates seamlessly with your mouth and body, without adverse reactions. Additionally, ceramic implants bond exceptionally well with the natural gum tissue, which is precisely what we want to see as implant surgeons.
Another significant benefit of ceramic implants is their natural appearance. The material’s colour is more life-like compared to titanium implants, which can sometimes show a dark hue through the gum tissue. This aesthetic advantage is particularly noticeable in the visible areas of the mouth, contributing to a more pleasing and natural smile.
Are ceramic dental implants safe?
While some dentists have previously suggested that they may be prone to breakage, this is a misconception. When sourced from a reputable implant manufacturer, ceramic implants can offer long-lasting results, often for many years, and even a lifetime with proper care.
At Optimal Dental Health, we trust Swiss Dental Solutions, the global leader in ceramic implant technology, with over 25 years of experience in research, development, and production. Their implants are backed by lifetime warranties, ensuring our patients can have complete confidence that their implants are strong, secure, and built to withstand the test of time.
Do ceramic dental implants require more specialised care?
Ceramic implants generally require less maintenance. We recommend brushing your ceramic implant just like a natural tooth, but beyond that, no additional care is necessary compared to a titanium implant, as you’ve chosen a highly biocompatible and durable option for your mouth.
Who would you recommend a ceramic implant to?
A ceramic implant is an excellent option for anyone seeking a biocompatible, durable solution for replacing missing teeth, and it is particularly ideal for those with metal allergies or sensitivities. Ceramic implants offer a natural look and feel, making them a popular choice for patients who prefer a more aesthetic and allergy-friendly alternative to traditional metal implants.
While ceramic implants are suitable for most patients, it’s important to follow a carefully structured bone healing protocol to ensure the implant integrates successfully with your jawbone. This protocol involves monitoring the healing process closely and ensuring the bone has fully fused with the implant before moving forward with the final restoration. By adhering to this method, we can maximize the chances of long-term success, providing you with a strong and lasting solution.
Vitamin D and Dental Implant Treatment
At Optimal Dental Health, we offer a Vitamin D test to assess your Vitamin D3 levels in the bloodstream. Higher levels of Vitamin D3 are crucial for stimulating bone production, a key factor in the successful integration of dental implants.
The more ‘bone-forming’ cells your body produces, the smoother the process of embedding your ceramic implant. We are proud to offer state-of-the-art equipment on-site that can provide your results in as little as 15 minutes.
Are ceramic implants the only implants you offer?
At Optimal Dental Health, we offer a range of implant types and will always ensure the best solution for your smile and overall health, including titanium implants should we recommend them. We will be more than happy to discuss the different options available in your consultation and provide you with everything you need to know before making a decision.
What should a patient expect when they first meet you for a dental implant consultation?
At Optimal Dental Health, our top priority is your overall well-being. When you arrive, we begin by reviewing your medical history and providing you with a 3D CBCT scan to assess the available bone structure for your implant. With these results in hand, we can then have a more informed and thorough discussion about your treatment plan.
Before moving forward with your dental implant surgery, we aim to optimize your health as much as possible. Our team collaborates closely to ensure your overall health is in the best possible condition for the procedure.
Biological Dental Cleaning & Microbiome Testing
Our skilled Dental Hygiene Therapist, Brooke Shipp, will assess your gum health before we schedule your implant placement and provide you with a biological dental clean to remove plaque, tartar build-up and surface stains. You will work closely together to make sure your oral health is at its optimal, prior to your implant treatment.
Brooke uses her wealth of knowledge and a state-of-the-art microscope to locate possible harmful bacteria that could lead to gum disease or inflammation, and provides you with a bespoke treatment plan and tips on how to improve and maintain your oral health.
Vitamin D Testing
Additionally, if your vitamin D levels are lower than ideal, our nutritionist Zara Stella can work on your diet and supplement with vitamin D injection, or supplements. This helps ensure your body has the necessary levels to support bone growth, contributing to a successful implant placement and optimal bone integration.
We take pride in working together as a team to ensure your dental implant journey is not only a success, but also positively impacts your overall health and general wellbeing.
Are you curious about the different implant options available at Optimal Dental Health?
We offer a range of implant treatments tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best solution for your smile and oral health, including titanium should you need it.
Book your dental implant consultation with Dr Andreas today by calling 020 3921 1000 or dropping us an email to hello@optimaldental.co.uk – We look forward to welcoming you to Optimal Dental Health, London.
