Dental Implants

On 07.10.2014, the largest German specialist societies in the field of dental implantology adapted the description of the indication classes to the development of the specialist field. In 1994, the indication classes were described for the first time and were then continually expanded scientifically.

These therapy guidelines have proven themselves for more than two decades in daily practice and at university clinics. However, the optimal therapy cannot always be carried out for various reasons (especially anatomical, but also economic) and so these guidelines are regarded as scientifically sound planning aids for us implantologists and for them as patients.

Indication classes

Class 1 : Replacement of individual teeth

Class 2: Replacement of several missing teeth

Class 3: Rehabilitation of edentulous jaws

Class 1 : Replacement of individual teeth

1a: missing front teeth

If up to four teeth are missing in the anterior region of the upper jaw, but the adjacent teeth do not require treatment: 1 implant for each missing tooth or a bend on two implants

If up to four teeth are missing in the anterior region of the lower jaw, but the neighbouring teeth do not require treatment: 1 Implant can replace two teeth here

1b: missing posterior teeth

If individual numbers are missing in the side area, but the adjacent teeth do not require treatment, each tooth can be replaced by an implant.

Class 2: Replacement of several missing teeth

In the implantological treatment of several missing teeth, the dentition of the opposing jaw must be taken into account in the decision-making process. In addition, the rules of conventional prosthetics apply.

2a: several tooth gaps

For the restoration in the upper jaw by a fixed work 6-8 abutments are usually required, in the lower jaw 6 abutments. If natural teeth have a good, long-term prognosis and are in a favourable position, this can be included in the planning.

For a removable denture at least 4 abutments are required in the upper jaw and at least 2 abutments in the lower jaw. If natural teeth have a good, long-term prognosis and are in a favourable position, this can be included in the planning.

2b: Free end gap (behind the last tooth is a gap which is larger than two teeth)

the large molars are missing: 1-2 implants

a small one and the big molars are missing: 2-3 implants

both small and the large molars are missing: 3 implants

Class 3: Rehabilitation of edentulous jaws

Basically, a toothless jaw can be treated with a dental prosthesis which you can remove yourself for cleaning and care, or with a bridge which can only be removed by the dentist for control. Both variants can hardly be distinguished externally and with both you can talk, chew and laugh without hesitation! In dentistry, the first variant is called removable, the second fixed.

3a: Toothless upper jaw

If the upper jaw is to be treated with a fixed restoration, we need 6-8 implants for a long-term hold.

If the upper jaw is to be treated with a removable restoration, we need at least 6 implants for a long-term hold.

3b: Toothless lower jaw

If the lower jaw is to be treated with a fixed restoration, we need 6 implants for a long-term hold.

If the lower jaw is to be treated with a removable restoration, we need at least 4 implants for a long-term hold.

If you would like more in-depth information on this topic, we will be happy to provide it for you in a personal meeting and answer your individual questions in detail.

Link to the indication classes

-Professional Association of Oral Surgeons e.V. (BDO)

-Federal Association of Dentists Active in Implantology in Europe e.V. (BDIZ EDI)

-German Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery e.V. (DGMKG)

-German Society for Implantology in the Tooth, Mouth and Jaw Sector e.V. (DGI)

-German Society for Dental Implantology e.V. (DGZI)