What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the artificial equivalent of a tooth root. They are attached to the bone with a mechanical (screw-like) retention. The dental crown, the visible part of the tooth, is attached to the implant. They are made of titanium, currently the most biocompatible material.
In which cases can it be placed?
It is a very minimally invasive surgery, so there are hardly any contraindications. A correct diagnosis is essential to check if any disease or medication may interfere with the process. There is no age limit for the placement of implants as long as the patient has finished growing, usually from the age of 18.
What does the procedure consist of?
The surgery is very simple and painless. First an intervention is performed on the gum for a subsequent preparation of the bone in which to place the implant. It is usually finished with a few stitches. After the intervention, in a period of about two months, the implant will be welded to the bone in a process of biological integration called osseointegration.
Is it necessary to rest?
During the whole process you can live a completely normal life. In some complex interventions inflammation may appear but the discomfort is minimal and can be solved with some analgesic. During the integration period a provisional prosthesis can be worn, which will be replaced by a definitive dental prosthesis once the implant has been correctly soldered.
Do implants require maintenance?
It is not always true that an implant is for life, with time it can deteriorate. If we do not take care of its condition, it can suffer from diseases similar to those of the teeth, such as perimplantitis, which in many cases can cause us to lose it. For this reason it is vital to check its condition periodically by carrying out an adequate maintenance program. In this way it can last for many years as long as it is of high quality and its placement has been carried out successfully.