Ten frequently asked questions about dental implants

“The technique that allows you to smile, speak and chew with the same confidence as with your own teeth”.

1. What is or what exactly are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root, designed to adapt to the patient’s jaws. Once surgically placed, it is integrated in a few weeks.

It serves to wear a crown and is used when a tooth is missing. Therefore, it allows the patient to smile, speak and chew with the same security as with his own teeth.

The implant, which is not visible and has the shape of a screw, is screwed to the visible dental piece, known as a crown or cap.

2. When should I have an implant?

When a tooth is missing, at any time.

Ideally, it should be done at the moment the tooth is lost. This avoids the displacement of the other teeth and the overload on the rest of the teeth due to incorrect chewing.

3. Can anyone have an implant?

In principle, yes. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is one of the most biocompatible materials. The success rate is over 95%, so practically anyone can have an implant.

The implantologist will study the conditions of each patient and will determine the most appropriate process to achieve the functional and esthetic rehabilitation that will improve their quality of life.

4. What are the advantages of a dental implant?

Mainly the improvement of the health of the patient’s mouth, who will eat normally again and will recover his or her usual smile.

The replacement of teeth can contribute to avoid the bone loss that occurs with tooth loss.

In case of loss of all teeth, it is the ideal solution to improve the quality of life because the dental implant is fixed and comfortable. The union between the bone and the titanium implant (osseointegration) is so strong that the sensation when chewing is similar to that of the natural tooth. In addition, many patients have some difficulty in adapting to a complete removable prosthesis (teeth “to put in and take out”).

The advantage over removable dental bridges is that, as the prosthesis is attached to the bone, we avoid structural damage to adjacent teeth.

5. How long do dental implants last?

Care, hygiene and revisions after implant placement are vital for the success of a long-term treatment. More than 90% are useful 10 years later.

It should be noted that patients rehabilitated with dental implants should be monitored regularly.

Read Now 👉  Frequently asked questions about dental implants

6. Are dental implants very expensive?

The cost of the treatment is not high in relation to the wellbeing obtained. We design tailor-made solutions for each patient so that health and wellness are aligned.

7. Are dental implants very delicate and do I have to take care of them in any way?

Two fundamental aspects must be taken into account: hygiene and periodic check-ups.

Regarding hygiene, a daily routine should be established, complementing the use of the toothbrush in some cases with dental floss, interdental brushes and an oral irrigator, to eliminate most of the bacterial plaque accumulated in the interdental spaces.

As for periodic check-ups, we must respect the established appointments even if the surgery has been a success and our recovery has been completely normal. The purpose of the revision appointments is to ensure that the results are as expected, to check the correct functioning of the implants, and to detect any unforeseen event in time.

A patient with dental implants should have a check-up every 6-12 months.

8. Can I have a dental implant if I am a smoker?

A patient who is a smoker can have dental implants, but before their placement it is advisable to know the risk factors associated with smoking and to deal with periodontal problems if there are any.

After the rehabilitation, the hygiene plan and check-ups should be individualized.

Although it is very difficult to give up this habit, we advise you to do so before surgery, or at least reduce consumption.

9. How is the dental implant process?

In order to perform the implant surgery or implants, it is necessary first of all a complete diagnosis and develop the ideal treatment plan for each case. Under local anesthesia, the placement of one or more implants is performed in a single session.

The implant will have been integrated into the bone after a few weeks of rest, variable time depending on the case. Once the implant has been integrated, the measurements are taken so that the laboratory can manufacture the fixed prosthesis (dental piece) that will be anchored to the implants.

In cases where the bone mass is insufficient, the bone will be regenerated first, and then the dental implants will be placed.

In some cases, a fixed provisional can be placed at the same time as the surgery or a few days later, either as a single piece, several pieces or an entire set of teeth.

10. When will I be able to eat normally and recover my normal life?

After the first week following surgery, patients can carry out their daily activities without discomfort or concern, although they are still in a process of “integration”.

After 2 to 4 months, most people complete the rehabilitation process, although the schedule is individual and adaptable to different individual conditions.

For more information on implant dentistry, consult a dental specialist.