Dental implants are a solution to tooth loss. In short, they can be considered an artificial root, commonly made of titanium or titanium alloy of high biocompatibility, which replaces the root of the lost tooth, giving retention to the crown or dental prosthesis.
The demand for rehabilitative treatment using dental implants has increased significantly in the last two decades. One of the reasons for this increase is the increase in life expectancy, since age is one of the variables that directly affect tooth loss.
In addition, the efficacy of implants and their simplicity are key factors in generating more and more confidence in this treatment. In short, they are currently the therapeutic alternative that generates the best expectations.
What are dental implants for?
The obvious indication for dental implants is the recovery of function and esthetics, in case of loss of one or more, or even all teeth. Depending on the case, there are different rehabilitative options and each of them has excellent functional recovery possibilities.
Although there are various implant designs, sizes and materials, the choice of one or another option is the responsibility of the dentist, who must adapt to the clinical conditions of the case.
When are dental implants necessary?
Preserving a tooth is always an advantage, despite the excellent results and high survival rate of implants. In other words, this treatment should be avoided as far as possible. To do this, we must take care of our teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene and making annual check-ups with the dentist.
Implant placement and recovery
In general, the placement of dental implants is a simple, quick and painless procedure. However, when major treatments are required, conscious sedation can be used to make the process more comfortable.
Recovery is also usually simple, with a period of inflammation mainly in the following 48 hours, but which can be controlled with specific drugs and does not prevent normal life.
The result of dental implants
Dental implants do not have a programmed obsolescence, nor do they have to be removed after a certain time in function, as occurs in the case of other materials implanted in other areas of the anatomy.
Clinical studies show a survival rate of close to 90% of implants after 10 years of follow-up. However, despite their high success rates and as with teeth, they are not exempt from complications and the best way to prevent and minimize them is to make follow-up visits to your dental office.