What is an implant?
It is a titanium prosthesis that is inserted into the bone of the mandible or maxilla, acting as artificial roots. The use of implants is mainly used for prosthetic purposes, to replace missing teeth or those with poor prognosis. When the implant is integrated, the dental prosthesis or crown is screwed to it.
Dental implants are the best option when one or more teeth are lost, since the patient’s quality of life is altered for functional (chewing) and esthetic reasons.
Advances in the technique
Not long ago, it was necessary to wait between 3 and 4 months after tooth extraction before dental implants could be placed. Likewise, once the implants were in place, it was necessary to wait for a prudential period of time to have the teeth fixed.
Thanks to the latest advances in technique and technology, times have been shortened. If the quality and quantity of the bone allow it, in certain clinical situations we can insert the implants on the same day that the teeth are removed, placing fixed provisional teeth on the same visit.
In short, an immediate implant is one that is placed in the alveolus just after the extraction of a tooth. On the other hand, immediate loading or provisionalization is the name given to the provisional dental piece that is inserted at the same time.
Advantages of immediate loading
We can identify several benefits:
- Reducing the waiting time when placing the final crown.
- The intervention does not have to be performed twice, reducing the patient’s stress.
- Comfortable, esthetic and functional rehabilitation on the same day.
It should be noted that before treatment, the patient should be studied to determine if this option is the most indicated. The tests include CT scans, X-rays, among others.
Through a software it is possible to know the necessary information of the patient’s mouth and teeth, including a detailed 3D map. Thus, we will know the position of the roots of the teeth, the quality and quantity of the bone, and possible anatomical structures that could hinder the placement of the implant, allowing us to select the optimal implant and customize the prosthesis.
What happens if there is no bone?
The situation in which a patient has very little bone is more frequent than it may seem.
In these cases, there are two options:
- Regenerate the bone: the latest advances make it possible that, in most cases, it is not necessary to graft the patient’s own autologous bone, avoiding a second surgical site. Regeneration is performed with biomaterials and synthetic materials, which allow bone regeneration.
- Special implants are placed for these cases: angled, short, narrow, zygomatic or pterygoid implants.
How is a total rehabilitation performed?
For total rehabilitations of the upper or lower jaw, a provisional fixed prosthesis can be placed from the first moment, whenever possible.
Depending on the restorative material of the final prosthesis, as well as various anatomical and patient-specific factors, the number of implants to be placed can vary between 4, 6 or 8.
When the procedure may be lengthy, conscious sedation with anesthesiologist is a major advance, both for safety and patient comfort.
Patient requirements
Immediate implants have the same success rate as traditional implants. However, there are a series of requirements to be able to undergo this technique:
- That you do not smoke or that you reduce smoking to a minimum.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- To go to the revisions.
- Follow a semi-soft diet during the first three months.
Also, to perform the intervention is required:
- Patient without infections.
- Sufficient quantity and quality of bone.
- Good surgical technique to achieve primary stability of the implants.
- Experience of the professional.
For more information, contact the Dental Clinic Alberto Fernandez & Ayora.