What are dental implants and what are they used for?

Dental implants are medical devices and they are used as a replacement for the natural tooth root.

In the 70s and 80s, clinical studies on Implantology were carried out, where we began to understand that a titanium implant when placed following certain surgical protocols is osteointegrated after a few weeks. When we have an implant that has been correctly placed, it will function as a support for a crown (the visible part of the tooth).

In what situations are implants recommended? Why are they recommended?

Implants have become the ideal solution for the rehabilitation of areas with one or more missing teeth, with functional benefits, improving the chewing function and also phonetics. It also has a great aesthetic benefit giving greater comfort and self‐esteem to the patient.

We seek to institute a culture of prevention for oral health among patients and to have an increasingly wide range of treatments that safeguard the health of the teeth and the periodontal tissues that surround it. But in cases of total edentation and the continued use of removable prostheses resting on the soft tissues (of which the gum is an example) of the oral cavity, it may be responsible for significant dimensional alterations of the area, leading to situations of severe bone atrophy and the appearance of lesions such as traumatic ulcers, soft tissue hyperplasia or prosthetic stomatitis.

To minimise the risks of rehabilitation with implants and inflammation of the peri‐implant tissues, the patient must be aware of the importance of careful, daily oral hygiene, the use of an irrigator and regular check‐ups every six months.

Can anyone have a prosthesis on implants?

Dentures on implants are not recommended in all cases. This treatment plan is indicated for patients with severe tooth loss or periodontal disease. It is important to have an evaluation with a dentist to determine if this treatment plan is suitable for you.

Is implant surgery painful?

The surgery for placing implants is done under local anaesthesia. For this reason, the patient feels no pain during the procedure. To ensure the patient’s comfort in the days after surgery, medication is prescribed during the pre‐surgical consultation.

What does a prosthesis on implants consist of?

The denture on implants is screwed on at least 4 implants that support the entire dental arch. For this reason, the patient cannot remove it at home. It is a fixed option that is highly sought after due to its great comfort and aesthetics.

Can I choose the aesthetics of my prosthesis on implants?

Yes, in the first phase, a temporary prosthesis is placed. This prosthesis is used to ensure the patient’s correct chewing and phonetics, thus guaranteeing their quality of life during the healing of the implants. After this period, the construction of the definitive prosthesis begins. It is never finished without the complete approval of the patient, by means of a tooth try‐in.