Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

• Are a permanent replacement for missing teeth and provide a superior alternative to traditional dentures.
• Unlike dentures, implants do not require an intrusive support structure positioned within the mouth. Instead, the dental reconstruction (or crown) is fixed directly to a titanium rod that is implanted directly into the jaw bone.

How do dental implants work?

For some people, dental prostheses or common dentures are simply uncomfortable or even unfeasible, due to sore spots or lack of adaptation to these devices. In addition, the dental prostheses are usually connected to natural teeth, on both sides of the space left by the missing tooth. With implant placement, it is not necessary to use a natural tooth to support the new surrogate teeth, preserving the health of the teeth.

An important point to know is that to receive an implant, you need to have healthy gums and proper bones to support it. You should also commit to keeping these structures healthy, what reinforce the importance of constant oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. 

The most recommended type of implant today is the integrated bone, which proved to be a revolution in the treatment of partially or totally toothless patients.

Integrated bone implant

They are implanted by surgical means directly into the maxillary bone. The period of osseointegration (integration to bone) takes on average 4 to 6 months, depending on the region receiving the implant. After this period, a second surgery is required to connect the implant to the oral environment.

At this stage, the dentist removes the gum that is covering the implant and finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is connected to the implant individually, or grouped into a prosthesis, which can be of two types:

• Prosthesis Protocol: total implant supported prosthesis and retained implant, fixed on 4 to 8 implants on average, this type of prosthesis is screwed and removed only by your dentist, is a prosthesis that confers good aesthetics and is a great option for those who want to escape from the denture. It can be made of resin or porcelain.
• Overdenture prosthesis: total removable prosthesis on implant. This type of prosthesis is cheaper than the protocol prosthesis because it requires fewer implants (2 to 6 on average) and is made of resin. This prosthesis is like a denture; however, it has a fitting in a bar that connects the implants, giving this more stability and retention. It can be removed by the patient and therefore its hygiene is facilitated.

In which cases is the dental implant recommended?

• Replace a single tooth
• Replace multiple teeth
• Replace all teeth
• Change your dental bridge
• Dental implants for upper teeth
• Dental implants for the lower teeth

How is the dental implant process?

• Following a detailed initial consultation with our experienced Implant Dentist, your treatment begins with the fixing of titanium support rods into the jaw bone.
• Sometimes the jaw bone itself needs to be built up before this begins – a process known as augmentation.
• Our experienced dentist will decide exactly which course of treatment is required.
• Following fitting of the titanium support rod (or implant) a period of time is needed for the implant to integrate with the surrounding jaw bone and gum line.
• During this period, you will be fitted with temporary crowns. When the implant is fully integrated, the permanent crown will be fixed in place using a very strong dental fixative.
• Surgery is required to receive dental implants; patients wanting to have dental implants should be in good general and oral health. Our dentists will affirm whether you are a good candidate for the surgery.
• The recommendation is that this procedure be done from age 18 and up, because the dentition is already complete. Contraindications are pregnancy, some periodontal problem or lack of oral hygiene care, which can lead to implant loss.

Dental implant steps

• Stage 1: Assessment and planning

Your first appointment will be to discuss your treatment and often involves taking x-rays and photographs. We will explain which methods are available to replace the missing teeth and we will discuss with you which one is most suitable. 

During the initial patient consultation we will set out a specific treatment plan to best suit your individual case and answer any questions you might have. 

• Stage 2: Implant placement

A relatively simple minor surgical procedure is performed under sterile conditions in the dental surgery under local anaesthesia and, if indicated, supplemented by conscious sedation.

• Stage 3: Integration period

Although some implants can be loaded into function immediately, or soon after surgery, it is often suggested that a period of three months or more be allowed for the implant to fully integrate before placing the tooth restoration on top of the implant. 

• Stage 4: The restorative phase

Once integrated, the implants may need to be uncovered and can be brought into function with a variety of restorations, ranging from a single crown, small or large bridge, or, if preferred, a removable overdenture clipped to the implants. 

• Stage 5: Maintenance

Following the completion of implant treatment, patients need to clean thoroughly around the implants, as instructed by the Oral Hygienist. Consultations with the dentist for regular review are necessary to maintain the health of the gums, bones, and the quality of the installed prostheses.

Types of dental implants

• Dental implants to replace a single tooth:

Dental implants are durable, stable and the ideal solution to replace a single missing tooth and eliminate the need to grind healthy adjacent teeth.

• Dental implants to replace multiple teeth:

Implants can be used to replace and support individual crowns or bridges. Support of adjacent healthy teeth is not necessary because implants act as replacement dental roots. 

• Dental implants to replace all teeth:

In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, as well-maintained natural teeth, complete implants are more comfortable than dentures and bridges, ensuring total mobility and well-being for speech and feeding. Implants eliminate the need for adhesives to keep dentures in place.

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• Dental implants for upper teeth:

The bone conditions for this type of implants need to be favorable, because the bones are usually strong at the bottom. Even so, the use of the overdenture technique allows the use of only 6 implants to support a complete arch with 10 to 12 replacement teeth.

This is possible because of a bar that connects the implants, giving this more stability and retention.

• Dental implants for the lower teeth:

In this case, the bone in the front of the mandible is usually very dense, which results in less need for implants to treat the entire arch. Although in many situations it is possible to provide a simple treatment plan using only 4 implants, it is more common to use 5 implants to replace all lower teeth.

How much does a dental implant cost?

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