Implantology

Dental implants are screws made of titanium that are placed inside the jawbones, functioning as a fixation for different types of dental prostheses: for a single tooth, for several teeth, or even for all teeth.

Patients often confuse implants with fixed prosthetics; in reality, implants serve to replace tooth roots in situations where they are lost or cannot be used.

Virtually all patients in good general health (without any underlying medical conditions) can receive dental implants. Some factors , such as smoking and diabetes, can influence the success of the treatment and should be evaluated beforehand. The oral implant procedure is a minor surgical procedure, and a proper evaluation is necessary before any oral surgery.

Bone grafts are frequently required . They can be performed prior to implantation, in which case the implants are placed after an average of 5 months of bone healing. When possible, the graft is performed at the same time as the implants.

Any pre-existing infectious process in the oral cavity must be eliminated. Periodontal (gum) treatment, extractions of teeth with infected foci, and endodontic (root canal) treatments must be performed prior to implantation. All of these aspects are part of an initial planning process carried out by the professional, which should be discussed openly with the patient before treatment begins.

After placement, the implants remain in place for a period ranging from 21 days to 3 months , allowing the biological process of osseointegration (direct bonding of titanium to bone) to occur. After that, the implants are uncovered and a dental prosthesis is connected to the implant through a secondary part called an abutment. In cases involving bone grafting, the treatment inevitably takes longer. In some specific cases, the prosthesis can be installed on the day of the implant surgery (immediate loading).

The success rate of osseointegrated implants is high, with several scientific studies proving their effectiveness, even after many years of masticatory function. However, there is a small chance of implant loss (non-osseointegration), occurring in around 7% of cases, usually shortly after the post-implantation rest period. In these cases, the implant is easily removed, and a new one can often be installed in its place.

Implants, like teeth and gums, must be thoroughly cleaned using the devices (dental floss and toothbrush) recommended by your dentist. The main biological complication is peri-implantitis (a disease that affects the bone and gums around the implant). The most important thing is for the patient to attend regular maintenance appointments to prevent or diagnose any changes early.