The dental implants are today the best alternative to replace missing teeth. Gone are the bridges and the uncomfortable dentures that moved so much.
Implants represent a definitive and comfortable solution since they allow the person who wears them to eat and speak completely naturally.
How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implants?
In general, implants may be right for you if:
- You have a jaw that has reached its full growth: As a general rule, the patient must be over 21 years of age if he is a man and 18 if he is a woman; when bone growth has finished
- You have an adequate bone height that ensures implant fixation: If a sufficient amount of bone is not available or there is none, it will be necessary to perform a bone injert used to support the implant.
- you have healthy gums: the periodontal disease must be corrected before placing the implants either by means of a curettage or one periodontal surgery.
- You are not pregnant: During pregnancy, women suffer from a large number of hormonal changes that can cause gum sensitivity and make it difficult to heal. In turn, to monitor the evolution of the implants, x-rays are required, which can affect the fetus.
- Are you willing to quit smoking or reduce your consumption: smoking can be detrimental to osseointegration (fusion of the titanium implant with the bone) as it hinders healing.
- You have not recently had a heart attack, are not undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
- you’re not drinking corticosteroids, prolia, bisphosphonates, isotetrinoin, and other drugs that affect bone healing.
How do I prepare for dental implant surgery?
Because dental implants involve one or more surgical procedures, you must undergo a rigorous evaluation to prepare you for the process, including:
- Comprehensive dental exam: it is necessary to perform a 3D study like the one ConeBeam CTscanplus models of the teeth and jaw.
- Review of your medical history: It is important to mention to your dentist if you have any medical conditions
and if you are taking medication. - treatment plan: the dentist will prepare it based on your particular case. All the necessary treatments must be
included to be able to place the implants, in addition to the costs and the approximate duration.
How is dental implant surgery?
Implant surgery is a procedure that replaces the roots of missing teeth with titanium “screws” on which dental crowns are placed. The result is dentures that look and perform the same function as real teeth.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which usually lasts 40 minutes and in most cases
the patient can lead a normal life from the moment they leave the dental clinic.
For those who suffer from anxiety about dental procedures, they are also given the option of performing the procedure with conscious sedation.
Contrary to what many people think, the implant surgery it is a simple intervention and that causes less discomfort than the extraction of a wisdom tooth.
After surgery, you must wait three to four months for the titanium implant to fuse with the bone. During that time, the patient will be able to use temporary dentures.
Once the implant is attached to the bone, the final dental crown
How will I feel after dental implant surgery?
Once the effect of the anesthesia wears off, it is common to feel minor discomfort or localized swelling, however,
both symptoms are temporary and usually disappear after 7 days.
During this type, the dentist can prescribe analgesics and antibiotics if he deems it necessary.
It must be taken into account that not all surgeries are the same;
It is possible that the discomfort lasts longer
if you have had three implants placed, instead of just one, for example.
How should I care for dental implants?
dental implants they need care similar to the original dental pieces. The formation of dental plaque should be avoided since its accumulation causes the so-called peri-implant diseases.
The maintenance visits to the dental clinic are very important since the dentist is in charge of monitoring the tissues
surrounding the implant and removing accumulated tartar deposits.
During the first year after implant placement, maintenance visits should be every 3 or 4 months. After the year, a sequence of revisions is assigned according to the needs of the patient.
If you want more information about dental implants or want to schedule an assessment appointment, do not hesitate
to contact us through our different means of contact.
Explanatory note:
the information provided in this blog is for informational purposes and
should not be taken as a means of diagnosis or treatment.