The dental implant is a metallic element made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw.. It is designed to replace the missing root and keep the artificial tooth in place.
Because the titanium in the implants is fused to the jawbone, the implants do not shift, impinge on neighboring teeth, or cause bone damage like bridges or fixed dentures do.
Why are implants your best dental replacement option?
Currently there are various types of dental prostheses to replace a dental piece, but the most comfortable, effective and long-lasting solution are undoubtedly the dental implants given that:
Improve self-esteem: They are the most aesthetic solution to replace teeth. You will have a younger appearance since the absence of dental pieces causes bone loss with the consequent facial aging.
They provide security: provide an identical feel to natural teeth. You will be able to smile, eat and speak normally.
They have long duration: they can last a long time, even a lifetime if you follow the recommended care.
What is the dental implant placement process like?
The dental implant placement process consists of 5 steps:
Step 1
The periodontist will send you for a study of Cone Beam CT Scan in order to determine the number of implants and know if you have enough bone for their placement.
Step 2
In case of having sufficient bone height in the upper jaw, the periodontist will perform a surgery called maxillary sinus lift.
Step 3
Whether or not a sinus lift was necessary, the implants will be placed in the maxilla or mandible under local anesthesia and, if desired, with conscious sedation.
Step 4
It is important that the implant is firmly attached to the bone. For this reason, 3 to 4 months will be allowed to pass for the placement of the final implant prosthesis. During this period, the periodontist will place a provisional prosthesis that will cover the missing teeth.
step 5
Once the implant has been integrated into the bone, the doctor will place the final prosthesis that is cemented or screwed to the implant.
How is recovery from dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery, although it is outpatient, is an invasive surgery. The dental professional will establish a series of necessary guidelines so that the discomfort is minimal and that the treatment is a success.
The main recommendations are:
Hygiene: the same day of the intervention, mouthwashes or brushing the teeth are not recommended. The next day you have to recover your habits, taking special care not to touch the intervened area.
bleeding: It is normal for the operated area to bleed during the first and even the second day. It is best to use gauzes that absorb blood and change them every so often. The first night it is recommended to sleep with the head slightly higher than the body.
Physical exercise: for a week it is better to suspend physical activities to avoid problems with bleeding, pain or inflammation.
Does an implant last a lifetime?
If osseointegration occurs correctly, the long-term success of an implant is very high: It is estimated that more than 90% of patients who undergo this procedure keep their implant 15 years after the intervention..
However, there are factors that contribute to implant failure, especially if the disease known as peri-implantitis appears, which is chronic inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the implant. Over time, if this pathology is not controlled, the implant may be lost.
To avoid this problem, you should take care of your oral hygiene and go regularly for check-ups with your periodontist.