Dental implants are the most highly recommended solution for replacing or rehabilitating missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
They are medical devices made of titanium alloy that are implantable in the bone where the natural tooth is not available. In other words, the implant is an artificial root of the missing tooth that will support a crown. They are thus ideal for oral rehabilitation.
What are the steps for placing dental implants?
Firstly, we must PLAN the case, with clinical and radiographic examinations as well as analyze some medical examinations, ensuring that there is good oral and general health for the conduction of the dental implant.
After this planning, we move on to the SURGERY, which is simple, and performed in the office under local anesthesia. On the same day, provisional prostheses/crowns can be placed.
The RESTORATIVE PHASE aims to provide masticatory and aesthetic functions. It may occur on the day of surgery or up to 6 months after implant placement, depending on the case.
Finally, there must be MAINTENANCE of the dental implant, through oral hygiene care and regular visits to the dentist to ensure the durability of the implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The main advantage is that they are similar to natural teeth, both in terms of aesthetics and self-confidence, as well as providing phonetic and masticatory functions. Another benefit is the ease of cleaning it since they are like a natural tooth.
Is there a minimum and maximum age to place implants?
In general, until craniofacial growth is completed, the placement of implants is contraindicated, so we should wait until approximately 18 years of age.
There is no maximum age for placing a dental implant, only a more specific and detailed planning will be required based on your medical history and your general well-being.
Can diabetic patients and smokers have implants?
Yes, they can, but they should be aware of the risks that their current condition poses.
Several studies point out that smokers of more than ten cigarettes a day or uncontrolled diabetics I or II can reduce the durability rate of the implant by between 6 and 10%.
In these cases, patients are subjected to periodic check-ups at shorter intervals (every 3 months).
Can patients with osteoporosis have dental implants?
Yes, in most cases it is possible to consider its placement. These patients are usually medicated orally with bisphosphonates, in which there is a reduction in the activity of bone tissue cells. However, it is very low due to the non-osseous integration of the implant. On the other hand, in cases where there is a worsening of the clinical condition and the need for intravenous therapy, implant placement is contraindicated.
What are the contraindications for placing implants?
Currently, there are few absolute contradictions for implant surgery.
The occurrence of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and an acute myocardial infarction LESS than 6 months contraindicate any intervention. Uncontrolled oncological disease or undergoing treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) or intravenous treatments with bisphosphonates are contraindicated. Removable rehabilitation (removable prostheses) is proposed to improve their masticatory function in these cases.
What is the lifetime of an implant?
If there is effective oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, we can expect the implant to have a very significant long-term survival and success rate.
