Dental Implants
Steps
- The dentist will carry out a preliminary study in order to determine the number of implants you need and to know if you have enough bone to place them.
- In case of not having enough bone height in the upper jaw, the implantologist (or maxillofacial surgeon) will perform a surgery called maxillary sinus lift.
- Whether or not a sinus lift was necessary, the implants will be placed in the maxillary or mandibular bone under local anesthesia.
- It is important that the implant is firmly attached to the bone. For this reason, a few months will pass for the placement of the definitive implant prosthesis, during this period we will place a provisional prosthesis that will cover the dental absence.
- Once the implant has been integrated into the bone, the doctor will place the definitive prosthesis (visible external part of the tooth) that is cemented or screwed to the implant.
What are dental implants?
Implants are the tool used for the indicated treatment when one or more natural teeth have been lost, either due to a fall, blow or caries, regardless of the patient’s age.
These pieces are generally made of metallic materials that are surgically located in the maxillary bones, that is, under the gums. Once implanted in the selected place, the dentist can place on them the so-called fixed crowns or bridges where the artificial teeth go that will replace the missing teeth or the complete denture.
People who qualify for this type of treatment are generally:
- People who have lost one or more teeth.
- In patients with good bone quality or when the bone is insufficient, there are bone grafting techniques that allow the placement of an implant without any problem.
- People who have healthy oral tissues. Even patients suffering from general diseases such as diabetes, if they are treated medically, implants can be placed.
- Patients who cannot wear removable dental prostheses and prefer fixed prostheses.
- Patients who want to improve their chewing and phonation.
- Those who want to increase their self-esteem and oral health.