Dental implants undoubtedly represent an improvement in oral health and the quality of life of the people who wear them. But it is normal for doubts to arise prior to the decision to undergo a surgical intervention. immediate loading implantology. In this post we explain the most frequently asked questions about dental implants that we find in relation to implants. We hope you find it useful!
1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that acts as an artificial root. It is placed in the maxillary bone or mandible. Although it is true that the implant is made of a bioinert metal, which does not cause a foreign body reaction, allergic reactions to the metals that accompany this alloy, such as aluminum and vanadium, have sometimes been described. Ask us if you have any type of allergy to metals. If you opt for the immediate loading treatment, the same day a provisional cap or crown is placed on the implant, which is the visible part of the tooth, and it works and looks the same as a natural tooth. If you opt for the conventional treatment, after 3-5 months the molds will be made to place the definitive covers.
2. What advantages does an implant have?
Dental implants replace missing or bad teeth, with which you fully recover the aesthetics and functionality of your mouth, as well as self-esteem and the desire to relate. They can be performed with immediate loading implantology, so that you can enjoy your new teeth in 24 hours, and lead a normal life in one day.
3. Can anyone get an implant?
Yes, implants can be placed in anyone. In the case of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, they simply have to be controlled before proceeding with the implantation.
With regard to age, implants can be placed from when the person has finished growing, approximately 16-18 years in girls and 17-19 in boys. There is no age limit for implants, any older person, no matter how old they are, can improve their quality of life with dental implants.
4. Are they very expensive?
The price is adapted according to each case and procedure. Keep in mind that it is a solution that can be for life, so it is much cheaper than traditional procedures, which require more visits and where the result is sometimes less durable. In addition, there are tailor-made financing solutions.
5. How long does the whole process take?
It is a simple process that is carried out in the same dentist's office. The intervention itself is carried out in a single day. In the same session, the implant and provisional teeth are placed. In a few months they are replaced by the definitive prostheses. In any case, with provisional prostheses you can return to normal life in 24 hours without any problem. Also, if you want your treatment to be even more comfortable, you can perform the surgery under intravenous sedation, that is, as if you were sleeping and in a dream.
6. Is the implantation process annoying?
No. The discomfort associated with the procedure is minimal. Local anesthesia is applied during the intervention, so that the patient does not notice any type of pain.
7. What care do implants require? Will I be able to lead a normal life?
Implants require very basic care, which is essentially the same as that required by teeth: correct oral hygiene, such as proper brushing and the use of dental floss and interproximal brushes. If we also avoid tobacco and other harmful substances such as alcohol, we will improve the long-term prognosis of the treatment. Regular check-ups for cleaning will increase the chances of enjoying your implants with satisfaction for years to come. Other than that, you can lead a perfectly normal life.
8. What happens if I smoke?
It is highly recommended that you avoid tobacco, as it can have a very negative effect even if there are no other risk factors. It can impair healing, reduce blood supply, lower defenses against bacteria, or affect the long-term health of the implant. The latter is widely evidenced by studies that indicate more chances of having implant infections when you are a smoker.
9. Can it be that the body rejects the implant?
Today it is highly unlikely that an implant will be rejected. At Ahoa, 98,6% of implants are successful. The virtual guided surgery procedure, together with the quality of the materials we use, such as Premium Nobel Biocare implants, ensure that the implants integrate correctly into the bone structure after placement.
10. How long do implants last?
The implants do not have an expiration date. There are patients who have been wearing the same prosthesis for more than fifty years. Advances in technology and materials allow us to offer results that were unthinkable a few years ago, both in terms of aesthetics, functionality and durability. Basic hygiene care and regular visits to your dentist will help you keep your implants for life.
Do you have any doubts or questions that we have not answered in this article? Contact us and we will resolve it as soon as possible.