Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

Dental implants undoubtedly represent an improvement in the oral health and quality of life of people who have them. But it is normal for doubts to arise prior to the decision to undergo an immediate loading implantology procedure. In this post we explain the most frequently asked questions about dental implants that we encounter 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 jawbone. While 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 metal allergies. If you opt for immediate loading treatment, on the same day a provisional crown or cap is placed on the implant, which is the visible part of the tooth, and it functions and looks like a natural tooth. If you opt for conventional treatment, after 3-5 months the molds will be made to place the definitive caps.

2. What are the advantages of an implant?

Dental implants replace lost teeth or teeth in poor condition, so you fully recover the aesthetics and functionality of your mouth, as well as self-esteem and the desire to relate to others. They can be performed with immediate loading implantology, so you can enjoy your new teeth in 24 hours, and have a normal life in one day.

3. Can anyone get an implant?

Yes, implants can be placed in any person. In the case of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, simply have them controlled before proceeding with the implantation.

As far as age is concerned, implants can be placed as soon as the person finishes growing, approximately 16-18 years old in girls and 17-19 in boys. There is no age limit to place implants, any older person, whatever age they are, can gain in quality of life with dental implants.

4. Are they very expensive?

The price is adapted according to each case and procedure. It should be taken into account that this is a solution that can be for life, so it is much more economical than traditional procedures, which require more visits and where sometimes the result is less durable. In addition, there are customized financing solutions.

5. How long does the whole process take?

It is a simple process that is carried out in the dentist’s office. The intervention itself is performed in a single day. In the same session the implant and temporary teeth are placed. In a few months they are replaced by the definitive prosthesis. In any case, with the provisional prostheses you can lead a normal life in 24 hours without any problem. In addition, 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 your sleep.

6. Is the implantation process uncomfortable?

No. The discomfort associated with the procedure is minimal. Local anesthesia is applied during the intervention, so that the patient does not feel any pain.

7. What care do the implants require and will I be able to lead a normal life?

Implants require very basic care, which is essentially the same as that required for teeth: proper oral hygiene, such as proper brushing, flossing 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. A regular check-up for cleaning will increase the chances of enjoying your implants with satisfaction for years to come. Otherwise, you can lead a perfectly normal life.

8. What happens if I smoke?

It is highly recommended that you avoid smoking, as it can have a very negative effect even if there is no other risk factor. It can impair healing, reduce blood supply, reduce defenses against bacteria or affect the health of the implant in the long term. The latter is widely evidenced by studies that indicate more possibilities of having infections in the implants when one is a smoker.

9. Can the organism reject 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 Nobel Biocare Premium implants, ensure that the implants integrate correctly into the bone structure after placement.

10. How long do implants last?

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 esthetics and in functionality and durability. Basic hygiene care and regular visits to your dentist will help you to keep your implants for the rest of your life.

 

Do you have any doubt or question that we have not solved in this article? Contact us and we will solve it as soon as possible.