What is dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with screw-like metal posts and damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that function and look like real teeth.
This surgery can be an effective alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridges, and may also be an option when the lack of natural tooth roots prevents the construction of dentures or dental bridges.
Benefits of Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, where they serve as roots for missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with the jawbone, the implants will not slip, rattle or cause bone damage as might happen with dentures or fixed bridges.
In addition, the materials cannot deteriorate like your own teeth that support regular bridges.
Dental implant surgery serves to restore missing teeth, improving both dental function and esthetics .
Implants provide a solid foundation for artificial teeth, allowing for efficient chewing and a natural appearance. This option is ideal for those seeking a permanent solution that does not involve the inconvenience of removable dentures.
Who is an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery?
In general, dental implants may be right for you if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- You have a maxillary bone that has reached its full growth.
- You have enough bone to secure the implants or you are able to have a bone graft.
- You have healthy oral tissues.
- You have no health conditions that affect bone healing.
- You do not smoke tobacco
In the event that any of the above is not met, you should discuss it with the implantologist to see if the procedure is suitable for you.
Risks of dental implant surgery
Like any surgery, dental implant surgery presents some health risks. However, problems are rare and, when they do occur, they are usually minor and easily treatable. Risks include:
- Infection at the implant site.
- Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels.
- Nerve damage, which may cause pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the natural teeth, gums, lips or chin.
- Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of the sinus cavities.
Dental implant surgery step by step
Preparation for surgery
The planning process for dental implants may involve a variety of specialists, including an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, a prosthodontist and occasionally an ear, nose and throat specialist.
- Complete dental examination: You may have dental x-rays and 3D images taken and models made of your teeth and jaw.
- Review of your medical history: Tell your doctor about any medical conditions and any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Treatment plan: This plan is tailored to your situation and takes into account factors such as the number of teeth you need to replace and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
Dental implant placement procedure
Dental implant surgery is generally an outpatient procedure performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves several steps:
- Extraction of the damaged tooth.
- Preparation of the maxillary bone (graft), when necessary.
- Dental implant placement.
- Bone growth and healing.
- Abutment placement.
- Placement of the artificial tooth.
The duration of treatment may vary depending on the individual situation, but generally the entire process can take several months.
Post surgery dental implants and aftercare
After dental implant surgery, you may experience some typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:
- Swelling of the gums and face.
- Bruises on the skin and gums.
- Pain at the implant site.
- Minor bleeding.
Types of Dental Implants Available
There are several types of dental implants available, each designed to meet different patient needs and conditions. The main types of dental implants are described below:
Endosseous Implants
Endosseous implants are the most common and are placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are shaped like screws, cylinders or blades and are used for patients with sufficient bone density. Endosseous implants provide a solid base for artificial teeth and integrate well with the bone.
Subperiosteal Implants
These implants are placed over the jawbone but under the gum tissue. They are used primarily in patients who do not have sufficient bone height and are unable or unwilling to undergo a bone grafting procedure. Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that is attached to the jawbone and protrudes through the gums to support the artificial tooth.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are an alternative for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. These implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone, a denser bone in the upper jaw. Because of their location, zygomatic implants provide a stable and durable solution when endosseous implants are not viable.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are smaller implants used to stabilize removable dentures in patients who have significant bone loss. These implants are less invasive and can be placed in a single visit, providing a quick and effective option for improving denture stability.
Immediate Load Implants
Immediate load implants allow for the placement of a temporary crown. temporary crown the same day as the implant surgery. This is ideal for patients who want a quick solution and do not want to wait several months for the bone integration process to be completed. However, not all patients are candidates for this type of implant. type of implant and careful evaluation is required.
These are some of the main types of types of dental implants currently available.
Each type has its own advantages and it is important to consult with an implant specialist to determine which is the best option according to the patient’s individual needs and conditions.
Duration of Dental Implant Surgery
The duration of dental implant surgery can vary, but generally you can expect the following:
- Single dental implant: 1-2 hours
- Bone grafting (if necessary): +30-60 minutes
- Abutment placement: 30-60 minutes
- Crown placement: 1 hour (in a separate appointment)
It is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for a more accurate time estimate based on your specific case.
Duration of Dental Implant Surgery
The duration of dental implant surgery can vary, but generally you can expect the following:
- Single dental implant: 1-2 hours
- Bone grafting (if necessary): +30-60 minutes
- Abutment placement: 30-60 minutes
- Crown placement: 1 hour (in a separate appointment)
It is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for a more accurate time estimate based on your specific case.
What are non-surgical dental implants?
Non-surgical dental implants, also known as computer-guided implants, are a less invasive option for replacing missing teeth.
Unlike traditional implants that require surgery to insert a metal post into the jawbone, non-surgical implants use minimally invasive techniques to place the implants into the gum tissue without the need for large incisions or stitches.
What is guided dental implant surgery?
Guided dental implant surgery involves the use of 3D imaging and planning software to design a precise surgical plan prior to surgery. This allows the surgeon to visualize the patient’s bone structure and determine the best location for dental implants.
Guided surgery process
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Digital evaluation and planning:
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- 3D imaging: X-rays and three-dimensional scans (such as CT scans) are taken of the patient’s jaw.
- Virtual planning: Using specialized software, the surgeon plans the exact placement of the implants, taking into account the density and quality of the bone, as well as the position of important anatomical structures.
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Creation of the surgical guide:
- Customized guide: Based on digital planning, a customized surgical guide is fabricated to fit the patient’s mouth. This guide ensures that the implants are placed in the precise position and angle during surgery.
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Implant placement:
- Minimally invasive surgery: During the procedure, the surgical guide is placed in the patient’s mouth and used to insert the implants precisely, following the pre-established plan. This approach reduces surgical time and minimizes the invasiveness of the procedure.
What is a dental implant surgery kit?
A dental implant surgery kit is a set of tools specifically designed to perform the dental implant placement procedure. These kits include all the instruments necessary to prepare the implant site, place the implant and ensure proper integration and healing.
Locations:
- Implantarex: Dental implants in Barcelona C/ Regàs, 7 – 9, (08006) Barcelona, Spain
- Implantarex: Dental implants in Madrid C/ Lopez de Hoyos, 474, (28043) Madrid, Spain
- Implantarex: Dental implants in Zaragoza C/ San Vicente Martír, 17, (50008) Zaragoza, Spain
