{"id":5092,"date":"2022-11-21T11:18:39","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T17:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonrisaparatodos.com\/?page_id=5092"},"modified":"2024-04-16T10:47:54","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T16:47:54","slug":"50-questions-dental-implants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sonrisaparatodos.com\/en\/50-preguntas-implantes-dentales\/","title":{"rendered":"50 frequently asked questions about dental implants"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Welcome to our comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions about dental implants. We recognize how important it is for you to obtain accurate and detailed information about this dental procedure. That's why we've compiled answers to 50 of the most common questions our patients often ask about dental implants. From the placement process to aftercare, here you will find all the information you need to fully understand this treatment and make informed decisions about your oral health. Let's start exploring all your concerns together.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>1. What is a dental implant?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

\"dentalThe dental implant is a cylindrical element made of titanium coated with a biocompatible material with the body, i.e. it integrates perfectly into the bone and does not produce rejection of it, it has threads so it is introduced in a threaded form to the bone, joining it through a process called osseointegration. It acts as a support for the artificial teeth to be placed, either crowns or fixed bridges.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What is the function of a dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

\"dentalThe implant exclusively performs the function of the root of the tooth and occupies the space of the same, so you have to add the crown which is the part that would give the functionality both chewing and aesthetics.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>3. What material is a dental implant made of? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
  • Titanium:<\/strong>is the most commonly used in dental implants. It is a biocompatible material with the body, that is to say that it does not produce rejection, and it binds to the body by osseointegration producing a strong and stable union.<\/li>
  • Zirconium:\u00a0<\/strong>is a ceramic material, which also offers excellent results by integrating perfectly into the maxillary bone. It is used in case of patients allergic to titanium.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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    <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>4. What are the parts of a dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

    • It is composed of three parts:<\/p>

      • The implant<\/strong> itself which is cylindrical in shape and is threaded into the bone replacing the root of the tooth.<\/li>
      • The pillar or abutment<\/strong> which is the piece that connects the implant to the dental crown and serves as a union between these two parts.<\/li>
      • Crown<\/strong> The visible part of the tooth that will replace the function and esthetics of the missing natural tooth crown.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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        <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>5. Are all dental implants of the same quality? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
        Not all dental implants are of the same quality. Likewise, not all have the same cost. In our dental clinic Sonrisa Para Todos we only work with brands that manufacture implants with verified quality materials and characteristics such as Zimmer Biomet and Cortex.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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        <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What is the success rate of dental implants and what guarantee does the Sonrisa Para Todos dental clinic offer? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

        The success rate is 96.3% to 100% success rate in an estimated time of 3 to 4 years. And in a range of 94.8% to 98% within 5 to 10 years of treatment. So Sonrisa Para Todos offers a lifetime guarantee on dental implants.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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        <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>7. What types of dental implants are there? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

        Depending on the region where they are placed:<\/p>

        • Alveolar Implants:<\/strong>are the most commonly used and are inserted into the upper or lower jaw bone that surrounded the missing teeth.<\/li>
        • Zygomatic Implants:<\/strong> when the alveolar bone of the upper jaw is insufficient due to severe bone loss, implants are attached to the cheek bone called the zygomatic bone.<\/li>
        • Pterygoid implants:<\/strong>another alternative to the lack of alveolar bone in the upper jaw is to fix the implants in the pterygoid processes, located behind the maxillary molars.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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          <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>8. What are the types of alveolar dental implants?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
          • Immediate load dental implants <\/strong>or also called one-stage implants are those implants that after being placed in the same intervention a fixed provisional prosthesis is placed.<\/li>
          • Two-stage dental implants<\/strong> or also called late loading are formed by two separate pieces; one that is placed inside the bone that will replace the root of the missing natural tooth, and another called abutment and is placed on the first piece that will be where the crown or fixed bridge is supported.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>9. What is the advantage of an immediate or single-stage dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            Immediately after the immediate load implants are placed, a fixed provisional prosthesis is cemented in the same intervention. This type of implants are known to promote bone tissue healing and osseointegration providing aesthetic and functional advantages when loaded with a temporary fixed prosthesis. Therefore, the patient can eat and smile from the same day of surgery. The definitive fixed prosthetic rehabilitation can be carried out in a shorter period of time compared to two-stage dental implants.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>10. What is the advantage of a late-loaded or two-stage dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The advantage of this type of implant is that it is left to heal for several months (approximately 3 to 6 months depending on the case) to allow the osseointegration (integration of the dental implant to the bone) to be generated completely, and after this time place the abutment and continue with the fixed prosthetic rehabilitation.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>11. Are crowns and fixed prostheses on implants cemented or screwed? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            Both techniques are effective and are often used, the application of each will depend on each particular case.<\/p>

            When the prosthetic treatment is screwed to dental implants, it is easier to dismantle the prosthesis either for hygiene reasons or because of problems that may arise in the crowns.<\/p>

            In the case of prosthetic treatments cemented to dental implants, there is a better stability of the prosthetic structure and the procedure is simpler, allowing the prosthesis to be changed or replaced if necessary.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>12. In which cases is it recommended to place a dental implant?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            In all those cases in which there has been the loss of one or more teeth and the bone condition is adequate to place the dental implant. The placement of the dental implant stops the resorption or alveolar bone loss, and restores both the lost function and esthetics.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>13. Can I have dental implants if I am a smoker?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            It is no secret that smoking causes damage and alterations to our organism, and the oral cavity is not exempt from these effects, putting at risk the success of a dental implant treatment, since it not only hinders the generation of osseointegration but also decreases the normal healing process, increases the possibility of infections and greatly favors the accumulation of dental calculus, also known as tartar.<\/p>

            To reduce the possibility of generating these adverse effects, it is recommended that the patient stops smoking at least one month before the placement of the dental implants and continues to do so for at least 8 weeks afterwards, this being the most critical time for the osseointegration of the implant to take place. This time may vary according to the amount of cigarettes the patient smokes per day.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>14. If I am diabetic, can I have dental implants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            If the diabetes is controlled, this would not be a contraindication to be a candidate for dental implants. It is important to always inform the type of diabetes and the treatment you are currently undergoing so that the dentist can determine if it is necessary to take any additional precautions such as prescribing antibiotics to avoid the risk of infection.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>15. If I have cardiovascular disease, can I have dental implants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            It all depends on each specific case. In most cases, prior authorization from the cardiologist is required to proceed with these dental treatments.<\/p>

            It is important to point out that if the person has suffered a heart attack, he\/she should wait at least six months after that episode to be able to evaluate the case. In cases of arterial hypertension, if the patient is under medical control and complies with his medications, dental implants can be placed.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>16. Can I have dental implants if I take anticoagulants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            Each case must be evaluated individually, mainly for the reason for the intake of this type of medication and the dosage. In most cases, prior authorization by the attending physician is required to indicate a temporary suspension of treatment prior to implant placement and it is resumed the next day or a few days after implant placement.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>17. Can I have dental implants if I have periodontal disease (gum disease) and how would this affect the dental implants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The first thing to consider in these cases is the number of teeth to be replaced with dental implants, and whether the periodontal disease is under control or whether the disease is active and causing alveolar bone loss.<\/p>

            Each case must be evaluated individually, since there is a risk that, if the periodontal disease is not controlled, it can also affect the dental implants, which is called peri-implantitis.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>18. Can I have dental implants if I have osteoporosis and take bisphosphonates?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            Osteoporosis as such is not considered a contraindication for the treatment of dental implants, however, bisphosphonates, which are the drugs used to treat this disease, are. Prior authorization from the attending physician will always be required and he\/she will authorize if dental implants can be placed.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>19. Can I have dental implants during pregnancy? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            Although the placement of dental implants is a simple procedure and considered minimally invasive, it is contraindicated during pregnancy mainly because of the medications prescribed for this procedure such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>20. How does the dental implant heal?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The dental implant is made of titanium which is a biocompatible material with the body, that is to say that it does not produce rejection, it has a hardness capable of supporting the masticatory loads and at the same time it has an elasticity similar to the alveolar maxillary bone. This implant is joined to the bone through a process called osseointegration, which is nothing more than the healing of the bone around the titanium producing a solid union between them.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>21. What is osseointegration and how long does it last?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            Osseointegration is nothing more than the process of intimate union between the surface of the dental implant and the bone. The time it takes for the implant to osseointegrate to the bone is between 3 to 6 months approximately.\n\nHowever, in most cases, these implants can be loaded immediately after placement with provisional crowns, to be worn during the healing period and removed when osseointegration is complete and then the fixed prosthetic treatment can be placed.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>22. From what age can dental implants be placed? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            Although dental implants can be placed as early as 18 years of age, it is advisable to wait until 23 to 25 years of age, which is the age at which the growth of the maxillary bones is complete. If a dental implant is placed before this age, there is a risk of stopping the growth of the jaws and producing unfavorable esthetic results.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>23. What is the age limit for dental implant placement? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            There is no age limit to place a dental implant, it can be placed as long as the condition of the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone is adequate. However, it should be noted that it is of utmost importance to assess the general health of the patient, medications being taken and if he\/she has any systemic disease that may affect the process of osseointegration of the implant.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>24. Among dental implants, fixed prostheses and removable prostheses, which is the best? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            We can assure that the dental implant is always the best option as long as the diagnosis and the condition of the bone allows it, since it is the option that most closely resembles a natural tooth not only in aesthetics but also in form and function, avoiding alveolar bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the adjacent teeth that are in the edentulous space. In those cases in which the bone conditions are not adequate to place implants, the second best option would be to opt for fixed prosthetic treatments such as fixed bridges, and finally the option of removable or flexible prostheses is left.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>25. What happens if I prefer not to have a dental implant?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The loss of a dental piece causes not only esthetic but also functional problems. The absence of a single tooth causes an alteration in the chewing process, this leads to the patient preferring to chew more on the side where he\/she has all or more teeth, which leads to greater wear of the teeth in that area and overloads the jaw joint called temporomandibular joint. The same as there is a loss of alveolar bone where the teeth are absent.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>26. Why does alveolar bone resorption occur? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone stops receiving the stimulus from the root of the tooth, so resorption or bone loss begins to occur, which can cause movement in the adjacent and antagonistic pieces to the space produced by the absence of the tooth, as well as compromising masticatory function and facial fullness.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>27. What are the consequences of alveolar bone resorption? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            When bone loss occurs in the space with dental absence, it can make it impossible to perform a fixed prosthetic treatment with dental implants due to bone deficiency. It also produces a loss of facial fullness which is nothing more than the support that has the musculature and tissues of the mouth with the teeth so this support is lost so it produces a sinking of the lip, facial deformities, difficulty to pronounce certain letters properly, inadequate chewing and directly affects the patient's self-esteem.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>28. If I have already had a tooth extracted, how long do I have to wait to get a dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            The estimated time is very variable, it depends mainly on which tooth was extracted, the condition of the bone and if it had an infectious process. In cases where the dental roots are narrow and the condition of the bone is adequate at the same time of the extraction, the dental implant can be placed.\n\nIn case of dental pieces that have had an infectious process, the dental piece has to be extracted and wait for the alveolar bone to regenerate, this time can range from 3 to 6 months approximately.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>29. Why choose a dental implant instead of a fixed bridge or a removable prosthesis? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            The dental implant does not deteriorate or affect the adjacent teeth, since it is attached to the bone and not to the remaining teeth. It is a treatment that can last much longer than any other type of oral prosthetic treatment. Its placement avoids bone loss in the space where the natural tooth was lost.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>30. If I have several continuous missing teeth, is it necessary to place a dental implant for each missing tooth?<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            In cases where there is a continuous absence of at least three teeth, two dental implants can be placed at the ends of the gap and a fixed bridge is cemented or screwed on top of them.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>31. Can a patient who does not have any teeth have dental implants placed? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>
            In those edentulous patients, that is to say, those who have the total absence of their teeth in only one jawbone or in both, dental implants can be placed as long as the bone condition is adequate and a complete fixed prosthesis screwed to these dental implants would be performed. Between four, six to eight implants can be placed in each jawbone and they are known in dentistry as All on 4, All on 6 or All on 8 treatments. These are much more comfortable and stable compared to removable complete prostheses. The number of implants to be placed will always be defined by the dentist according to the condition of each patient.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>
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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>32. Does it hurt to place a dental implant? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The placement of dental implants in most cases is a minimally invasive procedure so it is extremely simple and recovery is just as quick. Some dental implant placement procedures that require bone regularization or bone graft placement can be a little more uncomfortable. They are always performed under local anesthesia and sometimes under sedation, which allows the patient to be free of pain and discomfort during the procedure.<\/p>

            Once the anesthesia wears off, it is possible to have minor to medium intensity discomfort that is always stabilized by means of analgesic medication provided by the dentist and this discomfort disappears after a few days. All medication required for recovery should be indicated only by the dentist, in no case it is recommended to self-medicate.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>33. What type of anesthesia is used in the placement of dental implants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            The placement of a dental implant is performed under local anesthesia because it is a relatively simple and quick procedure, this local anesthesia blocks the pain so that the patient does not feel anything.<\/p>

            In cases of slightly more complex dental implant treatments that require regularizations and\/or bone grafting and the patient is very nervous, we offer conscious sedation together with an Anesthesiologist in addition to the application of local anesthesia in the dental implant placement procedure.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>34. Can sedation be used in the dental implant placement procedure? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            We especially recommend sedation for patients who are very nervous, this allows them to remain semi-conscious and relaxed during the intervention. This procedure is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist for the duration of the procedure.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>35. What can be eaten after dental implant placement? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>

            First of all, it is necessary to wait for the anesthesia to wear off completely before eating. Hot drinks and food should be avoided, preferably at room temperature or cold. It is also recommended cold and soft diet for three days as ice cream, jelly, yogurt and supplements, avoid eating grains such as rice and beans and hot foods such as coffee and soups, these can be consumed, but at room temperature or cold.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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            <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>36. What are the functions of a fixed prosthetic treatment on implants? <\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/div>