What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a screw, usually made of biocompatible titanium. This screw is fixed into the jawbone. It replaces the root of a tooth.

Benefits of dental implant

Dental implants actually have many advantages over other tooth replacement options. Dental implants offer a permanent solution because once placed, they can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.

Additionally, implants help to maintain bone structure by stimulating bone growth around the implant. They also restore a masticatory function optimal and improve comfort daily.

Finally, their natural aesthetic appearance restores confidence and harmony to the smile.

Types of dental implant

There are several types of dental implants, each meeting specific needs.

Traditional dental implant

Traditional implants (intraosseous) are the most common. They are inserted directly into the jawbone, acting as artificial dental roots. This gives them exceptional stability and durability.

Basal dental implant

Basal implants are another option for patients with low bone mass, which makes them thus avoiding bone grafts.

Zygomatic dental implant

Zygomatic implants, for their part, are aimed at patients who have undergone a severe bone loss at the maxillary level. These implants are fixed in the zygomatic bone, located near the orbit, thus offering an alternative when the maxillary bone is insufficient.

Procedure for each type of dental implant

Procedure Traditional implant

a. Consultation and planning: The dentist begins with a complete consultation, including X-rays and a CT scan to assess the condition of the jawbone. This step helps determine if the patient is a good candidate for implants and plans the exact location of the implant.

b. Insertion of the implant: When inserting the implant, the surgeon first makes an incision in the gum to expose the underlying bone. A small hole is then drilled into this bone, allowing for precise insertion of the titanium implant. Once the implant is properly positioned, the gum is closed with sutures to promote healing.

c. Osseointegration: After implant placement, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is necessary. During this period, the implant integrates with the bone (osseointegration), thus ensuring a solid fixation for the crown or prosthesis.

d. Crown placement: Once the implant is integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant, and a ceramic crown or other type of prosthesis is placed to complete the treatment.

Procedure Basal Implant

a. Diagnosis and planning: The dentist evaluates the bone structure and jaw using X-rays and a 3D scanner to check the amount of cortical bone, which is denser and present in the deeper areas of the jaw.

b. Implant placement surgery: Unlike traditional implants, the basal implant is inserted into the cortical bone, a denser area of ​​the bone. The dentist makes an incision in the gum and places the implant deeper than in conventional methods, using an area of ​​bone that does not require a graft. This method therefore allows the immediate placement of the prosthesis.

c. Immediate loading: One of the advantages of basal implants is the possibility of immediate loading. This means that the dental prosthesis can be fixed quickly, often within 72 hours of surgery, thus offering the patient a quick solution without having to wait several months for osseointegration.

Procedure Zygomatic implant

a. Specialized consultation: The dentist or maxillofacial surgeon performs a CT scan and X-rays to examine the condition of the jawbones and cheekbones. This step is crucial to accurately plan the angle and length of the implants, since the zygomatic bone is further away.

b. Implantation surgery: The surgeon makes an incision in the gum to insert the zygomatic implant through the upper jaw. Then, the surgeon secures the implant into the zygomatic bone, located near the cheekbones. Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants, requiring advanced surgical expertise to ensure precise and secure placement.

c. Healing period: After implantation, a healing period is essential to allow the implant to properly integrate with the bone. In fact, in some cases, a temporary prosthesis can be fixed immediately after the operation, which allows the patient to regain a functional smile without waiting for complete healing.

d. Fitting the final prosthesis: Once healing is complete and the implant is firmly integrated into the zygomatic bone, the dentist proceeds to fit the definitive prosthesis. This prosthesis improves the aesthetics of the smile and restores masticatory functionality, offering a durable and comfortable solution.

Dental implant risks

Rare complications and avoided through careful monitoring and good oral hygiene.

Post-operative infections: After implant placement, infection can develop around the implant. Poor oral hygiene, poor post-operative care, or contamination during surgery can cause this problem. Each factor contributes to an increased risk of infection or complications, affecting the success of the implant.

Failure of osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with the bone. In some cases, this integration does not occur properly, due to factors such as poor bone quality, smoking, or diseases such as diabetes. An implant that does not integrate well with the bone will need to be removed.

Nerve damage: During the operation, there is a risk of touching nerves, especially in the lower jaw. This may cause numbness, pain, or loss of feeling in the lip, tongue, or chin. These effects may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent.

Dental sinusitis: For implants in the upper jaw, it is possible that the implant could enter the sinus, which can cause sinusitis.

Bone graft cases can lead to this type of problem, which is why many patients turn to basal implantation.

Risk of infection: As with any implant, there is a risk of infection.

Cost of dental implants

The dental implants price depends on several factors. The number of implants needed, the type of material used for the crown, and the complexity of the case all affect the overall cost.

In general, dental implants cost more than other solutions such as bridges or removable dentures, but they offer greater durability and better functionality.

Implant maintenance

Once the implants are placed, it is essential to follow specific maintenance advice to ensure their longevity.

• Like natural teeth, implants require regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular check-up and professional cleaning.
• Proper maintenance not only ensures the durability of your implants, but also the overall health of your mouth.

Dental implant testimonial

If you are considering getting dental implants, these testimonials will help you better understand the process and the benefits you can expect.