Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry involves replacing missing teeth by surgically inserting titanium implants into the jawbone, which serve as artificial roots. They can improve chewing, speech, and boost confidence.
Implant dentistry is changing every day. We have different implant designs, connections, surfaces, restorative options, and so on; all in the search for better outcomes. In the beginning, having the option to have a tooth replacement was enough; nowadays, it is essential to also mimic surrounding areas, such as tissues, soft and hard, in the search for esthetic results.
Implants are helping patients regain function and esthetics, allowing them to return to a state where their teeth are complete.
There are conjunctive procedures to achieve better results, starting from getting a bone graft after an extraction to avoid losing bone height and width to soft tissue grafting to obtain tissues that protect the implants as gums protect teeth.
The maintenance of implants is vital to keep the results as optimal as possible without future complications.
This part of dentistry requires a lot of communication between the patient and the doctor and working as a team. We need to consider that results cannot be rushed or steps avoided.
Single Implants
If you lose a tooth, it's important to replace it, either with a bridge or an implant that includes an abutment and crown. After the tooth is extracted, it is necessary to graft the area with a bone replacement material. In some ideal cases the implant can be placed at the time of the extraction.
Implant Bridge
In a longer edentulous span of teeth missing, this is an alternative restorative solution to give back function.
Dentures Over Implants
Full arch rehabilitation using strategically placed implants enhances function and stability. Treatment alternatives vary by the patient's case, including All on X, All on 6, or All on 4.
Overdentures
Overdentures are an option over implants that increase stability and comfort compared to a regular denture. Nowadays is the standard of care for edentulous patients.
Implants Maintenance
Since dental implants can be lost if not properly maintained, it is recommended to have them checked at least every 6 months. Poor maintenance may lead to mucositis or peri-implantitis, conditions similar to gum disease but affecting implants.
