Patient guide: everything about dental implants

Dental implants, in addition to being safe, have the same function and appearance as natural teeth.

When compared to dentures or bridges, dental implants are more advantageous, as they do not cause any damage to neighboring teeth or discomfort during speech or chewing processes.

Dental implants are, today, the best option for the rehabilitation of a lost or extracted tooth. In addition to being safe, they have exactly the same function and appearance as natural teeth, as well as requiring the same care.

These devices offer dentition identical to natural teeth, which raises self-esteem and improves the patient’s quality of life.

What is a dental implant?

It is a state-of-the-art titanium device that is implanted in the jaw bone or maxilla, replacing the natural root of the tooth and providing support for a dental prosthesis.

In time: titanium is a biocompatible, non-allergenic metal, which means that the immune system does not recognize it as an “invader”, but rather as a friendly element. This, in addition to ensuring its total integration with the bone (in the osseointegration process), also prevents the occurrence of infections or inflammatory processes in the body.

In what situations is it recommended?

Whenever there is tooth loss, whether total (when all teeth are affected), partial (when only some are lost) or unitary.

Are there any contraindications?

Patients with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis or who have diseases that affect bone metabolism need to have their diseases under control to undergo dental implant surgery.

In addition, smokers and people who have had cancer and undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy also need a rigorous evaluation before undergoing the procedure.

However, in all these situations, with a stable condition, it is possible to place implants with high success rates.

Does having an implant hurt?

No. Thanks to the anesthetics, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. However, it is possible to feel some discomfort immediately after.

Therefore, in the postoperative period, the dentist generally prescribes the use of medications such as analgesics or anti-inflammatories.

Does the implant have an expiration date?

No. But, to guarantee the longevity of dental implants, it is essential that the patient maintains them properly. According to a dental surgeon at Vera Smile, the patient must make regular visits to the dentist, every four to six months, as well as cultivate good daily hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth after meals and using dental floss.

How does implant placement work?

The implants are installed during a simple surgical procedure, with local anesthesia. The complete procedure may last, on average, four to six months. The time required for complete osseointegration to occur. But it is worth highlighting that implant dentistry advances daily and implants already exist with cutting-edge technology that accelerate healing.

A true and open smile is a symbol of self-esteem, quality of life and fulfillment. So, don’t think twice before getting your dental implants. Technology has advanced so much that the process is much faster, the result is super natural and the prices are much more affordable.

People who don’t have teeth generally tend to have a very high level of anxiety, reaching depression, precisely because they are unable to chew properly. And this triggers several other health problems, such as temporomandibular joint disorders, facial asymmetry, poor digestion, weight gain and poor absorption of nutrients.

Missing teeth also directly affects self-esteem. Most toothless people don’t like to smile, they have the habit of talking while covering their mouth with their own hand. Many of them even avoid leaving the house out of shame.

How is a dental implant performed?

To place the implant in one or more teeth, the dentist applies local anesthesia and can sedate the patient, in some situations, for greater comfort and safety. In this case, the surgery must be supervised by an anesthetist.

After anesthesia, the affected teeth are removed. However, the placement of implants (pins) can be done immediately after extraction or within a few months. This is because, in some cases, the surgeon must wait for the bone in the region to regenerate.

Steps for placing the implant in the tooth

When installed in the jaw bones as artificial roots, dental implants act as a base to support dental prosthetics and, therefore, enable the full development of chewing and aesthetic functions.

The dentist performs it in two stages: in the first, the implants are made and temporary teeth are placed. Finally, in the second stage, the porcelain teeth are placed.

Recovery

Post-operative care after placing an implant in the tooth is decisive for a good recovery, without healing complications. Therefore, it is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions.

• Avoid drinking hot, gassy or highly acidic liquids for the first seven days after implant placement;
• Do not eat hard, crunchy, hot or acidic foods in the first week;
• Place ice outside the operated area for the first 24 hours;
• Do not chew on the same side as the procedure in the first month after surgery;
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke during the healing period.

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

With the application of local anesthesia, the procedure for fixing the titanium posts in the teeth is painless. The dentist may prescribe painkillers hours before surgery and an anti-inflammatory injection to ensure greater patient comfort.

What is the right age to have a tooth implant inserted?

There is no age limit for placing a dental implant, just a minimum age, which is 18 for women and 21 for men. This is because the pins are installed in the bone and it is necessary to wait for its growth phase (ideal bone age).

If the dentist does not respect the minimum age, the dental arch (mandibular and maxillary bone) may grow without the dental implant being positioned correctly.