IMPLANTOLOGY
“A dental implant is a titanium screw which replaces the root of a missing tooth. The purpose of this implant is to integrate itself into the bone and support a sleeve which replaces the tooth crown.”
WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?
Dental implants have a screw shape to increase the surface area in contact with the bone and enhance locking.
They are made of special titanium to enable successful integration into the bone, and inserted into the bone through a minor surgical procedure that is usually minimally invasive. After a few months, we place the ceramic crown on the implant, ensuring it is of an appropriate color.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN IMPLANT?
The main advantage is that it is fixed, unlike the removable prosthesis, thus avoiding potential problems of mobility or aesthetic problems. It also allows replacing of teeth without cutting (or ‘filing’) adjacent teeth (unlike a bridge), and they feel like natural teeth.
The implants allow the preservation of the alveolar bone where the teeth are anchored, given that if we don’t replace the tooth root, the bone is reabsorbed.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF TREATMENT?
1.
STUDY AND PLANNING PHASE
Dr. Caballero makes a personal study for each patient, using whatever diagnostic methods are necessary (clinical examination, radiography, CT, etc…)
2.
INSERTION OF THE IMPLANT
In this phase a temporary tooth can also be placed at the same time (instant ‘loading’ teeth), same day implants can be fitted as long as the quantity and quality of patient’s bone is adequate. If the crown of the tooth is not fitted on the same day, a 3-6 month wait is necessary for the implant to integrate well and become fixed.
3.
PLACEMENT OF THE FINAL PROSTHESIS
Once the implant is integrated with the bone, the prosthesis is placed.