What is an implant?
An implant is an artificial root made out of titanium which is subjected to strict quality controls from the time of of its manufacture through the moment in which it is introduced into the jaw.
The implant is a High-Tec precision piece made to withstand the enormous pressure of mastication ( …100 kg /mm2 ) and must therefore it must pass a series of strict mechanical tests to ensure its functionality.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is usually performed at our clinic. In more complicated cases, Dr. Pablo Furelos Toral, director of the department of Mouth, Facial and jawbone surgery at the Hospital Universitario de Canarias is responsible for the implantation.
The patient is administered a local anaesthetic. However, in some more complex cases requiring longer- lasting intervention, ( like sinus lifting or bone augmentation) the surgeon may resort to intravenous sedation.
Patients do not experience pain at any time
¹Sinus lifting : augmentation of bottom of maxillary sinus for improving recipient site for implant employing synthetic bone replacement and plasma extracted from patient’s own blood ( menu link ‘plasma’).
Post-operational time
Post op-time. is actually less painful than many more routine dental treatments. A thorough hygiene must be undertaken to avoid possible infections of the gum.
Usually an antibiotic will be prescribed the full course of which must be taken (typically 1 tablet every 8 hours during 8 days).
In cases such as sinus – lifting or bone replacement, one may experience some swelling, not necessarily accompanied by pain.
Attachment of tooth replacement
Before the lab-side fabricated tooth replacement may be attached a healing period of usually 6 months in the upper jaw and 4 in the mandible must be complied with. After this period the implants are ready to support a new tooth construction which may be one of two types:
- Fixed tooth replacement made of pure porcelain, affording the best comfort
- Dentures attached to a metal bar which is screwed to the implants
Periodontosis ... What can be done?
Implant technology has been subject to rigorous control and development for many years. As the treatment for periodontosis does not always produce satisfying results - in the best of cases, the periodontal process is slowed only temporarily - missing or loose teeth must be replaced by crowns, bridges or dentures supported by implants. The missing chewing surfaces can be almost completely replaced.
Risks
Sometimes a patient may experience some temporary or permanent loss of sensitivity in the lower lip.
Contraindications
There are very few contraindications. Some serious illnesses such as tumours, specific infections of the bone or high doses of radiation therapy can influence the metabolism of the bone and damage them to the extent that it is no longer able to offer the support necessary for implantation.
Implants are never rejected by the body but in some cases the healing process in upper or lower jaw can fail, in which case a new implant can and should be attempted.
Guarantee
A properly healed implant, whose length is proportional to the pressure to be exerted upon it should have a duration of from 15 – 20 years.
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