Consequences of not replacing missing teeth
Implants are the best available way to replace missing teeth.
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Missing teeth not only affect the way you eat or speak, they also change your face and your self-esteem:
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Poor chewing, tooth displacement, bone loss, facial ageing - the consequences can go far beyond what you imagine.
Fortunately, dental implants are the best solution: safe, durable and aesthetically natural. They give you back functionality and a smile that reflects confidence. At our clinic, we approach each case with advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques to ensure optimal results from day one.
Guide to
Dental implants
and Their Maintenance
In which cases is it advisable to consider a dental implant?
A dental implant is an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth. If you have lost one or more teeth due to decay, fractures, accidents or gum disease, implants can restore both the function and aesthetics of your mouth.
They are especially recommended when missing teeth make it difficult to chew properly, speak clearly, or affect your confidence in your smile.
Unlike other solutions such as bridges or removable dentures, implants do not damage neighbouring teeth and offer a fixed, stable and long-lasting option.
In addition, they help prevent bone loss in the jaws and preserve facial structure, helping to avoid premature ageing.
Implants are perfect for those seeking comfort, aesthetics, and a quality of life similar to that provided by natural teeth.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS:
1
Stability and longevity:
Implants are a long-term solution that, with proper periodic care, can last a lifetime.
2
Aesthetics and comfort:
They are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, providing an aesthetic and harmonious smile.
They are the option that most closely mimics our natural teeth—almost as if you had regained your own lost teeth.
3
Bone preservation:
By acting like artificial roots, implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss in the area where they are placed.
DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCESS
The dental implant placement procedure is performed under anesthesia, making it a painless process.
Depending on each patient’s specific needs, the protocol may vary, but in general, the procedure includes:
Initial assessment:
A clinical and radiographic examination, including a 3-D X-ray, is performed to assess the amount of available bone and overall oral health. This allows the doctor to accurately plan treatment.
Implant placement:
The doctor places the implant into the jawbone or maxillary bone. Then, time is allowed for the implant to fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which can take several months.
Crown placement:
Once the implant is fully integrated with the bone, an abutment is placed over the implant, serving as the base for the crown. The crown is the visible part that mimics the natural tooth and is custom-made to ensure it looks natural and blends harmoniously with the rest of the teeth.
FACTORS FOR DENTAL IMPLANT SUCCESS
There are three key factors we consider essential:
1
Bone quantity:
It is important to have at least 1.5 mm of bone surrounding the implant to avoid complications. If additional bone is needed, bone augmentation procedures may be required.
2
Gum height and thickness:
The gum acts as a seal around the implant, preventing bacteria from reaching the bone. It is essential to have at least 2 mm of gum thickness to ensure proper sealing and protect the bone surrounding the implant. If the available gum tissue is insufficient, a gum graft may be necessary.
3
Gum quality:
Having high-quality (keratinized) gum tissue around the implants helps maintain optimal hygiene and minimizes potential complications. It is recommended to have at least 2 mm of keratinized gum band. If this is insufficient, a free gingival graft may be required to increase the keratinized tissue.
Can a dental implant be placed immediately after an extraction?
When a tooth needs to be extracted and the patient has decided to replace it with a dental implant, we can shorten the overall treatment time by placing the implant immediately after the extraction.
A dental implant is smaller than the natural tooth root, which leaves a small gap in the socket once it’s placed. To minimize bone resorption, we fill the space between the bone and the implant with a bone graft.
In areas with concavities, thin gum tissue, or where esthetics are a priority, we may also recommend a gum graft to increase tissue volume. After a healing period of 4–6 months, we can begin planning for the placement of the final crown.
SINUS LIFT PROCEDURE
The maxillary sinus is a hollow cavity located on both sides of the nose. In some people, the sinuses are large, leaving very little bone available for implant placement.
In these cases, a bone regeneration procedure is required at the floor of the sinus to provide enough support for the future implant.
This treatment is common in patients who are planning to replace upper premolars or molars.
Depending on the amount of existing bone, the implant may be placed at the same time as the sinus lift or after a bone healing period of approximately 6 months.
During the first 4 weeks after surgery, we advise patients not to fly, go scuba diving, or pinch their nose when sneezing, in order to ensure the stability of the bone graft.
FULL-ARCH IMPLANTS WITH IMMEDIATE LOADING
The full-arch implant treatment with immediate loading (same-day teeth placement) is an advanced and effective solution for patients who have lost all of their teeth or whose teeth are severely damaged.
This procedure allows for the immediate restoration of both function and aesthetics, offering natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Assessment and Planning: Everything begins with a personalized evaluation. At our clinic, we perform X-rays and 3D scans to assess bone quality and design a dental prosthesis tailored to your specific needs.
Dental Implant Placement: During the procedure, 4 to 6 implants are strategically placed in the maxillary or mandibular bone to provide a stable foundation. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, ensuring comfort at all times.
Immediate Loading: Once the implants are placed, a temporary prosthesis is attached, allowing the patient to regain their smile and function within 24 hours after the procedure. Although temporary (lasting 4–8 months), this prosthesis is both aesthetic and functional.
TREATMENT BENEFITS:
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Speed: Regain your smile and function immediately.
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Stability: Dental implants provide a secure and long-lasting foundation for the prosthesis.
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Natural results: The restored teeth look and function just like natural ones.
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Quality of life: Improved ability to eat, speak, and feel confident.
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Excellent aesthetics: Full-arch implant treatment with immediate loading is ideal for those seeking an advanced, aesthetic, and effective solution.
BONE REGENERATION PRIOR TO IMPLANT PLACEMENT
When there is not enough bone to safely place a dental implant, a bone regeneration procedure is performed beforehand. This treatment involves adding bone material to the area where it is needed, with the goal of creating a stable and suitable foundation to support the implant in the future.
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This treatment involves adding bone material to the area where it is needed, with the goal of creating a stable and suitable foundation to support the implant in the future.
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After the procedure, the bone graft material needs time to integrate and bond with the natural bone. This healing process usually takes between 4 and 6 months, although it may vary depending on each patient.
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Once the regenerated bone is strong enough, the dental implant can be placed safely and with long-term stability. This delayed approach ensures optimal conditions for implant success, especially in cases where the original bone quantity or quality is limited.
CASES TREATED BY DR. RAMÓN CEBALLOS
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