Process of a dental implant. Questions and Answers.

Process of a dental implant

Process of a dental implant. Questions and Answers.

What is the process of a dental implant?

In this article we will describe the process of a dental implant from start to finish. Multiple questions arise regarding this process from our patients. Other questions that often arise are about the benefits of dental implants. One of the great advantages is that we obtain a fixed restoration on the implant. Moreover, it is not necessary to wear down the adjacent teeth. Another property is their durability over time.

How is the process of a dental implant?

Above all, it must be borne in mind that each case is unique. This will determine which procedure is to be performed and how long the process will take. By this we mean that the phases may vary slightly depending on each person, although the process usually lasts approximately 6 months.

  1. First visit for evaluation and implant study:

A clinical examination and radiographic study will be performed, including a CBCT / CT (3D radiography). In this type of x-ray, the bone density of the area where the dental implant will be placed can be assessed. The volume of bone available for implant placement and the need to perform a bone graft or not can also be evaluated. We can also locate the position of the dental nerve. With this information we will select the length and diameter of the implant to be placed.

During this same visit, we will perform an intraoral scan to obtain a 3D model of the teeth. This model will help us to carry out a previous planning of the implant in a software to later print a surgical guide for a precise placement of the dental implant.

  1. Surgical implant placement

In this surgical procedure the use of local anesthetic will be necessary and in some occasions even conscious sedation. In this surgery, the mandibular or maxillary bone of the edentulous area (without tooth) will be accessed and the dental implant will be placed. The implant has a threaded shape similar to that of a screw. First, an ostetomy (drilling in the bone) will be performed until the appropriate depth and diameter are reached. Once the implant is placed, it will go through a phase of osseointegration in which the bone adheres to the surface of the implant, either titanium or zirconium. This process takes between 2 and 3 months.

Once this phase is completed, the implant can receive a crown (cap). Depending on the torque (torsion) that the implant is placed, a cover screw or a healing abutment may be placed on the day of the surgery. If the torque is less than 35-20ncm, a cover screw will be placed and the implant will be submerged. On the other hand, if the torque is greater than 20-35ncm, a healing abutment can be placed that will protrude through the gum. In this way, we can avoid performing a second surgery. If the cover screw is placed, after 2-3 months the implant should be accessed. This access is through a small surgery to place the healing abutment.

During the surgical procedure for implant placement, various radiographs are taken to assess the parallelism of the implant and other anatomical structures.

  1. Placement of dental prosthesis

In this second phase, a dental prosthesis is placed on the implant. This prosthesis is cemented or screwed depending on each case and the preferences of the restorative dentist. Prior to the placement of the prosthesis, some impressions must be made (either analog or digital). These impressions will be used to manufacture the crown. The prosthesis on the implant has to fit perfectly for a good durability and health of the tissues. That is why several visits are made to place the final dental prosthesis.

  1. Completion of implant treatment

Once the process is finished, the patient with dental implants is recommended to visit our dental clinic frequently. It is located in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, and we recommend at least one visit a year for check-ups. We also recommend that have dental prophylaxis performed every 6 months to avoid plaque build-up around the implants.

We hope we have resolved your doubts about the dental implant process.

At BLASI Clínica Dental Barcelona we have the best specialists in dental implantology and implant prosthetics. We have the latest technology for accurate and predictable implant placement. All of our dentists in our clinic in Barcelona are trained in the best American and European universities. Best dental clinic and English speaking dentist in Barcelona.