Dental implants are the most advanced solution to treat one or more missing teeth. They are made of titanium, or titanium alloys, and can be fitted with a crown, bridge, or denture.

They can substitute a single or several missing teeth, and are also suitable for cases where all the are teeth are lost.

Loss of single teeth can be treated, avoiding crown preparation on the adjacent teeth.

Cases of complete tooth loss can be treated with the placement of 6 dental implants in each jaw, and a fixed prosthesis, or using fewer dental implants, (4 for the upper jaw and 2 for the lower jaw) and a removable denture that attaches to them.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the success rates of dental implants are 98% in the first 5 years and 82-95% over 15 years.

The procedure takes place at the dental office, under local anesthesia. For more complicated cases, we offer the alternative of sedation, that can be performed in a hospital environment, with a specialized anesthesiologist.

Sometimes, periodontitis, infection or even trauma can affect the amount of bone that is left for implant placement. In these cases, the bone can be regenerated through certain procedures to allow the rehabilitation of the site.

For this purpose, biomaterials, such as bone substitutes are used, acting as a scaffold to help new bone formation.

A detailed medical and dental record will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Dental implants should not be placed in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the head and neck area.

Dental implants can be placed in patients with diabetes as well, providing it is regulated with suitable medical treatment. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes cannot have dental implant treatment, as they are prone to infection and delayed wound healing. When blood sugar levels return to normal, with proper treatment, the patient can go forward with any kind of therapy.

Certain osteoporosis related drugs interfere with surgery performed in the mouth area (implant placement or tooth extraction) and may require adjustments. Always inform your doctor regarding your medical history before proceeding with any kind of treatment.

Smoking is an important risk factor for dental implant success, as well as general oral health.

However, smokers can have implant treatment, providing their oral hygiene is good and they are consistent with recall visits at the dental office to ensure no problems arise.