DENTAL IMPLANTS ON THE COSTA BRAVA / BEGUR

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is a screw designed to replace the root of a lost tooth.

Once the dental implant has healed, it can be used attach a prosthetic tooth or molar.

Once it is in, it will look and feel like a real tooth.

Our dental clinic, Cambra Clinic Begur, has professional dentists who specialise in implantology who can diagnose and offer you the best solution: single implants, full arch implants, immediate loading (solution in 24 hours) and pterygoid implants (patients with little bone).

DIGITAL DENTISTRY FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

Each patient is diagnosed using a CT scan to determine the position, angle and number of implants needed.

This information allows us to put the implants in place more precisely with 3D software.

Once the implant goes in and becomes integrated into the bone, digital dentistry allows us to design and made the tooth that will be loaded onto the implant more quickly and precisely.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Although the professional dental specialist who performs the surgery will give each patient specific instructions, there are some general guidelines regarding care and hygiene in the days, weeks and months after treatment:

• Eating: You should wait at least two hours after surgery to start eating and drinking again. Then, we recommend soft, cool foods for the rest of the day, trying not to chew with the affected area.
• Bleeding: After surgery, bleeding is normal for 24-48 hours. To help control it, put gauze on the affected area.
• Medications: Take the prescribed medications to prevent post-op discomfort every six hours for the first three days.
• Inflammation: After surgery, inflammation is normal for the first 48-72 hours.
• Smoking: It is important to cut down, as smoking can have a serious impact on healing. We recommend you avoid smoking entirely for the first 72 hours after surgery.
• Hygiene: We recommend not brushing in the affected area for the first three days after surgery. Use mouthwash or spray. Good dental hygiene habits will help keep your mouth healthy.
• Periodic check-ups: It is important to visit your dentist every six months to catch any issues early.

TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are mostly made of type-4 titanium, which is biocompatible with human bone.

Situations when you might need an implant include:

• Immediate loading: This process first extracts the tooth from the bone and then replaces it with an implant. Afterwards, a prosthetic tooth is screwed onto the implant. This treatment can be completed in under 24 hours.
• Full arch: This option is chosen when patients need implants on the whole upper or lower arch. It is possible to remove all the teeth and put in between six and eight implants in one day. Afterwards, provisional prosthetic teeth are made and put onto the implants within 24 hours, so patients can speak, smile and eat as normal.
• Pterygoid: These implants are titanium anchors that the specialists use for patients without teeth on the upper jaw.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

How long does an implant last?

When the implant process goes smoothly, they have a 98% success rate and a 10-year lifespan.

Factors that can affect the lifespan of dental implants include: quality of bone on the jaw, quality of titanium in the implant, and the crown.

Is there an upper age limit for dental implants?

No, age is not an issue. Seniors can have dental implants as long as they don’t have any risk factors. Implants are not advisable in younger patients, however (under 18, approximately). The patient’s jaw bones must be fully developed.

How do you clean implants?

Just like natural teeth, implants are cleaned with a normal toothbrush. To improve oral hygiene, you can also use an interdental brush.