The Process of Getting Dental Implants: What to Expect

Dental implants are an increasingly demanded treatment in the dental clinic since they allow the recovery of masticatory function while offering excellent esthetic results together with the prosthesis that is placed over them.

First of all, it is essential for the dentist to plan the treatment correctly, taking into account the patient's own conditions and the area to be treated. Keep in mind that the number of implants to be used and the degree of complexity of the procedure will vary from one patient to another.

The dentist must also choose correctly the implant to be used, that is to say, the right size, its shape, the type of material it is made of, etc. Ideally, it should be made of titanium, since it is a material that is compatible with oral tissues.

A surgical procedure must be performed under anesthesia/conscious sedation to insert the implant into the bone, which lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes per implant and, if performed correctly and under an adequate treatment plan, should not cause complications.

In addition, it is essential that there is a good quantity and quality of bone in the area where the implant will be placed to ensure its stability, fixation and to be able to withstand the loads to which it will be subjected when chewing. To verify the quality of the bone it is necessary for the patient to undergo all the necessary imaging studies before undergoing surgery.

If there is a deficiency of alveolar bone, the dentist may choose to perform a bone graft before implant placement to increase its thickness and height. But if this is the case, it should be taken into account that it is necessary to wait for a period of approximately 3 months after the placement of the bone graft before placing the implant.

Likewise, it is necessary that the gum is completely healthy (without periodontal disease), this in order to avoid the proliferation of bacteria that can put at risk the integration of the implant with the bone and the tissue healing.

Once the implant has been placed, it will be directly fixed to the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, which lasts approximately 4 months. After this time, and once the tissues have healed, it can be said that the implant is correctly fixed to the bone.

It is at this moment when the dental prosthesis that will accompany it is placed to achieve the complete rehabilitation of the lost tooth. This prosthesis can be a dental crown, a fixed bridge or a complete denture (depending on the number of lost teeth to be replaced).

Dental implant surgery usually has a fast recovery time and without complications if the patient follows the postoperative indications, among which we can mention:

Maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid the proliferation of microorganisms that can generate an infection in the area and compromise the healing process of the soft and hard tissues. Also to avoid the accumulation of food debris in the gum in the vicinity of the implant (the purpose is to avoid inflammation of the soft tissues that can lead to periodontal disease).

It should be taken into account that a bacterial infection in that area can generate peri-implantitis, which is a chronic infection that affects the soft tissues surrounding the implant and can lead to the loss (destruction) of the bone that supports it.

It is also important that the patient avoids smoking in the days following the intervention, since it compromises and slows down the healing of the tissues by reducing the blood supply and oxygenation of the area.

If you are considering dental implants, we invite you to make an appointment with us. At Dr. Aburas Dental Center located in Jumeirah, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your situation and offer you the most appropriate treatment according to your needs.