Dental implants

An implant may be indicated when one or more teeth are missing and a fixed, stable solution is sought while preserving neighbouring teeth. Before recommending it, oral health, the amount and quality of available bone, the gum, the bite and the patient’s medical history are assessed.

Not always. In some cases, infections, periodontal disease, insufficient bone or habits such as smoking may need to be addressed first. Certain medical conditions or specific medication also require a more careful assessment before planning treatment.

The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so there should not be pain during the procedure. Afterwards, swelling, discomfort or sensitivity may occur for a few days and is usually manageable with the instructions provided by the professional.

It depends on the case. Some treatments allow a provisional prosthesis to be placed early, while others require waiting for the implant to integrate with the bone. Treatment can also take longer if grafts, bone regeneration or preliminary treatments are needed.

An implant can last many years, but it should not be presented as something that lasts forever. Its progress depends on hygiene, regular check-ups, gum health, chewing load, smoking and other individual factors. Maintenance is an essential part of treatment.