Implantology
Dental implants replace missing teeth. They restore the functional and aesthetic aspects, giving Clínica São Dente patients the confidence to smile with pride.
I lost a tooth and now what?
The loss of one or more teeth is often accompanied by:
- Low self-esteem
- Aging appearance
- Reduced chewing ability;
- Bone resorption;
- Changing the position of other teeth;
- Imbalance of occlusion.
Even if it’s not a visible area when you smile, the missing tooth should always be replaced to avoid altering the positioning of the other teeth and to prevent imbalances in occlusion (the way the teeth fit together).
Dental implants are placed in the bone and will become the artificial root of your new tooth. The procedure to place the implants is carried out under local anesthesia or sedation and is completely painless.
Have you lost a tooth and would like to have it restored? Book your first implantology appointment and discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Sancho Silvestre.
The key to successful treatment... rigorous planning.
Rigorous surgical planning is always carried out prior to the dental implant procedure at Clínica São Dente.
Our team will carry out all the necessary complementary examinations: imaging tests, intraoral photographs and 3D study models. Next, we will define a treatment plan, and we may even simulate our future dental procedure.
After planning, an individualized surgical guide is drawn up, which is essential for the doctor to define the exact location for the placement of dental implants. This makes the procedure simpler, more precise and faster. At the same time, the therapeutic regimen will be defined in advance so that the patient feels as comfortable as possible.
Teeth restored with dental implants must be maintained with the same hygiene as natural teeth.
We recommend maintenance appointments with our team of dentists and hygienists twice a year, where maintenance work is carried out as well as the necessary x-rays.
Clinical Case
Book your appointment now
Dr. Sancho Silvestre
A dentist with postgraduate training at the following institutions:
If you wish more information, we will be glad to help.
Our extensively trained and highly specialized team will be happy to detail the dental implant procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are medical devices used to replace one or more natural teeth. We can compare a dental implant to the artificial root of a missing tooth.
After the osseointegration process, a crown can be placed on the implant to restore the function and shape of the missing tooth. When several teeth are missing, rehabilitation can involve several dental implant placements and the subsequent bridges or prostheses placements, on the implants.
Dental implants restore the chewing function and the aesthetics of a beautiful smile to those who have lost one or more teeth. These treatments are very popular these days because they represent a convenient and very comfortable, permanent solution for the dental patient.
What is "All-on-four"?
An “All on Four” is the protocol we use for patients who have little bone and want to have permanent teeth implants right away. These patients can enjoy:
- A fast treatment that improves their quality of life
- A shorter treatment time
- Some tooth firmness even when they have a low bone volume
Treatment with All On 4 is a scientifically proven protocol based on studies that show a 10-year follow up in the mandible and a 5-year follow up in the maxilla with survival rates of between 96-98%, with stabilization of marginal bone loss and healthy gingival tissues.
Are implants safe?
Yes. The implants themselves are mostly made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is also used in other prosthetic procedures such as hip replacements.
Implant surgery to place implants involves a detailed assessment of your clinical condition and careful planning of the surgical procedure, using complementary diagnostic tests such as X-rays and/or CT scans.
What steps are involved in implant rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation with dental implants involves 3 stages:
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Surgical phase – implant placement.
- Prosthetic phase – crown placement.
When are dental implants recommended?
Dental implants are advised for patients who have lost one or more teeth.
Common factors for lower success rates in terms of implant osseointegration include smoking habits, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and poor oral hygiene.
Diabetes is a risk factor for the success of dental implants, as healing is slower. Diabetic patients are also more likely to suffer from post-operative complications. However, if the disease is under control and the glycosylated hemoglobin values are within the reference parameters, there is no contraindication.
Other systemic conditions: Osteoporosis, HIV, Hemophilia, Radiotherapy
Studies indicate that there is no contraindication to implant therapy, as long as the disease is stable, and surgery is planned. We need to take extra precautions and we will communicate with specialists who follow you in the treatment of these systemic diseases before the surgery.
Do implants need maintenance?
Absolutely. Regular visits to your dentist and proper oral hygiene are key to the long-term success of implants. There is a widespread idea that because the implant is an artificial structure, it doesn’t need oral hygiene care like natural teeth. This idea couldn’t be more wrong. The implant is a device that is surrounded by bone and gum. Bacterial plaque forms on both teeth and implants. These bacteria compromise the health of the gums and, in some cases, the bone, which will affect the implant, since these tissues are its support. Correct oral hygiene and regular check-ups are therefore essential for maintaining implants.
What are gum grafts?
A gingival graft is a microsurgical procedure in which free gum or connective tissue (the inner part of the gum) is transplanted to cover a gum tissue defect. This procedure is usually done to increase the amount of tissue around implants, or to cover defects in natural teeth caused by periodontal disease or trauma.
