I need an implant, what should I do?
Before we address the question, let’s first talk about what an implant is.
A dental implant is the fixed replacement for the root of a tooth, commonly referred to as a “screw.” It is submerged in our bone.
I often explain this by using a comparison from our daily life to make it easier to understand. When we hang a picture, the screw that goes into the wall is like the implant, and the piece that holds the picture corresponds to the crown.
Is it easier to visualize this way?
When we have an edentulous space, meaning a space without teeth, we can choose to rehabilitate this area with implants, whether it’s for the loss of just one tooth, several, or even a full arch.
What should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
First, schedule a consultation for evaluation. During this consultation, we will conduct a thorough intra and extraoral examination and a 3D X-ray, a CT scan.
This diagnostic aid is essential to assess the bone volume and adjacent structures so we can plan the placement of the implants. We will also take a photographic evaluation of your smile during this consultation.
This step is important for evaluating its harmony and for easier communication with the laboratory and the patient, showing it on a screen so you can tell us what you like, what you don’t like, and what you’d like to change.
Your dental and general health history will also be taken during this consultation, where you will inform us about medications you take and any health problems you have.
In this consultation, you will learn the ideal treatment plan for your case and its cost.
If you choose to proceed, our team will plan the implant surgery using the CT scan, photographs, and the digital impressions we take of your mouth so that on the day of the appointment, everything will be ready.
You will also receive a prescription for the necessary medication and recommendations for the day of surgery and post-operation.
In all cases where there are existing teeth before implant placement, we will conduct an oral hygiene consultation to reduce the bacterial load present, ensuring the procedure is done with maximum safety.
If it is a case of a full arch, consultations will be conducted before implant placement for trials related to the shape, color, and position of the teeth.
The goal of implant surgery is to restore your quality of life, mainly by providing comfort in chewing and aesthetics.
It is a simple process, where everything will be explained to you, and all questions will be clarified.
