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What is dental implant surgery like?

Dental implant surgery is not a complicated process. Certainly, with current techniques, it’s a common procedure with no unforeseen problems. Implant surgery can take as little as half an hour in the simplest cases, is done in the clinic, in the implant dentist’s own office, with local anesthesia and the patient feels no pain.

Here at the ImplArt Clinic, we get a lot of questions from patients, especially about how dental implants are done in practice. So, to answer this and other questions about implant surgery, we’ve prepared this article to answer all your doubts about the treatment.

What is the best dental implant?

Today there are various types of dental implant with different technologies and healing times. There are even implants that heal in 30 days, called fast-healing implants, such as the Slactive implant, from the Swiss company Straumann, which is a fast-healing dental implant. In addition to this implant, there is the option of the ceramic implant, the only zirconia implant available on the market that is titanium-free and more biological, making it an excellent option for those who don’t want to have metals installed in their mouths.

This ceramic dental implant option has been increasingly sought after at Clinica Dentaria Implart by patients who want metal-free implant treatment.

Dental implant surgery can also be performed with intravenous sedation, for those patients who have a phobia of dentists, or even for those looking for extra comfort.

Is it dangerous to have dental implants? Dental implant surgery is a more straightforward procedure than you might think

Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure, and increasingly has more modern resources to make it faster and more comfortable. Here at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt, we have modern systems and expertise.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the implant procedure:

  • Step 1 – The procedure consists of making a small incision in the gum in order to expose the bone bed. The dentist needs to have good access to the area in order to install the implant correctly. If the dental implant surgery is performed with a Surgical Guide, it will be a blunt dental implant surgery
  • Step 2 – Small drills are then used to perforate the bone. The process is carried out in such a way as to progressively expand the cavity so that it can receive the implant of the size selected by the dentist.
  • Step 3 – The implant is then inserted into the cavity and given a protective cap.
  • Step 4 – The area is sutured, or in cases of Guided Surgery, the surgery is completed without the need for stitches.

Are you afraid of dental implant surgery?

Find out what resources are available at the ImplArt Dental Clinic so that you can have a very smooth surgery.

Watch the video below explaining how dental implant surgery is performed:

Como é a cirurgia de implante dentário - dente unitário - Clínica em São Paulo - SP

In the classic implant treatment, the pin is surgically fixed into the bone and then the gum is sutured. The site is left to rest for around one to six months, depending on the type of implant used. The implant screw remains inside the bone tissue and must therefore undergo the osseointegration process, protected from chewing forces and food residue.

Shortly after the waiting period, a small cut is made in the gum and then the implant receives a piece called a healer, this process is called reopening. The implant cap can remain exposed in the mouth while the implant heals. Afterwards, the healer is removed without anesthesia (because it is not necessary), and a metal abutment is adapted to receive the prosthesis.

Recovery from dental implant surgery / after dentalimplants?

During the rest period, the patient can use a temporary prosthesis for day-to-day activities. This also helps prevent bone resorption, which would require the use of bone grafts in the future. In some selected cases, the implant can be inserted without cutting, through a small circular opening made in the gum.

This greatly favors the healing of the area as well as patient comfort. Implant surgery should be performed by a dentist specializing in implant dentistry, who certainly has the experience and knowledge in the field to determine the best treatment for each patient. In order to have a good post-operative period, people who undergo this procedure should follow the dentist’s instructions, take care of their oral hygiene and avoid smoking, which can compromise the success of dental implant treatment.

dental implant surgery
Photo of dental implant surgery showing implant being inserted into bone

After dental implant treatment, it is always important to carry out cleaning and prophylaxis every 6 months, as a way of looking after the results achieved and monitoring oral health.

Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment or ask any questions you may have. We at the ImplArt Dental Clinic are here to help you!

Implant all your teeth individually one-by-one with confidence

The main indication for implant treatment of all individual teeth is when the patient is close to losing all their teeth but has preserved bone.

Placing individual dental implants is an effective solution for restoring oral function and aesthetics. It also allows patients to regain the ability to chew and speak properly. It is important to note that the process of placing implants and individual teeth (one by one) requires detailed assessment and planning, taking into account the patient’s oral health and bone structure. It is therefore essential that a specialized professional carries out the procedure safely, to ensure the success of the treatment. There are currently several types of titanium implants to choose from, as well as zirconia implants.

Implantation of all the individual teeth is the technique that fixes a crown to each of the implants distributed throughout the arch.

However, this is a very advanced technique in implant dentistry and its indication and feasibility need to be examined by the implant dentist, who must determine whether the patient is a good candidate for implants of all the individual teeth. In principle, these are the basic requirements for implanting all individual teeth:

  • Have abundant bone (no bone loss)
  • Having a preserved amount of gum compared to natural teeth
  • In an open smile, the patient cannot show the gums

In this technique, each missing tooth will be replaced with an implant post + an individual dental crown. However, this is only possible in certain cases, please contact us.

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Because of the bone and gum loss that usually occurs as a result of tooth loss, the result of the gingival appearance of a dental implant treatment of all individualized teeth is different from that of a natural dentition, and also bolder.

The main change in the shape of the gums after losing a tooth is that the gums become flat, without the arches that characterize a natural set of teeth. However, if your smile is very open, it will be necessary to make a prosthesis with a layer of artificial gum to simulate the appearance of normal gums. Read more about gum characterization in dentures.

Frequently asked questions about dental implants one by one:

Can I do a bone or gum graft to increase the bone/gum volume first to allow for an implant of all the individual teeth?

Yes, but even if there is a volume gain in these tissues, the shape of the gums will not be the same as those of a natural set of teeth (arch shape). This is because in all cases of tooth extraction there is a small loss of volume in the bone in the area, which cannot be recovered even by performing a bone graft or gum graft.

Grafting in these cases will not recover all the lost gingival volume but will only allow implants to be placed. The rest of the lost tissue will need to be replaced with dental prostheses.

individual teeth

What are the contraindications to implanting all individual teeth?

Considerations on implanting all individualized teeth – splendid results

Because of the bone loss that occurs as a result of losing teeth without immediate replacement, it is most common for patients not to be able to have all their individual teeth implanted. However, it is possible to use a fixed prosthesis with individual teeth, which gives excellent results: a total implant with fewer distributed implants and a full-arch fixed prosthesis.

Can people who have lost all their teeth get implants? What about the gums?

Dentures may or may not have a layer of gum to simulate the appearance of natural teeth. The gum is not designed to make the prosthesis look ugly. Many patients are reluctant to use artificial gums in their dentures, as they think they look like dentures.

However, with advances in the techniques and materials used, the artificial gingiva of the prosthesis is able to reproduce the aesthetics and naturalness of natural gingiva reliably. The types of total implant prostheses are:

If you have any questions about the value and price of a dental implant, the best treatment, please contact our team or schedule an appointment with our specialized team. We at the ImplArt dental clinic would be delighted to hear from you!

Fast dental implants treatment with Slactive implant + pure zirconia or pure porcelain prosthesis

Is it possible to carry out my dental implant treatment quickly and have the permanent prosthesis fitted straight away? This is a very common question and we understand this demand of fast dental implants. Nowadays, time is increasingly valuable and scarce, which leads to a need to complete dental treatment quickly.

First of all, it’s important to note that technology and modern techniques allow us to offer treatment with fast-healing implants, as well as completely computerized crowns and prostheses. We are talking specifically about the modern Straumann Slactive implant combined with Emax pure porcelain or Pure Zirconia prostheses .

So let’s take a closer look below and find out more about these modern dental implants. Fortunately, there are now several types of quality dental implant to choose from. All to make your implant treatment faster and more comfortable. If you’re short of time, try using rapid implants and the computerized prosthesis preparation system. With them, treatment is faster and more agile because it requires fewer treatment steps. In addition, treatment becomes more predictable and offers better technical and aesthetic results.

Fast healing dental implants: is there such a thing?

In recent years there has been a significant advance in dental implant technology. This is an expected movement, since each person has a specific demand, and implantologists and implant manufacturers need to respond to these demands. The demand for fast dental implant treatment is constant, precisely because of today’s lifestyle.

That’s why today we have implants available that cater, for example, for cases of low bone volume with short implants. Or those with high aesthetic needs(white ceramic dental implants). Or even those with a high need for bone and gum preservation(bone level implants).

Metal-free ceramic rapid dental implant

What’s more, for those patients who want metal-free dental implant treatment, we have a combination of ceramic implants and modern zirconia implant crowns. This ceramic implant not only has the benefit of no metal, but also offers rapid healing. In the case of this implant, osseointegration is expected to take 2 months. There are currently two types of ceramic implant, the first is Straumann’s Pure Ceramic implant, and the second is Neodent’s Zi white ceramic implant.

But another major demand from people is undoubtedly to speed up their oral rehabilitation by reducing the time it takes to install implants and a permanent fixed prosthesis. Pure zirconia crowns help to reduce the total treatment time.

implante slactive straumann, fast dental implants

After much research, Straumann has developed an implant surface technology called Slactive. It favors and accelerates osseintegration (a term that defines the healing and fixation of implants in the bone). In some cases, the healing period can be reduced from 6 to 1 month.

Recent studies show an excellent clinical performance of SLActive implants, both in single tooth implant treatments and in total implant treatments, and even in those using bone grafting. This is an option chosen by those patients who want a fast dental implant treatment, and are keen to use the latest technology for their implant treatment.

The definitive prosthesis is fixed in a short time after the placement of rapid implants. In some cases, implants can be immediately loaded

Oral rehabilitation with implants usually follows a timetable which, in short, is as follows step by step:

1 – Planning for dental implant surgery, with panoramic radiography and computed tomography. In many cases, an intraoral scan (digital reading) is already carried out to generate the first 3D-printed provisional prosthesis .

2 – Implant surgery. Implant surgery can be performed using the conventional technique, or through guided surgery, using the Surgical Guide, when the implant insertion sites are planned in advance. This way, once the implants have been inserted, there is no need for stitches. It is also called surgery without cuts.

3 – Installation of a temporary prosthesis, in the case of total implants or front tooth implants, which allows the patient to wait until the implants have completely healed. Dental implant healing can vary from 1 month to 4 months, depending on the type of implant chosen. It’s important to bear in mind that the chance of a successful dental implant is quite high, but it can be compromised if the patient is a smoker and doesn’t have good hygiene habits.

What happens when the implants have healed?

3 – Once the implants have healed, the process of making the final prosthesis begins, which can start with the stage of reopening thedental implants. If the type of prosthesis chosen is Emax Pure Porcelain or Pure Zirconia, the method for making the final prosthesis will be completely computerized.

4 – Installation of the final prosthesis. After this phase, which may involve making prototypes to study the color and shape of the new smile, the final prosthesis is installed on the chosen type of denture.

The use of Straumann Slactive implants means that, in some cases, the period of use of the provisional prosthesis can be reduced or even eliminated. Studies carried out by Straumann have already shown that the survival rate of the Slactive implant using the immediate loading technique after 10 years is 98.2%. This is the fastest dental implant available for those who want to speed up treatment.

What is Slactive surface technology for rapid dental implant treatment?

It is based on a sandblasting technique with large granules, which generates macro roughness on the titanium surface, followed by acid etching, which overlays the micro roughness. The resulting surface provides an ideal structure for the adhesion of bone-forming cells, which are necessary for osseointegration (integration between bone and implant). This amazing technology allows Straumann Slactive implants to be the fastest healing implants on the market.

dental implant surgery
Upper total dental prosthesis with milled zirconia framework and veneered with aesthetic dental ceramic on dental implant
dental implant surgery
Fast dental implants treatment with Slactive implant + pure zirconia or pure porcelain prosthesis

Pure zirconia or pure porcelain prosthesis for rapid implants: the gold standard in complete oral rehabilitation

Many people have the perception that a porcelain or zirconia prosthesis is a heavy piece and therefore not suitable for quick installation because it would hinder the healing of implants. But contrary to what it might seem, porcelain prostheses are much lighter than you might think. In addition to being the most modern and resistant options for the patient, they are also aesthetically superior.

By way of comparison, a full porcelain prosthesis weighs around 30g, while a tube weighs 25g. In addition, each dental implant supports a weight of 100kg, meaning that the weight of the prosthesis does not interfere with the implant.

The possibility of having a permanent porcelain prosthesis fixed on dental implants is a great relief for people who are determined to change their smile quickly. And no wonder. Pure porcelain or pure zirconia are undoubtedly the most advanced materials available for the manufacture of dental prostheses.

Firstly, Pure Zirconia and Pure Porcelain are the materials that most closely resemble natural teeth, both in strength and appearance. Secondly, because these materials have been designed for fabrication in computerized systems (CAD/CAM), which greatly speeds up the entire programming of rapid dental implant treatment.

Can anyone have rapid treatment with Slactive implants and porcelain prostheses?

As we have seen, advanced technology means that many more people have an indication for rapid dental implant treatment. However, each case needs to be assessed individually in consultation. Undeniably, oral health and health in general need to be well assessed before anything else.

In addition, certain habits that may prevent successful rehabilitation, such as smoking and bruxism, need to be considered. If you would like to have a treatment like this or find out more about rapid dental implants, please contact our team. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation via Whatsapp by clicking on the button below. We at Clinica odontológica ImplArt would be delighted to hear from you!

Pre- and post-operative care of dental implants

Dental implant recovery and care of dental implants before and after surgery

The post-operative period for dental implants and the preparation before dental implant surgery are certainly fundamental to the success of the procedure. We have therefore prepared recommendations for patients who are going to have a dental implant, which can also be applied to minor dental surgery.

We should certainly point out that the care of dental implant surgery is considered a simple and minor intervention from a medical point of view, with low risk for the patient. The duration of surgery is short and recovery after implant surgery is also considered to be easy for the patient, even in cases of complete oral rehabilitation.

Recommendations before dental implant surgery

What should I do before a dental implant?

  • Eat normally before the procedure if the surgery involves local anesthesia. If you have opted for sedation, follow the specific guidelines for your case, which may involve fasting.
  • Take the prescribed medication 1 hour before arriving at the clinic. If indicated for your case, preferably come accompanied by someone who can drive.
Pre- and post-operative dental implants
care of dental implants
Stitches for dental implants should be removed between 7 and 10 days.

After implant surgery – care of dental implants urgery

What should I do after dental implants, after implant surgery (for 48 hours)?

  • Apply ice to the face to prevent swelling
  • Avoid physical exertion
  • Sanitize the area with a cotton swab moistened with an antiseptic solution (Periogard, Listerine, Plax).
  • Prefer soft or pasty foods
  • Normal brushing of other teeth
  • Wear prostheses or braces for as short a time as possible
  • Take medication as directed by the dentist

What I can’t do after an immediate dental implant (48 hours)

What to eat after dental implant surgery?

  • For 2 days: you should eat cold or iced food. For example: ice cream, jelly, juices, smoothies, soups.
  • Also avoid hard, crunchy foods such as bread, peanuts, etc.
  • On the third day you can warm up the food more and normalize your diet according to your own tolerance

What can I do 3 days after my dental implant?

  • Apply warm compresses to the face to reduce swelling
  • Exercise in moderation

Tip: In cases where a surgical guide has been used to install the implants, the expected post-operative period is milder than in normal implant surgeries.

What can I do one week after my dental implant?

  • Brush the operated area lightly
  • Mouthwash with antiseptic solution
  • Physical activity released
  • Remove the stitches at the dentist

Are there implants without cutting or stitches/care of dental implants?

There are modern computer-guided planning techniques that minimize the need to cut into the gums and therefore often do not require stitches. This is computer-guided dental implant surgery, a very up-to-date and safe procedure for implant surgery.

implante dentario como e a cirurgia
Post-operativecare for implants, medication and procedures make a difference

Frequently asked questions about post-operative implants:

Is dental implant post-op swelling normal? What is the post-operative period of implants like?

Swelling can occur in the first few days after implants, which is why anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to be taken as soon as necessary. Cold food and ice help to reduce swelling in the mouth.

How long does it take to resume physical activity after a dental implant?

Each case is assessed individually, but in general you should wait 7 to 10 days before returning to the gym in full.

How many days to remove the dental implant stitches?

On average, you should remove the stitches from the implant surgery within 7 to 10 days.

Is it normal to feel pain after a dental implant or bone graft?

Pain can occur after the placement of a dental implant or bone graft. For this reason, painkillers are prescribed to be taken as soon as necessary. In general, the pain is mild and can be controlled with painkillers, but it is not normal to experience severe or unbearable pain.

What should I do if I feel throbbing pain after a dental implant?

Mild, bearable throbbing can occur after dental bone grafting and implants. However, if the discomfort is too great and does not stop with medication, the patient should contact their dentist as soon as possible.

ImplArt Clinic’s care of dental implants conclusion

If you have any questions about post-operative implants, value, price or the best technique, please contact us or schedule an appointment with our specialized team via 📲WhatsApp (11) 3262-4750. Here at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt in Brazil your first consultation is with our clinical director, implant dentist Dr. Roberto Markarian, so you can clear up all your doubts about dental implants and discover that the surgery is simpler than you think!