What happens if I lose a tooth?
The most common problems that arise from the loss of teeth are reduced chewing ability, movement of the neighbouring teeth and alteration of the smile. In addition, loss of the bone that supported the teeth begins to be observed, which gradually leads to atrophy of the jaws, with the result that the wrinkles around the mouth become more pronounced and the upper lip drops.

Bridge / Denture or Implant?
Bridges require the preparation of the adjacent teeth that will support the restoration, while dentures are removable appliances that may create difficulty in chewing and speaking, or even trauma to the soft tissues, because of their reduced retention. Implants are the modern alternative for dealing with missing teeth. Their most important advantages are:

1)They do not require preparation of the adjacent teeth
2)They prevent further bone loss
3)They can give patients with dentures either a more stable denture or a fixed restoration
4)The teeth built on them are like natural ones
5)They significantly improve the quality of life of the people who have them

What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium construction that replaces the root of a tooth and onto which a crown is «screwed». They have been in use since the 1950s, when researchers found that titanium forms a very strong bond with the bone surrounding it, a process called osseointegration.

Is there an age limit for the placement of dental implants?
Provided there are no general health problems, there is no restriction on the placement of implants. The only exception is children, because the development of the jaws must be complete before implants are placed (after the age of 16-18 years).

Can the body reject implants?
Titanium is a material compatible with the body; it has in any case been used in orthopaedics for many years. Titanium has the ability to osseointegrate, that is, to «bond» with the bone surrounding it. The body therefore does NOT reject dental implants.

What is the lifespan of implants?
With the appropriate care, implants can last a lifetime. The international literature reports implant success rates of >95% over 30 years. Provided each case is properly assessed, and on condition that very good oral hygiene is maintained by the patient, no problems arise. Problems can arise from neglected oral hygiene. In a patient who does not brush correctly, the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus can lead to loss of bone around the implant, exactly as it does with teeth (gingivitis - periodontitis in teeth, peri-implant mucositis - peri-implantitis in implants). Other factors that may cause complications are smoking and clenching of the teeth (bruxism).

Can teeth be placed immediately when the implants are placed (immediate loading)?
Yes, under certain conditions. Immediate loading is indicated in some cases of implants placed in the mandible, where the bone density, the number of implants to be placed and the patient's muscular system are taken into account first. It is NOT recommended for implants placed in the maxilla, where the bone is usually softer and more time is required for osseointegration.