PATIENT - FAQ
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1 - What is an implant?
It is a structure made of metal (titanium). Generally, this structure is accepted by the body without any problems, as when it is implanted, an organic reaction takes place whereby bone forms around this structure. We have a great deal of know-how as regards the technology, meaning that the entire process can be planned extremely smoothly. When the implant is installed correctly, the teeth are fitted and the patient uses them as if they were his/her natural teeth.
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2 - How long has this technology been around?
The initial scientific work was carried out under Professor Branemark in Sweden over 40 years ago. Implants began to be used in Brazil at the end of the 80s and have spread extensively. There are now manufacturers in Brazil and a large number of users. Neodent is a Brazilian company that has been operating for 13 years. It has consolidated its position on the Brazilian market and is gaining new ground for itself on the international market.
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3 - How are implants fitted?
Patients need to have an initial consultation, where a professional will assess whether implants can be fitted, the area where they should be fitted and other factors regarding the patient's general health. To do so, a professional will ask for some specific exams to be carried out. In certain cases, moulding may also be necessary to obtain a plaster model and assemblies to study the case at hand. Once the ideal conditions have been confirmed, surgery is performed to fix the implants to the bone. Depending on the conditions at the time of surgery, teeth may be fitted the same or next day. In some cases, teeth are fitted only after the implants have been osseointegrated, i.e. when they have completed the osseointegration period.
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4 - What is osseointegration? Why do you have to wait in some cases and others not?
Osseointegration is a phenomenon that occurs in the body to incorporate the titanium screw that has been surgically installed on the bone. As titanium is a metal that the body accepts well (it is biocompatible), a remodelling process of the bone occurs to fuse the titanium to the bone. This process was described by Dr. Branemark in 1969 and is called “Osseointegration”. When the technique first started to be used, teeth were never fitted on the same day as surgery. The concept later changed and was backed by research. Nowadays, in cases where the implant can be firmly inserted, prosthesis may be fitted without the waiting period. This technique has been dubbed “Immediate Loading”. For cases where implants cannot be inserted firmly, the waiting period is observed and the prosthesis fitted afterwards.
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5 - Is it possible for the patient to know before surgery whether their teeth will be fitted immediately or not?
In most cases, yes. When a professional carries out the examination and plans the case, it is possible to assess the local conditions. However, in actual fact, it is only when the implant is fitted that a professional can really be sure. It is not a good idea to fit prosthesis in cases where the implants have not been inserted firmly.
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6 -What does the patient use in cases where prosthesis are not fitted on the same day?
The patient is provided with provisional prosthesis. If the prosthesis is removable, a soft material will be used inside, which will have to be changed periodically during the waiting period.
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7 - How many teeth can you replace with implants?
You can replace one tooth, an entire arch or all the teeth in your mouth.
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8 - If many teeth are replaced, are several implants fitted, i.e. one for every missing tooth?
No, the professional will assess the number of teeth that need to be refitted, the size of the prosthesis and will calculate the number of implants that are required. For instance: In most cases, 5 implants are used to replace the entire lower arch.
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9 - Can patients eat well with implants?
Yes. Normally, eating is similar for people with prosthesis or natural teeth.
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10 - Can you always fit implants?
When tooth loss occurs, normally the surrounding bone undergoes a process of natural wear which is called reabsorption. If a professional detects that the loss process has been considerable, grafting may be necessary. It is also important to gauge the quality of the bone, which is why specific exams are requested whenever there is the possibility of these problems.
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11 - Do implants always work?
The success rate for the technique is very high. If everything is done properly and the patient follows the guidelines, the chance of success is high. However, some regions of the mouth offer more likelihood of success than others.
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12 - 12. What happens when things don’t work out? What is the harm done to the patient?
When the implant does not osseointegrate, the prosthesis moves and falls out. This causes no harm to the region of the mouth. In most cases, the implants can be refitted.
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13 - Is this rejection?
No. Rejection is a process used by the body to expel materials it does not accept. This does not happen with titanium due to its bio-compatibility. The loss occurs for other reasons, such as patient-related factors (e.g. unfavourable bone quality) or due to the procedure itself.
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14 - What do you need to do to maintain a prosthesis over implants?
It is very important you follow the guidelines correctly. Patients will receive instructions from a professional on hygiene techniques. Additionally, periodic visits to your dentist will be necessary so a professional can assess prosthesis and implant behaviour.
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15 - How do you clean it?
Using normal dental hygiene methods. Patients should brush their teeth after meals and use techniques that enable the internal part of prosthesis to be cleaned, or when larger, the entire assembly.
16 - How can I find out more about the implantology technique?
Watch the explanatory video.
