Dental implants

What are dental implants?
Specialists in dental implants in Aveiro

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium structures placed into the upper or lower jaw bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A dental crown, bridge or prosthesis is then fixed on top of the implant, restoring chewing function, aesthetics and the comfort of a natural tooth.

Thanks to its high biocompatibility, titanium integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a solid and durable base. Dental implants are an effective, safe and long-lasting solution for those who have lost one or more teeth, improving both oral health and quality of life.

Do patients who need a dental implant present prior symptoms?

In many cases, patients who end up needing a dental implant experience prior symptoms that indicate a loss of oral health. Among the most frequent are pain when chewing, tooth mobility, recurrent infections or the loss of one or more teeth. These signs may be related to deep cavities, dental fractures or advanced periodontal disease, and often affect both the function and aesthetics of the smile. Although discomfort is not always evident, the absence of a tooth can also lead to bone resorption and alter the balance of the bite. That is why, at AMLA Clínica Dentária in Aveiro, we recommend seeking a specialist assessment at any warning sign to determine whether treatment with dental implants is the best option.

Although there are not always obvious symptoms, the absence of a tooth can also cause bone resorption and alter the balance of the bite. Therefore, at Amla Clínica Dentaria in Aveiro, we recommend seeking a specialist evaluation at the first sign of any problem to determine if dental implant treatment is the best option.

How is a dental implant placed?

The dental implant placement process.

1. Personalised assessment and planning

The dentist carries out a complete study of the mouth, including a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a 3D scan. The quantity and quality of the bone and the general state of oral health are analysed, and a plan tailored to each patient is designed.

2. Implant placement (surgical phase)

A minor surgery is performed, usually under local anaesthesia, in which the implant (a titanium or zirconium screw) is inserted into the upper or lower jaw bone. This piece will act as the artificial root of the future tooth.

3. Osseointegration period

Over the following weeks or months (typically between 2 and 4 months), the implant naturally integrates with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, is key to implant stability.

4. Placement of the abutment or healing abutment

Once the implant is fully integrated, a small connector (abutment or healing abutment) is placed, which emerges through the gum and will serve as the base for the dental prosthesis.

5. Placement of the crown or dental prosthesis

Finally, the definitive crown or prosthesis is placed, custom-designed to blend in with the other teeth in shape, colour and function. The result is a fixed, natural and functional tooth.

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Immediate implants

Placing an implant immediately after tooth extraction is known as an immediate implant. Unlike the conventional protocol — known as delayed implant, in which one must wait 3 to 4 months for the alveolar bone to heal — in this case the titanium screw is inserted in the same session, taking advantage of the fresh socket and preserving bone volume.

Single-tooth dental implant

When a tooth falls or is lost, replacement with a single-tooth implant is one of the best alternatives, and although it may seem otherwise, it is the most conservative and least invasive option. This technique avoids sacrificing the healthy enamel of adjacent teeth to place a prosthesis or fixed “bridge”.

Minimally invasive implantology

Implants are placed through computer-guided surgery, using a CBCT scan and an intraoral scan to plan the exact position of the titanium screw. Thanks to this millimetric precision:

  • Large incisions are avoided; the gum is separated only as strictly necessary, through the flapless technique or with micro-incision.
  • Surgical time is reduced by up to 60%.
  • The patient needs less post-operative medication (anti-inflammatories and painkillers).
  • The experience is more comfortable and virtually pain-free. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
Immediate or delayed loading

“Loading” a dental implant means placing the prosthesis (a crown, a bridge or a full denture) on it and allowing it to start receiving chewing forces. In other words, it is about moving from an implant integrated into the bone to a functional tooth.

For this to be safely possible, the implant must have sufficient primary stability (usually equal to or greater than 35 N·cm of torque). If this requirement is met, the loading can be immediate (on the same day of placement) or delayed (after 2 to 4 months of osseointegration).

In both cases, the objective is the same: to transfer the chewing load to the implant in a controlled way, preserve bone integration and ensure the durability of the rehabilitation.

Advantages of dental implants

They restore functionality

They allow you to chew completely normally, as if they were natural teeth.

They prevent bone loss

By integrating with the bone, they stimulate its maintenance and prevent the progressive deterioration that occurs after tooth loss.

Natural aesthetics

The crowns placed on the implant are custom-designed, replicating the colour, shape and size of the original teeth.

They improve quality of life

They increase confidence when speaking, eating or smiling, without fear of movement or falling out.

Fixed and long-lasting solution

Unlike removable prostheses, implants are fixed and can last a lifetime with good hygiene.

They protect adjacent teeth

Unlike traditional bridges, there is no need to grind down healthy teeth.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We answer them here.

No. Implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia and is a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients report feeling less discomfort than with a tooth extraction.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, an implant can last more than 20 years — even a lifetime.

In general, yes. However, a prior study is needed to assess the state of the bone and the general health of the patient. At AMLA we carry out a complete diagnosis before recommending this treatment.

From implant placement to the placement of the definitive crown, between 3 and 6 months can pass, depending on each case. In some cases, immediate loading is possible.

Titanium is a biocompatible material, so the risk of rejection is very low. The most important thing is to maintain good hygiene and attend check-ups to ensure long-term success.

It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, follow a soft diet for the first few days and attend the check-ups scheduled by the dentist.

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