Doubts

We need our patients to be totally informed before making a decision.  We will therefore answer all questions. We PROpose, restore confidence and well-being. We keep our PROpose.

What are the consequences of missing teeth?

Missing teeth or edentulism has consequences beyond aesthetics, involving phonetics, chewing, eating and even comfort.  Missing teeth can have important repercussions on an emotional and social level.
In addition, missing teeth promote bone loss, sagging facial muscles and an increase of facial wrinkles.

What are the advantages of implants when compared to removable dentures?

Scientific evidence has revealed that implants offer better results than removable prostheses as far as support, retention and stability is concerned. Furthermore, they also provide greater security, since they are not at risk of falling or moving during speech or chewing. Finally, removable prostheses do not prevent the progression of bone resorption (loss) in edentulous areas (missing teeth).

What is the procedure of implants and “teeth replacement on the same day”?

The concept of implants and "teeth on the same day" also known as "immediate loading" is a procedure where placement of the prosthesis takes place on the same day or the day immediately after the placement of the implants. It has the advantage of permitting immediate chewing and aesthetic improvement. The period of time necessary for the treatment is also reduced as there are fewer surgical interventions and there is no need for a temporary removable prosthesis. Studies have revealed that immediate loading implants have a success rate above 98% and that the survival rate of prostheses placed using this method is 100%.

Can the implant system of “teeth on the same day” be applied simultaneously to upper and lower jaw?

Yes, it can. It is called “immediate bimaxillary load”. For example, 6 upper and 4 lower implants are placed. The upper and lower implant-supported prostheses are then screwed onto the implants.

What materials are implants made from?

Dental implants are small titanium structures whose purpose is to support the crown of the tooth. The crown can be made from ceramic, zirconium or metal-ceramic. Implants can therefore be considered “artificial roots” that replace natural teeth. Regardless of the material, dental implants are safe and reliable and are always made of biocompatible materials.

As implants are made from artificial materials, does this mean that they are free from disease?

This not true. The success and survival rates of implants are indeed high, but they can be subject to periodontal diseases and complications such as peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory process which begins around the implant, causing bone loss. The implant loses support, precipitating its loss. The possibility peri-implantitis is caused by a bacterial biofilm, that is, poor hygiene, pre-existing periodontal diseases, tobacco and systemic diseases, combined or not with defective prosthetic connections.

What is the PRO HPA protocol?

The PRO HPA

is an oral rehabilitation program based on two concepts: personalization and advanced technology. Personalization because we thoroughly study the best option for each of our patients; technologically advanced because we provide the latest available options that are guaranteed to offer the best results.
During the 1st appointment we begin with a detailed medical history, an examination of the patient’s mouth and teeth including an orthopantomography as an auxiliary diagnostic tool, enabling us to establish what will be the first approach to a personalized treatment plan.
During the 2nd appointment it might be necessary to perform a CBCT - Cone Beam Computed Tomography, clinical analyses and, of course, study models.
We then proceed with the surgical stage with the placement of the implant, under local anaesthesia with minimum discomfort for the patient. In some situations, it may be necessary to resort to bone regeneration surgery, which may take place before or during the placement of the implant.
If the medical situation permits, it is during this appointment that the “immediate implant placement” procedure is carried out. 
The permanent prosthesis is placed only once total osteointegration of the implant has occurred, which might be between 3 to 6 months.
Finally, we have the maintenance phase. This stage is of special importance for the success of the treatment, consisting of regular appointment, every 6 months, which are crucial for the implant to remain healthy making sure that there is no risk of periodontal diseases, such as peri-implantitis.

What happens when there is not enough bone to support the implants? 

When faced with this situation, the proposal may be bone regeneration with the use of grafts. This technique uses grafted materials and membranes to stimulate and guide the growth of new bone. Biomaterials that stimulate the production of human bone are usually used. There is also the possibility of performing an autograft under local anaesthesia resulting in a rapid recovery.
When a tooth is extracted, a process of resorption of the alveolar bone (the structure that supports the tooth) begins to take place. This can lead to a 40% volume of total bone loss in the first 6 months, but which can continue over the years.
Bone graft regeneration will make it possible to replace bone that has been lost (even after some years) making implant placement viable. This technique can also be used as a preventative measure; to prevent bone resorption from occurring after tooth extraction, especially in deficient alveoli.