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Dentistas Málaga

Dental implants in Málaga: treatment guide and clinics

· General information: it does not replace seeing a dentist.

Dental implants in the province of Málaga

What a dental implant is

A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that is placed in the upper or lower jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A crown, a bridge or a full denture is then fixed on top of it.

Who it is for

It is used to replace one or more missing teeth when there is enough bone and the gums are healthy, or can be treated first. Some situations call for a more careful assessment: smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, untreated gum disease (periodontitis) or certain bone medications. Mention them at your first visit.

How the treatment works

  1. Assessment: examination, X-rays and often a 3D scan to measure the bone.
  2. Placement: a minor procedure under local anaesthetic.
  3. Healing: over a few months the bone bonds with the implant. In the meantime you can wear a temporary tooth.
  4. Final restoration: the crown, bridge or denture is fixed onto the implant.

In some cases the temporary tooth is fitted on the same day (immediate loading). This is not always possible: it depends on the bone and on how stable the implant is. If there is not enough bone, a bone graft or a sinus lift may be needed, which makes the treatment longer.

Risks and aftercare

As with any surgery, there may be swelling, discomfort and, less often, infection. In the long term, the most common problem is inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant (peri-implantitis), which is prevented with good oral hygiene, not smoking and regular check-ups.

Alternatives

A fixed bridge supported by the neighbouring teeth, a removable denture or, in some cases, not replacing the tooth. Ask for the pros and cons of each option in your case.

What to ask the clinic

  • Who will place the implant and who will make the crown or denture.
  • Which tests you need and whether you will need a bone graft.
  • What exactly the quote includes: assessment, surgery, temporary tooth, final crown and check-ups.
  • The brand, model and batch of the implant, in writing: any dentist who treats it in the future will need them.
  • What happens if the implant does not integrate or fails, and whether the clinic offers any guarantee.
  • The informed consent form and the quote, in writing and before treatment starts.

What affects the price

The number of implants, whether a bone graft is needed, the type of restoration (a single crown, a bridge or a full arch), the materials and the diagnostic tests. When comparing quotes, check that they include the same things: the implant is sometimes advertised without the crown.

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