Dental implantology is a service that has been provided by Previdente since 2002.

Dr. Sérgio Pereira, Previdente’s clinical director, is in charge of implants. He obtained the necessary qualifications for this technique in 2002 – Advanced Surgery in Dental Implants.

This new service has been introduced to increase patients’ well-being and satisfaction, given the increasing importance attributed to dental aesthetics and personal image. Compliance with these objectives contributes to the Quality certification process (ISO 9001) currently underway at Previdente.

What are osteointegrated implants?

They normally consist of titanium screws that are surgically inserted into toothless areas with artificial teeth (dental prosthesis) installed over them. Titanium does not corrode when inserted into the human body and does not cause immunogenic rejection.

Are there any counter-indications to using implants?

As of puberty, any person can have implants inserted, providing:

• the patient is generally healthy;
• the patient’s bone thickness and height are sufficient to accommodate the implant. If the bone structure is not sufficient, the problem can be resolved with bone grafts.

What does surgery involve?

Normally, surgery lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Only in exceptional cases does it last longer.
Local anaesthetic is used and it is much simpler than other dental surgical procedures, such as extraction of an unerupted tooth. The postoperative phase is very comfortable and most patients do not experience any pain.
Complete prostheses are inserted 1 or 2 days after surgery, while partial prostheses are often inserted the same day. Prostheses are almost always temporary and replaced with permanent ones a few months later.

 

What are the advantages of implants?
Durability	In 95% of cases, when not lost in the initial few years, implants last a lifetime.
Practicality	They do not come off while chewing and are thus more comfortable, safer and efficient. In terms of phonetics, they are significantly better.
Aesthetics	In most cases, the aesthetic effect is highly favourable.

Is any special care required?

After surgery these instructions should followed:

• On the first day, eat liquid, frozen or cold meals that are not acidic and do not leave
  residues;
• From the second to the fourth day you should eat slushy foods that do not leave residues and are not acidic;
• Maintain relative rest until the fourth day;
• Rigorously follow the medication prescriptions;
• Return to the clinic for post-surgical check-ups in accordance with the instructions given to you;
• Oral hygiene can be performed by carefully washing with cold water.

The implant should be maintained in accordance with the following recommendations:

• Inspections every six months;
• Daily meticulous brushing with toothpaste, use of spiral brush and dental tape.