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Dental implants, among the most in-demand dental treatments in 2020
Oral implantology is the area of Dentistry that is responsible for dental rehabilitation due to tooth loss with the aim of recovering the aesthetics and functionality of the oral cavity. Spain is one of the countries in Europe where more dental implants are placed.
"Dental implants are placed in bone tissue with the intention of replacing lost teeth. Most are titanium or zirconium compounds, because they are biocompatible materials that join the bone physically and chemically during the osteointegration process and are also resistant and durable," explains the president of the General Council of Dentists, Dr. Oscar Castro Reino.
As reflected in the study "Bucodental Health in Spain 2020", conducted by the General Council of Dentists , tooth implants are among the most in-demand dental treatments in 2020, along with cosmetic treatments, orthodontics and prevention-related ones. Among the reasons for the increase in this demand is that Spain is the fourth country in the European Union with the lowest rate of regular visits to the dentist. In addition, there is an important degree of pathologies that have not been diagnosed and now need treatment. In addition, the ageing population adds to the increase in this demand.
Regarding the data, in Spain between 1,200,000 and 1.4 billion dental implants are placed per year. As for the age range, two out of ten people between the age of 25 and 79 have placed a dentary implant, according to the study "Prevalence and risk factors of periimplantary diseases in Spain", developed by the Spanish Society of Periodontics (SEPA), attached to the General Council of Dentists.
Once the implant(s) are placed, there are different procedures to replace the missing teeth according to the particular case of each patient:
- Artificial teeth fixed : are located on the implant itself and cannot be removed.
- Dental prostheses screwed into implants: they can only be removed by the dentist to control or sanitize their structure.
- Removable dentures: they are joined to dental implants for greater retention and stability, but can be removed if the patient wishes.
Dental implant careThee
Is very important that after the placement of dental implants a series of specific care is carried out:
- Do not eat food until the effect of anesthesia has completely disappeared, which is usually between 4 and 6 hours after surgery. During the first few days it is advisable to follow a soft diet with food at room temperature.
- If bleeding from the wound persists, dry gauze may be placed in the area and pressed for about 20 minutes. If blood loss continues it is replaced by another clean gauze following the same procedure.
- To reduce inflammation in the implant area, cold may be applied from outside the oral cavity and use painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, following the dentist's instructions.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol, as they can cause delayed healing process of the dental implant.
- Maintain a strict and proper oral hygiene routine, using an ultra-soft surgical brush.
- At bedtime, keep your head at a higher level than the rest of your body.
- Do not make physical exertions during the week after surgery.
"It is essential that the professional explains in detail to the patient what techniques are used in the treatment of dental implants and what care comes with the postoperative. The patient should go to the dentist if the bleeding lasts or is more abundant, if the pain does not subside or if inflammation persists over time. Also, in order to avoid complications in the medium and long term, implant patients should not neglect their periodic reviews," concludes Dr. Castro.