Implantology
Implant planning and surgery to replace one or more missing teeth, from single-tooth solutions to complex full-arch rehabilitations.
Implant dentistry replaces one or more missing teeth with titanium roots placed in the bone, on which a crown, a bridge or a full prosthesis is then built. In my approach the implant is never the starting point: the diagnosis is. Before deciding whether, where and when to place an implant I assess periodontal health, bone quantity and quality, the soft tissues and the prognosis of the remaining teeth.
As a periodontist I bring the same attention to the supporting tissues into implant dentistry. An implant lasts when it is surrounded by stable bone and by healthy, thick, well-maintained gum. That is why every treatment plan includes, where needed, site preparation with bone regeneration or a soft-tissue graft, and always a maintenance programme to prevent peri-implantitis.
In complex cases, from full-arch rehabilitations to mouths with a history of periodontitis, I work as a team with the prosthodontists at COBE Dental: surgery is planned starting from the final prosthetic result, not the other way round.
When it is indicated
- Replacing a single tooth without preparing the neighbouring teeth
- Partial tooth loss, as an alternative to bridges and removable dentures
- Full-arch implant-supported rehabilitations
- Immediate post-extraction implants, when bone and tissues allow it
- Patients with treated, stabilised periodontitis who have lost teeth
How it works
- 01Consultation and diagnosis: full periodontal examination, radiographs and, where needed, a cone beam CT scan to measure the available bone.
- 02Planning: prosthetic design agreed with the prosthodontist, number and position of implants, guided surgery when useful.
- 03Surgery: implant placement under local anaesthesia, with bone regeneration or a soft-tissue graft where indicated.
- 04Healing and osseointegration: usually two to six months, while the bone integrates with the implant surface.
- 05Prosthesis and maintenance: the definitive crown or bridge, followed by scheduled check-ups and professional hygiene.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental implant last?
With stable bone, good home care and regular check-ups, implants can last for decades. The main long-term risk is peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissues around the implant: preventing it through maintenance is an integral part of the treatment.
Is the surgery painful?
Placement is carried out under local anaesthesia and is generally well tolerated. Mild swelling and discomfort in the following days are normal and are managed with common anti-inflammatory medication.
Can I have an implant if I have periodontitis?
Yes, but only after the disease has been treated and stabilised. Placing implants in a mouth with active periodontitis significantly increases the risk of peri-implantitis and implant loss.
What if I do not have enough bone?
In many cases bone can be rebuilt with bone-regeneration techniques, either before or at the time of implant placement. The decision is based on the cone beam CT scan and on how much tissue needs to be recovered.