Dental implants
Dental implants in Palafrugell with Straumann: replacing missing teeth and securing loose dentures, with bone grafting when needed.
Dental implants
An implant is a titanium screw that acts as a root. It is placed in the bone where the tooth is missing and, once the bone has grown around it, we attach the crown. It is the way to replace a lost tooth without cutting down the teeth on either side, and it also gives a firm hold to a full denture that shifts when you eat or talk.
Where a lot of bone has been lost, bone or a membrane sometimes has to be added at the same time as the implant. This helps the bone regenerate around the screw and reduces the chance of the implant failing to integrate.
At Dental Palafrugell we work with Straumann, one of the leading implant brands in the world. Everything starts with the imaging: the panoramic X-ray and the dental CT scan are taken at our group’s medical centre on Plaça de Catalunya 5, and those images tell us the size and position of each implant.
What it includes: Dental implants
- Single implant. We replace one tooth with an implant and its crown, without touching or cutting down the neighbouring teeth.
- Replacing several teeth. When several adjacent teeth are missing, a few implants can support a fixed bridge, avoiding a removable denture.
- Implant-retained overdenture. For patients with a full denture: the implants hold it firmly in place so it no longer moves when you eat or speak.
- Bone regeneration. We add bone or a membrane when the ridge is narrow or low, so the implant ends up surrounded by enough bone.
- Imaging beforehand. With the panoramic X-ray and the dental CT scan we measure the available bone and the position of the nerve before deciding anything.
- Implant maintenance. An implant cannot decay, but the gum around it can become inflamed: we provide check-ups and specific cleanings to prevent peri-implantitis.
How we do it
Every treatment begins with an examination and a detailed quote. This is how it usually works:
- 01
First appointment and assessment
We examine your mouth, assess your gums and arrange the X-ray or CT scan to see how much bone there is and where the nerve runs.
- 02
Treatment plan and estimate
We explain how many implants are needed, whether a graft is required, how long the whole process will take and what you will wear in the meantime, with a written estimate.
- 03
Placing the implant
This is a procedure under local anaesthetic. The screw goes in, along with bone or a membrane if needed, and the gum is closed with a few stitches.
- 04
Integration and crown
We let the bone integrate, generally over two to six months, and then take impressions and fit the final crown.
Bring a list of the medication you take and tell us if you have diabetes, if you take bisphosphonates or anticoagulants, and if you smoke: tobacco is the single factor that most complicates implant integration. Your gums need to be healthy before surgery, which is why we often start with a cleaning or with periodontal treatment. Once the crown is in place, check-ups and maintenance cleanings are part of the treatment. To find out more, ring 972 30 65 64 or write to us through the contact form.
Find out more about Straumann implants
Accepted by most dental insurers. Give us a call and we'll tell you whether we work with yours.
Panoramic X-rays and dental CT scans are taken at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell, part of the same group, at Plaça de Catalunya, 5.
Frequently asked questions about Dental implants
Does having an implant placed hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and you will not feel pain while it lasts. Afterwards there is usually swelling and discomfort for two or three days, controlled with the painkiller we prescribe and a cold pack on the cheek. Many patients say it is easier to cope with than an extraction.
How long does the whole process take?
From placement to the final crown, between two and six months, depending on the quality of the bone and whether a graft was needed. You will not be left without teeth in the meantime: if the area shows when you smile, we arrange a temporary solution.
How long do implants last? Is there an age limit?
A well cared-for implant can last many years; what determines this is the health of the surrounding gum, smoking and keeping up the maintenance visits. There is no upper age limit: what matters is the state of the bone and your general health, not your date of birth.
Does my insurance cover implants?
Most dental insurers do not cover implants, or only apply an agreed rate, and it varies a great deal from one policy to another. Send us your insurance details and we will check before drawing up the treatment plan.
Other treatments
Call or write to us
The quickest way is the phone: we'll answer straight away and find you a time. If you'd rather write, send the contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.