Dental implant procedures have increased by 6.3% during 2019-2020.
13 % of implant patients are 65 – 74 years of age.[8]
Dental implants are small screw-like metal posts that replace the root of a missing tooth.
A standard dental implant has a diameter of 1.8 mm to 7 mm.[9]
If a single tooth is missing, it can be replaced with one implant and a crown.
Benefits of a Single-tooth Implant over a Dental Bridge
1. A single-tooth implant does not affect the adjacent teeth while a bridge does. [10]
2. An implant preserves bone better than a dental bridge.[11]
Single tooth implant
Used in partially edentulous patients
When many teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge or partial denture can replace them.
Full Jaw/ Full Arch Dental Implants
Other names: Full mouth restoration, Full mouth rehabilitation, Full mouth reconstruction.
Used in edentulous patients
When all teeth in a jaw are missing, they can be replaced with any of the procedures below[12]
Features
Implant overdenture
Expensive
Removable
Easy to clean
Mini implant overdenture
Affordable
Less invasive
A temporary measure to fix dentures
Fixed restoration
Fixed by a series of screws
Can be removed only by the dentist
Requires more care to last
Crown and bridge restoration
More realistic and natural-looking
Difficult to clean
More expensive
Requires adjacent teeth to be reshaped
Additional Procedures
These are required when the jawbone is not sufficient to support dental implants.
The procedures help to rebuild or reinforce the bone. With this new strong foundation, implant-supported teeth have a better prognosis.
Bone Grafting
Grafting increases the height, width, and thickness of the bone.[13]
The gum is lifted to expose the area of the deformed bone.
A bone or bone substitute is used to repair and build up the area.
Sinus Lift
It is a common procedure to increase bone volume in the upper jaw.[14]
It is also referred to as a bilateral lift.
The sinus floor as well as the developing bone is lifted to secure implants.
Sinus lift
Specialized Dental Implant Techniques
Depending on the jawbone health and patients’ specific needs, some alternative treatment options are performed.
Options may include:
Mini Dental Implant
The mini dental implant is a type commonly used to support a lower denture.
It is typically half of the size of a regular dental implant. It is also known as a small or narrow diameter implant.
Pros
Cons
Survival rate of 95.6% [15]
May fracture during placement [18]
Less invasive procedure [16]
Can’t resist strong chewing forces [18]
Immediate results [16]
Not suitable for fixing dentures to the upper jaw [19]
Graftless procedure [16]
Not suitable for single-tooth replacement [19]
Fast healing [16]
Multiple MDIs needed for effective support [18]
Reduced risk of infection [17]
High risk of implant failure [19]
Cost-effective [16]
Limited evidence for long-term survival [18]
FDI approved [17]
Require adequate vertical bone [17]
References – [15]
, [16]
, [17]
, [18]
, [19]
Same-Day Implants
These are also called Immediate load implants, or teeth in a day.
The implants and temporary teeth are fixed within 48 hours of surgery.[20]
Pros
Cons
Instant teeth restoration [21]
High risk of implant failure [21]
Single surgical procedure
Require skilled & experienced surgeon [22]
No need to wear dentures [21]
Impaired healing can cause loosening of implant[21]
No need for bone grafts
Risk of infection [22]
Saves money & time [21]
Not possible with insufficent jawbone structure [21]
References – [21]
,[22]
All-on-4 Technique
All on Four is a unique treatment that provides a whole new set of teeth using only four implants per arch.
All on 4 is specifically designed to:
Allow for immediate function.
Avoid bone graft in over 95% of cases.[23]
All on Four – Success, Survival and Complication Rates
Rate of
Upper jaw [24]
Lower jaw[25]
Success
93.9%
91.7%
Survival
94.7%
93%
Biological complications*
7.8%
11.8%
Mechanical complications**
7.3%
36.7 %
* Soft tissue reactions, bacterial infections, etc.
** Screw loosening/fracture, cement failure, etc.
Factors to Consider for All-on-4 Implant
The general considerations are[26]
Ability to achieve primary implant stability.
No parafunctional habits such as bruxism, clenching.
Indications in totally edentulous :
A. Upper jaw – Minimum bone width of 5mm and minimum bone height of 10mm from canine to canine.
B. Lower jaw – Minimum bone width of 5mm and minimum bone height of 8mm in between the mental foramina.
Benefits of All on 4
High patient satisfaction due to immediate function and esthetics.[27]
Beneficial for those with the thin jawbone.
In the elderly, it can stop bone loss and preserve the jaw.
Highly stable and efficient chewing.[28]
Minimal discomfort and successful implant design.
Crowns and dentures fitted on to the all-on-4 are more long-lasting.[29]
All–on-6 and All-on-8 Dental Implants
These are full-mouth reconstruction procedures performed in patients who have lost all their teeth in any jaw.
This type of restoration involves placing six or eight implants in the jawbone.
All on 6 dental implants
Dental Implant material
The most common dental implant materials are Titanium and Zirconia. Both these materials are biocompatible, and considered safe.
Titanium Dental Implant
FDA approved[30]
Made of pure titanium or its alloy (Aluminum, Vanadium, and Nickel)
Two-piece implant
Grey color
Durable and lightweight
High resistance to damage[31]
Success rate of 97% and survival rate of 98.8%[32]
Read here about Titanium drawbacks, how to overcome and diagnostic test to detect titanium allergy.
Zirconia Dental Implant
FDA approved[33]
Also called a Ceramic implant
Single-piece implant
White color, non-corrosive
Made of metal-free crystal material (Zirconium dioxide)
To know which type of dental implant material suits you, click here
There are pros and cons to each type of material. Therefore, implant type is recommended depending on the patient’s goals and concerns.
Types of Dental Implants
The dental implants can be of two types based on the location where it is fixed.
Endosteal Implants
The implant is fixed into the jawbone[34]
Most commonly used implant[35]
Used as an alternative to bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal Implants
Implant rests on top of the jawbone[36]
Do not need a healthy jawbone[37]
Used for those who are unable to wear conventional dentures[38]
Benefits of Dental Implants
Easy to care for [39]
Prevents bone loss[39]
Durable and permanent
No embarrassing slippage
Eat and chew with ease[39]
Do not disturb adjacent teeth
Decrease sensitivity in nearby teeth[39]
Appear and behave like a natural tooth
Prevents changes in the shape of the face
Lowers risk of cavities in adjacent teeth[39]
More natural and comfortable for chewing[39]
A trusted technique with a long-term success rate of 97%[40]
References: [39]
, [40]
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
An ideal candidate must have
One or more missing teeth
Healthy gum tissues[41]
Fully developed bone tissue, over the age of 18[42]
Adequate jawbone to support the implants or eligible for a bone graft
Who May not Qualify for Dental Implants?
Young people with the jawbone in a growing stage
Heavy smokers[43]
Insufficient jawbone and not eligible for bone grafting[44]
Bruxism, or teeth grinding habits[45]
Received head or neck high-dose radiation treatment[46]
Diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, and immune deficiencies[47]
Note – Even if you have one or more of the conditions above, you may still qualify for implants. It greatly depends on the recency and severity of the condition.
DentaVacation facilitates planning your trip for dental implants in El Salvador.
FAQs Dental Implants in El Salvador
Yes, the price of a single-tooth implant in El Salvador is almost 1/5th of the US price.
Yes, dental implants are safe in El Salvador. Experienced dental surgeons, strict biosecurity measures, and state-of-the-art dental equipment provide you with safe dentistry.
The quality of dental implants in Lorenzana Dental Center is at par with that in developed countries.
The best materials and state-of-the-art technology along with the experience of highly-qualified professionals, ensure optimal results.
You can get as many implants as you need at Lorenzana Dental Center.
The number of implants will depend on the treatment recommended by your doctor for your specific case.
Generally, dental implants are not covered by most dental insurance plans. However, the clinic offers payment plan options.
Send us a copy of your panoramic and RVG X-Rays, specifying the dental treatment you are looking for.
If you want to compare your local dentist’s treatment plan with ours, you can send the plan without price. We will share ours.
We will send a preliminary treatment plan that includes procedures, prices, and length of stay.
The minimum age to get dental implants is 18. A fully-developed jaw is required for the implants, which occur at about 18 years.
However, there is no upper age limit.
Recovery takes approximately 3 days, although it differs in some cases. During this period:
You will need to rest and be careful with your food
Avoid activities that disturb the area of surgical intervention.
Take soft foods.
Should clean your teeth with a damped gauze.
After a few days, you can return to a normal routine, but ensure not to put too much pressure on the site of surgery.
The risks of having dental implants are minimal. There should be no complications if proper care is taken. There could be issues if
The implantologist fails to prescribe the required antibiotics
The patient does not take prescribed antibiotics
The patient does not have adequate oral hygiene, which could cause an infection
Yes, all-on-4 implants are designed for both effectiveness and safety.[48]
Firstly, the implants are made out of durable titanium material. It does not react with cells and tissues.
Secondly, the technique involves fewer implants, hence less chance of infection, discomfort, and pain.
Thirdly, the implants are positioned in such a way that it firmly supports the prosthetic teeth.
The cost of the implant varies from each case and patient history. The following factors determine the final price of your dental implants
Implant brand, material, and type of post, abutment, and crown
Number of implants used
Place where the implants are fixed in the mouth
Type of restoration used
The complexity of the surgery
Need for any tooth extractions or bone grafts beforehand
Need for additional X-rays, scans, or sedation
The time frame for fitting the implant and restoration can depend on many different factors. They are
The rate at which the patient heals
Condition of the jawbone
Type of implant used
Location and number of teeth being restored
The technique used to place the implant(s).
After consultation and treatment planning, your dentist can give you some idea of your treatment duration.
Studies reveal that smoking increases the risk of implant failures. [49]
Hence, you may have a better outcome if you[50]
Stop smoking one week before the implant surgery.
Avoid smoking for at least two months after implant placement.
Here are some things to consider before and after the surgery
Before surgery
If the procedure is done under IV sedation, food should not be consumed for 8 hours before surgery.
If it is not done under IV sedation, you need to take antibiotics from the day before.
After surgery
Rest the day of surgery and the day after.
Keep talking to a minimum.
Follow a soft-food diet to avoid wounds.
The implant itself can last a lifetime. But the implant held replacement teeth can be susceptible to trauma or gum disease.
Most importantly, the longevity of replacement teeth depends on the care. The care varies for each type of replacement teeth.
Your dental implant has every chance of lasting for many years with very good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and avoiding smoking.
