In this article we will try to answer the main questions asked by patients who come to our dental clinic in Barcelona interested in getting dental implants to replace a tooth or a complete set of teeth.
1ºWhat are dental implants used for?
Dental implants fulfill 3 very important functions to maintain proper oral health, which are not guaranteed with other types of prostheses.
- Chewingfunction: crowns allow chewing to return to normal, having a good occlusion ( bite in which all teeth fit well) without the risk of detachment as can occur with a removable prosthesis or dentures.
- Aestheticfunction: Implants allow you to regain a beautiful smile and teeth, with total security. They are not noticeable at all, they do not move and there is no need to compromise other dental pieces.
- Biologicalfunction: Implants help preserve the position of the remaining teeth and the bone that supported the lost tooth and prevent other problems resulting from tooth and bone loss in the mandible and maxilla.
2ºWhy are dental implants better than dental bridges?
Until a few years ago, the only alternative for patients wishing to replace several teeth was the placement of a fixed or removable bridge, in which the prosthesis is attached to the adjacent teeth. The main disadvantage is that the enamel of these teeth has to be ground down and they are subjected to higher loads than they should be during chewing.
Today, dentalimplants allow a load distribution very similar to that provided by a healthy natural tooth. They therefore avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding teeth.
3º Is it worth it to get dental implants, if it is more expensive?
It is important to understand that dental implant treatment involves highly sophisticated procedures and materials, resulting in a higher cost compared to conventional prosthetic alternatives. The total cost will depend on the duration and complexity of the rehabilitation required.
However, if we evaluate the treatment in terms of the benefits obtained, as we have seen in points one and two, the cost-benefit ratio is usually quite favorable to implants compared to other options for comfort, safety, duration, absence of problems,….
Dental implants offer a number of important advantages over other types of dental prostheses, which is why they are rarely used in Spanish dental clinics today.
- Stable tooth replacement. Dental implants provide stability similar or even superior to that of missing natural teeth, without the need to use and damage adjacent teeth. This allows for functional and esthetic oral rehabilitation with quality and precision.
- Perfect anchorage for dental prostheses. These implants serve as anchorage for mobile dental prostheses, providing the necessary stability to provide comfort and security, far superior to fixed prostheses.
- Preservation of the maxillary bone. Dental implants help maintain the function of the jawbone, preventing volume loss due to bone resorption. This prevents tissue deterioration and premature facial aging.
- They make other treatments possible. Dental implants also allow orthodontic or orthopedic treatments that might otherwise be difficult to perform.
The dentists who are part of the dental implant team will evaluate your situation and give you a preliminary estimate with several treatment alternatives so that you can make an informed decision on the best option for your case.
And remember, as in everything, in implants there are also different qualities, placement techniques, experience of the implantologist, … that determine different prices. Our recommendation is that before making a decision you go to 2 or 3 dental clinics to get an estimate and then compare what each one offers you: the quality of the implants and attachments, implant placement technique, security that the implantologist transmits, financing,… the cheapest does not always have good results in the long term.
See Which is better a prosthesis or a dental implant?
4º Do dental implants cause discomfort?
Once placed and the osseointegration process is finished, dental implants do not cause any type of discomfort. However, to place them there is a surgical process and a postoperative period that, although highly protocolized, may cause minor discomfort.
In most cases, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, similar to other dental treatments, which means that you will only feel the vibrations of the instruments and possibly a slight pressure or throbbing in the area. For those who prefer, it is also possible to perform the procedure under conscious sedation.
After surgery, once the anesthesia wears off, it is possible to experience some discomfort, which is usually treated with analgesics. Some people may experience swelling and bruising in the operated area, usually within 24 hours after surgery.
These symptoms are part of the natural reparative response of the tissues of the mouth after surgery and usually do not represent any major problem.
5. What problems might I have during the placement of the implants?
As with any surgical procedure, there is a minimal risk of unwanted complications when undergoing dental implant treatment. Sin embargo, este riesgo se minimiza cuando el caso se estudia y planifica adecuadamente.
For example, when considering implant placement in the back of the mandible or maxilla, the dental implant team will evaluate the potential interaction with important anatomical structures, such as the dental nerve or maxillary sinus.
A thorough study of the patient’s anatomy is performed prior to treatment to identify and respect these structures, ensuring their overall health.
See What to do if your implant moves
6º Is there a possibility that I will reject the dental implants?
The vast majority of dental implants are made of surgical titanium, a biocompatible, bioinert and stable material that has the ability to integrate with the bone (osseointegration).
This means that the body generally does not recognize titanium as a foreign substance, making rejection extremely unlikely.
If placed by a qualified dentist, quality materials are used and the surgery is performed correctly, the risk of failure of dental implants is only 1-2%.
However, complications may arise in the months following implant placement, such as infections, vascular deficiencies, alterations in the repair processes and functional stress on the implants supporting a prosthesis, so it is important to analyze the case well with 3D technology to avoid possible complications over time.
See Rejection of dental implants. What it is and How to avoid it
7º Can I have implants if they detect that I have little bone?
Yes, in most cases. Nowadays there are several procedures that can offer solutions with a very high success rate.
Bone regeneration techniques, plasma rich in growth factors or sinus lift are some of the methods that can help you meet the necessary conditions for dental implants.
Short dental implants are intended for use in patients with bone deficiency.
8. How does tobacco affect the timing of getting dental implants?
In smokers, dental implants may respond less favorably. For this reason, patients who smoke are advised to avoid smoking during treatment.
Smoking can negatively affect healing and reduce blood flow to the area, which in turn compromises the long-term health of the implants and the duration of treatment.
Specific effects of smoking on patients undergoing dental implants include:
- Delayed healing and repair after surgery.
- Reduced blood flow and the body’s ability to defend itself against infection.
- Difficulty in long-term maintenance of implant health.
Patients who smoke should be aware of these risks and discuss them with the dental implant team before beginning treatment.
Smoking can lead to more rigorous treatment protocols and follow-up.
9. What is the best time to get dental implants?
The suitability of dental implants depends on the cause of the tooth loss:
If the tooth loss occurs without infection and the bone is healthy or has not undergone significant alterations, immediate implant placement is possible.
In cases of infection or changes in the quality or quantity of the bone, it is advisable to wait until the bone bed is in better condition to receive the implants.
Otherwise, the reliability of the treatment could be compromised. In these situations, temporary prostheses, either fixed or removable, can be created to provide comfort during the waiting period that the patient may require. will vary from patient to patient.
10. How do dental implants feel once they are placed?
The sensation of wearing dental implants is comparable to that of natural teeth. Many patients report that they enjoy greater security and strength with implant-supported teeth, allowing them to forget that they have implanted material.
The chewing force is similar or even higher than that of natural teeth, allowing for efficient and comfortable chewing.
In some cases, when it is not possible to place enough implants to fully anchor the prosthesis, a “semi-fixed” prosthesis, known as an overdenture, is used. Although this prosthesis may have slight movement, it provides great stability and is usually more comfortable than a conventional prosthesis.
11. Can a dental implant be lost?
Although uncommon, therapeutic protocols contemplate the possibility of dental implant loss and have an established plan of action for this situation.
If an implant is lost before the prosthesis is placed, the cause of the loss is investigated and steps are taken to correct it, including the possible placement of a new implant.
If the leak occurs after the prosthesis has been placed, the prosthesis will be disassembled and similar measures will be taken. In some cases, the remaining implants may be sufficient to ensure the stability of the prosthesis, and it will not be necessary to replace the lost implant.
12. Is there an age limit for getting dental implants?
There is no maximum age for the placement of dental implants. The only limitation is the general state of health of each individual. Your implant team will indicate the necessary tests to determine if your health allows you to undergo implant treatment.
As for the minimum age, it depends on when growth is completed. Your dentist will provide guidance on specific tests to determine if denture growth is complete and dental implants are appropriate.
13. Can I get implants if I am pregnant?
For pregnant women, it is recommended to wait until after delivery to undergo dental implant surgery.
If pregnancy occurs after the surgical phase of treatment or if a prosthesis has already been placed on implants, there should be no increased risk to the fetus and no threat to implant retention.
However, it is important to adjust the peri-implant care plan both personally and professionally due to the physiological and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
14. Can diabetics get dental implants?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that can affect the body’s response to infections. Therefore, it is not recommended to place implants in patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
However, when diabetes is under control, patients usually respond normally to implant treatment, without significant complications.
In these cases, a thorough evaluation is performed prior to treatment and a stricter follow-up is performed afterwards.
15. If I take anticoagulants, can I have a dental implant?
In cases of patients on anticoagulant therapy, it is advisable to take specific measures to normalize coagulation or platelet aggregation levels prior to dental implant surgery.
This is done in consultation with your physician to evaluate the effects of decoagulation on the surgical procedure. Once the implants are in place, the patient can generally return to his or her therapeutic anticoagulant regimen without problems.
As a precautionary measure, it is always advisable to consult your physician in case of any doubt or concern related to a systemic or general disease.
16. If I have osteoporosis, can I have dental implants?
Osteoporosis affects bone quality and therefore osseointegration, a key process in dental implants, depends on the initial bone quality. Therefore, osteoporosis is not an absolute contraindication for dental implants.
Results similar to those of people without osteoporosis can be achieved by modifying the treatment protocol. In these cases, a patient-specific evaluation is performed and the treatment decision is made in collaboration between the dental implant team and the bone health specialist.
It is important to inform your dentist if you are taking medication for osteoporosis, as certain medications can complicate post-surgical healing.
17. Which brand of dental implants is best?
Answering this question is very difficult and subjective. Due to the high demand for dental implants, the list of dental implant manufacturers is very long. There are some factors that we consider as implantologists, such as:
The solidity as a company of the manufacturer of implants and attachments and the results obtained over time.
The indication of the type of a4> implant may be different for each case, you may need a specific type design of implant determined that has a brand.
At our dental clinics in Barcelona, to reduce the risk of rejection and other problems associated with implants. a9> problems associated with low-quality dental implants, only use implants and attachments from a22> the Swiss brand Straumann Straumann, which has the only public study that shows that its implants are 4 times more stable than the a42> the other 3 brands of high-end implants from the competition.
See Dental implants price. How much does a dental implant cost in 2024?
As you can see, dental implants offer an effective and comfortable solution to replace missing teeth. Although initially they are more expensive, with the passage of time their advantages and convenience compensate for the difference in price, without a doubt. The success depends to a large extent on careful planning of the surgery to determine the best approach of the surgery to determine the best way to place them, use the best implants and a follow-up during the postoperative period.
Consultation with an experienced dental implant team will ensure a positive experience in restoring your smile and dental function.
Updated July 31, 2025
You may also be interested in reading:
Types of dental implants. Everything you need to know
Dental implants with guided surgery. 5 Advantages
Immediate load implants. What they are and their advantages
Flexible dental prostheses. Advantages and disadvantages
Miembro de la Sociedad Española de Prótesis Estomatológica y Estética (SEPES) y del American College of Prosthodontics (ACP).
Colegio de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de Catalunya
Profesor colaborador, Departamento de Restauradora Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) Barcelona.
