Dental implants in Palma
Losing a tooth is not just a cosmetic issue. When a tooth is missing, the bone that supported it begins to resorb, the neighbouring teeth tend to shift, and chewing becomes uncomfortable. Dental implants are now the most stable treatment for permanently replacing these teeth, without relying on the surrounding healthy teeth.
At Clínicas Udemax, we have been fitting dental implants in Palma since the 1980s: the group, founded in 1977 by a maxillofacial surgeon from the former Son Dureta Hospital, was a pioneer in implantology in Mallorca. Today, we carry out these treatments at Udemax Miramar, in the outpatient department of Juaneda Miramar Hospital, with maxillofacial surgeons and the option of undergoing surgery under conscious sedation supervised by an anaesthetist.
The initial consultation is free of charge: it includes an examination, the necessary diagnostic tests and a treatment plan with all the options explained.
Foundation of the group, a pioneer in dental implants in Mallorca
Udemax Miramar, at the Juaneda Miramar Hospital
Conscious sedation, with an anaesthetist
Initial consultation and diagnosis
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What is a dental implant and when is it recommended?
A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium that is placed into the upper or lower jawbone and acts as the root of the tooth. Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment and a crown are fitted onto it, replicating the tooth in shape, size and colour.
It is recommended when one or more teeth have been lost due to tooth decay, fractures, gum disease or an impact, and also when a tooth cannot be saved and needs to be extracted. Compared to a traditional bridge, it has a clear advantage: there is no need to grind down the healthy neighbouring teeth to secure it. And compared to a removable denture, it does not move when eating or speaking.
Types of dental implants
At Clínicas Udemax, we offer a range of dental implants in Mallorca to meet the specific needs of each patient. Below, we explain the most common types and their benefits:
Single implant: replacing a single tooth
An implant with its crown replaces the missing tooth without affecting the neighbouring teeth. It is the standard solution following the loss of a tooth due to an impact, a fracture or a root canal treatment that has not been successful. Crowns on implants are custom-made to blend in with the rest of your smile.
Multiple missing teeth: implant-supported bridges
When several adjacent teeth are missing, it is not necessary to place an implant for each one: two or more implants can support a fixed bridge. This restores chewing function using the minimum number of implants required to ensure a stable result.
Full arch: fixed teeth on implants
Fixed prosthesis on implants: the teeth are screw-retained and can only be removed by the dentist. It is the closest thing to having your own teeth.
Overdenture: it is secured to the implants with abutments and the patient can remove it for cleaning. It is much more stable than a conventional denture.
In many cases, fixed temporary teeth can be fitted on the same day: we explain this in one-day dental implants.
What is the dental implant process like?
Diagnosis and planning
At your first appointment, we review your medical history, examine your teeth and gums, and assess your bite. Using a 3D X-ray scan, we measure the quantity and quality of the bone, locate structures such as nerves and the maxillary sinus, and determine the position of each implant. Based on all this, you will receive a treatment plan setting out the stages, approximate timelines and the quote.
Implant placement
The surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Placing a single implant usually takes less than an hour; a full arch requires more time.
If you are afraid of the dentist or the procedure is lengthy, it can be carried out under conscious sedation with an anaesthetist: you remain relaxed and calm throughout the surgery, but you breathe on your own and can respond, unlike with general anaesthesia. As Udemax Miramar is located within the Juaneda Miramar Hospital, the surgery is supported by a hospital environment.
In the first few days, it is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with the prescribed medication. We will provide you with written instructions: a soft diet, how to brush the area and what signs should prompt you to contact the clinic.
Osseointegration and permanent teeth
Over the following months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This usually takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on the area of the mouth and the quality of the bone. In the meantime, you can wear a temporary tooth so that the gap is not visible.
Once the implant has integrated, we take impressions, fabricate the crown or permanent prosthesis, and adjust the bite and colour until a natural-looking result is achieved.
What if I don’t have enough bone?
When a tooth has been missing for some time, or if you have been wearing removable dentures for years, the bone may have resorbed to the point where it no longer has sufficient height or width for an implant. This doesn’t mean you can’t have implants: in most cases, the bone can be restored before or during surgery.
The two most common techniques are dental bone grafting, which rebuilds the bone where it is missing, and sinus lift, specifically for the back teeth of the upper jaw. The 3D scan carried out during your first appointment will determine whether you need these procedures.
How long do dental implants last?
of the implants are still functioning after 10 years. Journal of Dentistry, 2019
are still in use at 20 years. Meta-analysis at 20 years, 2024
approximate risk of failure in smokers. Journal of Dentistry, 2015
Whether an implant lasts depends primarily on two things: good planning and the patient’s daily care. Smoking is the most obvious risk factor, which is why we always assess this before we begin.
Implant care
An implant cannot develop tooth decay, but the surrounding gum and bone can become inflamed. This is known as peri-implantitis, the main cause of implant loss in the long term. To prevent it:
- Brush your implants just as you would your natural teeth, after every meal, and clean the spaces between them with interdental brushes or a water flosser, as we advise.
- Attend the check-ups and professional cleanings we schedule for you, usually once or twice a year.
- If you smoke, giving up, or at least cutting down, significantly improves the prognosis.
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
Does having a dental implant fitted hurt?
No, not during the procedure, as it is carried out under local anaesthetic. In the days following the procedure, it is normal to experience some swelling and moderate discomfort, which can be managed with the prescribed medication. If you are afraid of the dentist, the surgery can be carried out under conscious sedation with an anaesthetist.
How long does implant treatment take?
Conventional treatment usually takes between 3 and 6 months from the placement of the implant to the fitting of the permanent teeth; this is the time the implant needs to fuse with the bone. If bone regeneration is required beforehand, the process takes longer. In some cases, fixed temporary teeth can be fitted on the same day as the surgery.
Who can have dental implants?
Most adults in good general health. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and certain medicines, such as bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, increase the risk of complications, so each case is assessed individually. The definitive answer is provided by the assessment carried out during the first appointment.
How long do dental implants last?
Long-term follow-up studies show that over 90 per cent of implants are still functioning after 10 years, and the majority are still functioning after 20 years. Their lifespan depends primarily on daily oral hygiene, regular check-ups and not smoking.
Can you tell that a tooth is an implant?
No. The crown is custom-made to match the shape and colour of your teeth, and the implant is hidden beneath the gum. In most cases, not even the patient themselves can tell the difference when chewing.
Can implants be fitted under sedation?
Yes. At Udemax Miramar, within the Juaneda Miramar Hospital, implant surgery can be carried out under conscious sedation with an anaesthetist present. This is a good option for people who are afraid of the dentist and for lengthy procedures, such as multiple implants or a full arch.
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