My maternal great-grandfather, an old generation Algarvian gentleman, based his daily diet on fish. I can still recall his toothless smile. Mr. Estevens had not one single tooth in his mouth but managed to eat everything. His “favourite” was basically any typical Algarvian fish dish, and there are many as we know.
Mr. Lima – my grandfather – was a vain gentleman who was very proud of his removable prosthesis that was by no means an example of aesthetic perfection, but disguised rather well his missing teeth.
My mother, who has always had dental problems, has replaced several lost teeth and bridges by dental implants.
In the previous paragraph, I have made a brief description of the common dental history of the past four decades. During this period, dentistry has evolved significantly, particularly in oral rehabilitation.
Significant advances have taken place in dentistry. If our ancestors’ only option was ‘removable dentures’, nowadays with the existing new techniques, not only is it possible to save teeth and keep them for longer but when they cease to be viable and cannot be saved, it is possible to replace them with a fixed, permanent solution.
A dental implant is a cylindrically shaped piece of metal which is introduced into the jawbone. Its function is support for one or more teeth. Placement involves a minor surgery with local anaesthesia and is generally painless. A period of healing follows where the bone is given a chance to heal. During this period, the crown is being manufactured and will subsequently be fixed onto the implant.
With this option, it is not only possible to replace one single tooth but, in some cases, all the teeth either on the upper or lower jaw with minimal discomfort. It is sometimes also possible to have this all done on the same day. It is a low-risk procedure with few associated complications and with a high success rate.
As this new technique becomes increasingly used, it is becoming more and more widespread, which has made it accessible to the vast majority of the population.
As with any other medical technique or treatment, dental implants are also subject to failure. Contrary to what some less serious advertising may have you believe, no one can guarantee with certainty that implants will last a lifetime.
The most sensible and best option is to visit your dentist regularly and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The HPA Health Group has dental surgeries in its various clinics and hospitals, with differentiated multi-disciplinary medical teams in the various sub-specialties of dentistry: paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, general dentistry, endodontics, implantology, aesthetic dentistry, occlusion, oral surgery, periodontics.
Treatment can be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia when necessary and, if desired, in a safe hospital environment.
By Dr Luís Bacalhau
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Dr Luís Bacalhau is a dentist practising at Hospital Particular Group and is Clinical Director of Gambelas Smile Clinic in Faro.
