SmilesDent Alameda is synonymous with innovation and excellence in dentistry. We recognise that having a complete and functional smile is not just an aesthetic matter, but a necessity for oral health and a good quality of life.
Tooth loss, besides being an aesthetic problem, can lead to difficulties speaking and chewing, misalignment of other teeth and other oral health issues. Dental implants are the solution for those seeking to restore their smile permanently and effectively.
Dental implant treatments at our clinic
Guided surgery: precision at every step
One of the procedures that sets us apart is guided implant surgery. Planning software lets us plan implant placement on the 3D study of your mouth and carry it over to surgery with a surgical guide where appropriate. This helps the implant sit in the planned position; post-operative discomfort and recovery time depend on each case.
Teeth in a day: immediate-load implants
We offer immediate-load implants for patients who want results quickly. Placing the crown or prosthesis on the day of surgery means you can leave the clinic with a restored smile.
Not every case is suitable: it depends on the quantity and quality of the bone, which we assess beforehand.
Aesthetics, function and long-term health
We care not only about how your smile looks but also about its function and long-term health. Our implant treatments offer personalised care, a comfortable experience and natural-looking results.
When is a dental implant recommended?
When one or more teeth are missing, or when a removable denture is no longer stable or comfortable. Because an implant replaces the root as well, neighbouring teeth do not need to be filed down as they would for a conventional bridge, and the bone in the area is better preserved. The UK's NHS describes an implant as a titanium screw placed in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge or denture, and presents it as a fixed alternative to removable dentures.
You need enough bone and healthy gums. If bone is lacking it can sometimes be regenerated; we assess this at your first visit.
What does treatment involve, step by step?
- Assessment: examination, 3D X-ray (CBCT) and intraoral scan.
- Digital planning of the implant position and, where appropriate, a surgical guide.
- Implant placement under local anaesthetic.
- Osseointegration: the bone bonds to the implant over several months (with immediate loading you wear temporary teeth from day one).
- Final crown or prosthesis, designed from the digital scan.
- Regular check-ups and maintenance.
How long does the whole process take?
In a standard case, four to seven months usually pass between surgery and the final crown, because the bone needs time to bond with the implant (osseointegration). If bone has to be regenerated or the maxillary sinus lifted, the timeline is longer. When immediate loading is possible, you wear fixed temporary teeth from the first day while the bone heals.
On top of that come the initial study with 3D X-rays, the digital planning and the follow-up visits. After the study we give you a specific schedule for your case, because it depends on the available bone, the state of your gums and whether one or several implants are placed.
How do I look after an implant?
The same as a natural tooth, only more consistently: brushing twice a day, daily interdental cleaning (interdental brushes or a water flosser, depending on the case) and regular check-ups with a professional clean.
The main cause of late failure is peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant that is linked to plaque control, smoking and a history of gum disease. Caught early it can be treated, so check-ups are part of the treatment. A Cochrane review (2012) notes that, like natural teeth, implants can be lost to gum disease (peri-implantitis) and concludes that there is very little evidence on the best way to treat it, which gives more weight to prevention.
Who will treat you
Dra. María Luz Gil Jiménez
Implantology and periodontal surgery
Registration no. 28010628
Dr. Muhammad El-Hachem Debek
Medical director · Prosthodontics and aesthetics
Registration no. 28013715
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
Are dental implants suitable for all patients?
Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss, but they are not suitable for every patient or at every moment, which is why an assessment beforehand is essential. The amount and quality of bone (checked with a 3D X-ray), the state of the gums, general conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, smoking and medication all influence the decision. In many cases what looks like an obstacle has a solution: the gums are treated first or bone is regenerated. When an implant is not the best option, we explain the alternatives, such as a bridge or a removable denture.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and regular follow-up, dental implants can last many years, even a lifetime, although a specific lifespan cannot be guaranteed because it depends on each patient. What matters most is daily cleaning, regular check-ups, not smoking and keeping the gums healthy. The crown or prosthesis on top of the implant can wear and may need repair or replacement over time, while the titanium implant usually stays stable if the surrounding bone remains healthy.
Is the implant placement procedure painful?
At SmilesDent Alameda we do our best to make every procedure as comfortable as possible. Implant surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so during placement you may feel pressure but not pain. In the following days some swelling and discomfort are usual, and they are managed with the prescribed medication and a cold compress; most patients report little discomfort. If you are worried, mention it at the first visit and we will talk it through. We explain the aftercare and who to call if you have any question.
Sources and further reading
General patient information from public bodies and scientific societies. Your own case is always assessed at a consultation.
- Dental treatments — NHS (Reino Unido)
- Intervenciones para la reposición de piezas dentarias faltantes: tratamiento de la periimplantitis — Cochrane (in Spanish)