Definition and Basic Concept of Dental Implantology
A dental implant is a titanium or zirconium structure with a biocompatible shape that is surgically integrated into the jawbone tissue, replacing the root of a lost tooth. In Spain, where dental tourism is particularly well-developed, implantology is governed by strict European Union protocols and the local regulations of the Generalitat de Catalunya. A modern implant consists of three key elements: the implant body (the submerged part), the abutment (the connecting element, which can be titanium or ceramic), and the prosthetic restoration: a crown, a bridge, or a full-arch prosthesis. At the Corona Dental clinic, we work exclusively with certified systems registered with the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). In 2026, the quality standard is Grade 4 titanium and zirconium dioxide, which completely eliminate the galvanic reactions and allergic manifestations characteristic of cheaper alloys from previous generations.
Who is Implantology For and What Problems Does It Solve?
Dental implantation in Barcelona is indicated for patients of all ages (strictly over 18, once facial skeletal growth is complete), regardless of gender, who have one or more defects in their dental arch. The main reason for consultation is the loss of a tooth due to caries, trauma, periodontal diseases, or failed endodontic treatments. Symptoms indicating the need for an implant include: impaired masticatory function, drifting of adjacent teeth into the defect area, atrophy of bone tissue (visible on a CT scan), speech impediments, and psychological discomfort due to missing teeth in the aesthetic zone. In Spanish dental practice, implantology is not considered a cosmetic procedure but a restoration of a vital bodily function. The loss of even a single molar leads to a change in masticatory biomechanics and overload on the temporomandibular joint, which over time causes headaches, muscle hypertonicity, and facial asymmetry. Therefore, Spanish treatment protocols for 2026 recommend replacing missing teeth within the first 3 to 6 months after extraction.
Diagnostic Phase: The Spanish Examination Protocol
At the Corona Dental clinic, the pre-implantation diagnosis meets the highest European standards. The initial consultation includes anamnesis (paying special attention to systemic diseases: uncompensated diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, autoimmune pathologies), assessment of the oral cavity's hygienic status, and instrumental examination. Performing a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is mandatory, using state-of-the-art equipment with minimal radiation exposure. This allows for an assessment with 0.1mm precision of the bone tissue's height, width, and density, as well as the location of the inferior alveolar nerve and the maxillary sinuses. Based on the obtained DICOM data, a 3D model of the future surgery is created, with virtual placement of the implant in the optimal position. The severity grades of the clinical case are classified according to bone volume: mild (sufficient volume, implantation possible without additional procedures), moderate (lack of height or width, requiring a sinus lift or bone graft), and severe (critical atrophy, indicating zygomatic or basal implantation). In Spain, these protocols are strictly regulated and require the patient's signature on an informed consent form.
Types of Implant Systems and Their Classification
Modern dentistry in Barcelona utilizes several types of implants, the choice of which depends on the clinical situation. By design, one-piece implants (implant and abutment as a single unit, used for immediate loading) and two-piece implants (removable abutment, the classic protocol with delayed prosthetics) are distinguished. By shape, the main types are root-form implants (the most common, cylindrical or conical, with different threads), blade implants (for narrow alveolar ridges, less preferable due to their traumatic nature), and combination implants. By fixation method in the bone: endosteal (placed directly into the bone tissue), basal (fixed in the deep cortical layers, used in atrophy cases), and zygomatic implants (elongated structures up to 60 mm anchored in the zygomatic bone for complete edentulism and critical atrophy of the maxilla). In Spain, systems with progressive threads are widely used: aggressive (V-shaped for dense bone), non-aggressive (wide pitch for soft bone), and double thread for faster insertion and improved primary stability. The material is medical-grade titanium (Grade 4 or Grade 5) with surface treatments (sandblasting, acid etching, hydrophilic coating) to accelerate osseointegration.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Implantology
Dental implantation in Barcelona offers undeniable advantages over other prosthetic methods. The main advantage is the complete restoration of the anatomical and functional integrity of the dental arch. The implant transmits masticatory load to the bone, preventing its atrophy (resorption), which is inevitable with removable dentures or bridges anchored to adjacent teeth. Modern implants used at the Corona Dental clinic have a lifetime lifespan with proper hygiene and regular preventive check-ups. The aesthetic result is as close to natural as possible: zirconium dioxide abutments and E-max (glass ceramic) or multi-layer zirconium crowns perfectly mimic the optical properties of enamel. Disadvantages include the relatively high cost of treatment (although in Spain the price is often lower than in Northern Europe or the USA, with the same European quality), the need for a surgical procedure, and the long osseointegration period (3 to 6 months). Risks also exist: peri-implantitis (inflammation of tissues around the implant), mucositis, and rejection (less than 2% with properly selected systems and a qualified surgeon).
Contraindications: Absolute and Temporary
Dental implantation has a clearly defined list of contraindications, based on Spanish and international protocols for 2026. Absolute contraindications completely exclude the possibility of surgery: severe forms of diabetes mellitus (decompensated, with glycated hemoglobin above 8-9%), malignant neoplasms in the maxillofacial region, HIV infection at the AIDS stage, tuberculosis, systemic bone tissue diseases (osteoporosis with pathological fractures), severe mental disorders, high-activity bruxism (without the possibility of control with a splint), and drug or alcohol dependence. Temporary (relative) contraindications allow implantation after their resolution or compensation: acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (gingivitis, periodontitis), poor hygiene, smoking (more than a pack a day), pregnancy and lactation, history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy (requiring a minimum 12-month interval), anticoagulant therapy (treatment adjustment with a physician), and bone tissue deficiency (requiring prior bone grafting). At the Corona Dental clinic, a comprehensive health assessment is always performed before starting treatment, involving other specialists if necessary.
Stages of Implantation: Detailed Protocol Description
The implantation process at the Corona Dental clinic is strictly regulated and includes several sequential stages. The first stage is consultation and diagnosis: anamnesis, CBCT scan, 3D planning, and oral cavity sanitation (caries treatment, extraction of non-restorable teeth, professional hygiene). The second stage is surgical: under local anesthesia or sedation (as per the patient's preference), an incision is made in the mucosa, the bone bed is prepared using a surgical guide (fabricated from the 3D model), the implant is placed with torque control (minimum 30-35 N·cm for primary stability), and the wound is closed with sutures. If necessary, a healing abutment is placed immediately (open protocol) or the implant is submerged under the mucosa (closed protocol). The third stage is osseointegration: the healing period lasts 3 to 6 months, during which the implant fuses with the bone. The fourth stage is gingival contour formation: placement of the healing abutment for 1-2 weeks to create a natural margin. The fifth stage is prosthetics: taking digital impressions, manufacturing and placing the final abutment and crown (E-max ceramic for anterior teeth or zirconia for the posterior region). The total treatment duration for the classic protocol is 4-8 months; for the immediate loading protocol, it is 3-5 days for a temporary crown and 4-6 months for the permanent one.
Implantation Technologies and Protocols in 2026
Modern Spanish dentistry actively implements immediate and early loading protocols. Immediate implantation involves placing the implant right after tooth extraction, into the same socket (if there is no active inflammation and sufficient bone volume). One-stage implantation with immediate loading allows for a temporary crown to be placed 48-72 hours after surgery: the patient leaves with a fixed tooth, which is crucial for the aesthetic zone and psychological comfort. For full-arch rehabilitation, All-on-4 or All-on-6 protocols are used: a fixed acrylic or ceramic prosthesis with a metal framework is secured onto 4 or 6 implants. In cases of critical maxillary atrophy (when a sinus lift is impossible or the patient refuses bone grafting), zygomatic implants are used: elongated structures anchored in the zygomatic bone. In Spain, these protocols are performed only by surgeons with proven qualifications and certification from the system manufacturers. At the Corona Dental clinic, all surgeries are performed using navigational surgical guides, eliminating the risk of nerve damage or sinus perforation.
Post-Operative Care and Prevention of Complications
The success of implantation in Barcelona depends 50% on the patient's correct behavior during the post-operative period. For the first 2-3 days after surgery, it is recommended to: apply cold locally (to reduce swelling), follow a soft diet (soft, non-hot foods), avoid physical exertion, and refrain from smoking and alcohol. Oral hygiene must be especially meticulous: brushing with a soft toothbrush in areas not adjacent to the wound, using antiseptic mouthwashes (chlorhexidine 0.12-0.2% as prescribed), and using an oral irrigator on low pressure. In the long term, prevention of peri-implantitis and mucositis involves regular professional hygiene (twice a year) and thorough home care: using interdental brushes, superfloss, and an irrigator with antibacterial solutions. If symptoms of inflammation appear (bleeding, swelling, pain, mobility), the implantologist should be contacted immediately. At the Corona Dental clinic, all patients are on a follow-up program with checks on the implant condition and gingival margin every 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions from Corona Dental Patients
Is getting an implant painful? The procedure is performed under local anesthesia (articaine with adrenaline) or sedation. The patient feels no pain during the operation. Some discomfort may occur post-operatively, manageable with standard analgesics.
What is the lifespan of implants? With proper hygiene and regular monitoring, implants last for decades, often a lifetime. The manufacturer's warranty is 10-20 years, and the warranty on work from the Corona Dental clinic is 5 years.
Can smokers get implants? Smoking increases the risk of complications but is not an absolute contraindication. It is recommended to reduce the number of cigarettes or quit entirely during the osseointegration period (3-6 months).
What is better: an implant or a bridge? An implant is preferable because it doesn't require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth and prevents bone atrophy. A bridge is a more budget-friendly option but has a shorter lifespan and poses risks to the abutment teeth.
How do you care for an implant? Like natural teeth: brush twice daily, use an irrigator, and have professional hygiene every six months. No special tools are required, but it's important to thoroughly clean the contact area between the gum and the abutment.
