Dental implants in Lisbon — Straumann and MegaGen

Dental implants are artificial titanium roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Crowns are placed on these implants that function and look like natural teeth.

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. After the procedure, there may be some discomfort that is easily controlled with appropriate medication.

Complete treatment can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the need for bone healing (osseointegration). In some cases, it is possible to place temporary teeth on the same day as surgery.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime. Crowns may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear.

Yes, there are several solutions. Techniques such as bone grafts or sinus lifts can increase bone volume. Additionally, MegaGen AnyRidge® implants are specifically designed for compromised bone cases — their unique thread design maximizes bone contact and provides excellent primary stability even in reduced bone situations. During your consultation, we'll assess your bone structure and determine the best approach for your individual case.

The success rate of dental implants depends on the brand and technique used. With the premium implants we use — Straumann achieves 98.2% success at 10 years in extensive clinical studies, while MegaGen shows >97% success rates. Success also depends on proper placement by experienced professionals and good maintenance by the patient.

Smokers can get implants, but tobacco increases the risk of complications and failure. We recommend quitting smoking or at least significantly reducing before and after surgery.

Implants require the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and periodic maintenance appointments. Good hygiene is essential for implant longevity.

Yes, crowns on implants are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. It is virtually impossible to distinguish an implant from a natural tooth.

The price varies according to case complexity, need for additional procedures, and type of crown. We offer detailed evaluation and personalized payment plans.

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a solid and stable foundation. Standard healing time is 3-6 months, though this can be faster with advanced implant surfaces. With the premium brands we use (Straumann and MegaGen), this process is optimized — Straumann implants with SLActive® surface can reduce healing time by up to 50%, and MegaGen with Xpeed® surface also offers accelerated osseointegration.

We offer two brands of proven excellence: Straumann® (Switzerland), the world leader in implantology with over 60 years of innovation and a 98.2% success rate at 10 years; and MegaGen® (South Korea), present in over 100 countries, with AnyRidge® and Xpeed® technology that delivers excellent results at a more accessible price. During your consultation, the ideal choice is determined based on your individual conditions — bone structure, case complexity, and personal goals.

Yes, in many cases "immediate loading" is possible — placing fixed temporary teeth on the same day as implant placement. This is especially common in full-arch cases (like All-on-4) or anterior teeth. Both Straumann implants with SLActive® surface and MegaGen with AnyRidge® design offer excellent primary stability for immediate loading protocols. We evaluate each case individually to determine if immediate loading is the best option.

All-on-4 is a revolutionary technique that allows rehabilitation of a complete arch (all upper or lower teeth) with just 4 strategically positioned implants. Two implants are placed vertically in the anterior area and two at an angle in the posterior area, maximizing available bone contact. The patient leaves the clinic the same day with a fixed temporary prosthesis. It's the ideal solution for edentulous patients (without teeth) or those with severely compromised teeth, offering immediate results and quick recovery.

We fully understand the anxiety associated with surgical procedures. We offer several options for your comfort: effective local anesthesia so you feel no pain, conscious sedation for more anxious patients (you remain relaxed but awake), and a calm environment with a team trained to handle dental anxiety. Many patients are surprised at how comfortable the procedure is — most report less discomfort than expected, comparing it to a simple tooth extraction.

Implant failure is rare — less than 2-5% of cases with quality implants and proper technique. If it occurs, it's usually in the first weeks of healing and can be caused by infection, early overloading, or healing problems. In most cases, it's possible to remove the implant, wait for bone healing (2-3 months), and place a new implant in the same location. With the premium brands we use (Straumann and MegaGen), the failure rate is minimized thanks to advanced osseointegration surfaces.

Patients with controlled diabetes can successfully receive implants — studies show success rates similar to non-diabetic patients when blood sugar is well controlled (HbA1c < 7%). Other conditions like osteoporosis, controlled heart disease, or anticoagulant medication use are generally not absolute contraindications but require careful planning. We thoroughly evaluate your medical history and, if necessary, coordinate with your attending physician to ensure treatment safety.

A fixed bridge requires grinding down adjacent (healthy) teeth to serve as support, while an implant is independent and doesn't affect other teeth. Implants preserve the jawbone (bridges don't prevent bone resorption), are easier to clean, and have greater longevity — a well-maintained implant lasts a lifetime, while a bridge may need replacement in 10-15 years. Additionally, if a supporting tooth of the bridge has problems, the entire structure can be compromised.

There are several approaches: immediate implant (same day as extraction) when conditions are favorable; early implant (4-8 weeks after extraction) after initial soft tissue healing; or late implant (3-6 months after) when complete bone healing is needed. The longer without a tooth, the greater the bone loss, which may require bone grafting. Ideally, evaluate options as soon as possible after tooth loss to preserve maximum bone.