Dental Implantology contributes to the replacement of the dental support by placing implant systems that integrate to the bone (maxillary and/or jaw), thus enabling the later prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient.

The use of implants replaces missing teeth and this is the rehabilitation system most similar to natural teeth as once implanted they remain permanently in the mouth.

Dental implants are made of highly biocompatible metals, such as titanium. By means of titanium intra-ossal implants into the maxillaries it is possible to obtain a lasting anchoring with a direct contact between bone and implant. This phenomenon is called osteointegration and is defined as a direct, structural and functional connection between the live bone and the surface of an implant submitted to functional load.

Requirements that dental implants should meet:

- Biological compatibility: There should be a reaction as physiological as possible with the tissues that surround the implant (bone, gum). It shouldn't cause alterations in the organism, biological instability as a consequence of the corrosion, dissolution or reabsorption of the implant surface.

- Mechanical compatibility: Implants should have enough mechanical resistance to transmit the forces that are applied on them.

Computed axial tomography (CAT), panoramic x-rays, models for study, measurements (surgical guides), clinical examinations and a physical condition evaluation of the patient are important for a good diagnosis prior to the treatment.

The entire success of the osteointegration is based on keeping each of the abutments clean and free of biofilm. So, periodic control visits with the specialist (dentist, dental hygienist) are necessary.