Implant Treatment
An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth and restore their function and aesthetics.
Dental implants involve placing “artificial tooth roots” made of titanium or zirconia into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored. Once the implants have fused with the bone (osseointegration), one or more teeth, bridges, or removable dentures can be attached to them.
What are the benefits of implants?
- Your healthy teeth will not be cut or worn down.
- Your prosthesis will be fixed
- In some cases, removable dentures will stay firmly in your mouth and won’t move around.
- Your jawbone will be preserved, you will retain your chewing function, and the teeth that are made will look natural and aesthetic.
How is an implant examination performed?
First, during the implant examination, information about your general health is obtained, and if deemed necessary, some tests may be requested (diabetes, vascular diseases, etc.). The bone density required for the implant is measured on a panoramic X-ray (or CT scan if necessary), and decisions are made regarding anatomical structures, the type and number of implants to be placed. In the past, implant procedures could not be performed on patients with low bone density and support. However, with the surgical materials and techniques developed in recent years, this problem has been significantly overcome.
Can implants be applied to everyone?
Implants are structures with a specific thickness and width. Therefore, the jawbone in the area where the implant is to be placed must have the height and width to accommodate this implant. There is no upper age limit that would prevent implant placement as long as the patient is in good general health. However, it may not be preferable to place implants in very young patients whose bone development is not yet complete, depending on the situation.
Is there any pain when the implant is placed?
You will not feel any pain if appropriate anesthesia methods are used. During the operation, local anesthesia or sedation can be administered according to the patient’s preference. After the surgery, you may experience a feeling similar to the pain after a tooth extraction. The oral cavity has a very high healing capacity. This pain, which is usually felt on the evening the implant is placed, can be relieved with painkillers.
How long does it take for implants to fuse with the bone?
It takes 3-6 months for the upper jaw and 3 months for the lower jaw. At the end of the specified period, the implant is accessed through a very small incision and a healing cap (gingiva former) is placed. These caps will help shape your gums. Single-stage implant procedures are also available, but the two-stage technique is preferred for minimal intraoral interaction during the healing process.
When are measurements taken for a prosthesis?
The gums will be ready for measurement 10-15 days after the healing caps are placed.
Is surgery required before the implant?
The bone support and density of individuals may not always be suitable for implants. Therefore, this bone support must be provided beforehand through surgery. After teeth are extracted from the lower jaw, they leave a root-shaped cavity behind. To fill and shape this cavity, an addition is made under local anesthesia using the patient’s own bone or synthetic bone powder.
How long does the implant surgery take?
The total duration varies depending on the type of procedure determined based on your teeth and bone structure. If desired, you can continue your normal daily life with temporary prostheses that will be made.
How long does it take to place an implant?
This timeframe depends on your condition, your needs, and the procedure to be performed. A single surgery can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. The entire treatment may be completed in one surgery, or it may require a series of surgeries and appointments. Full recovery can take 3-4 months. If grafting is performed (bone grafting – autogenous grafting, i.e., increasing bone support), this recovery period can extend up to 6 months.
When will life return to normal?
There is no situation that will prevent the patient from continuing their daily life after the operation. Since the patient will not be able to eat for about 3 hours after the stitches, it is recommended that they come to the operation on a full stomach. It should be noted that, if you wish, you will never be without teeth during the treatment period.
What are the advantages of implants?
- Better aesthetic appearance
- Better chewing ability – Ability to eat whatever you want
- Regaining self-confidence leads to a happier social life
- Healthier and more balanced nutrition based on being able to eat everything
Who performs the implant?
Implant procedures are performed by maxillofacial surgeons who are experts in the field.
Is an implant required for every missing tooth?
No. If there is more than one missing tooth, depending on the area where the implant will be placed, two implants can replace two or four teeth.
What happens if the implant does not fuse with the bone?
When the appropriate implant and method are used, this possibility is negligible. Such a situation can usually occur within the first 3 months following the surgical procedure. In such a case, the implant is removed with a procedure as simple as tooth extraction, and a new implant can be placed following the healing of the bone in the area.
Is implant treatment long-lasting?
Efforts to develop a safe implant have been ongoing since the early 1800s. Today, there are implants with 35-40 years of clinical follow-up. For detailed information, please consult our physicians.
Can implants be rejected by the body?
Implants are made from materials that have no side effects on the body and have been extensively researched for years. These materials are substances that are never part of a living organism. The body cannot produce antibodies against them and reject them, as it does with heart and kidney transplants.
Is there a risk of cancer?
There is no evidence in the medical literature that implants cause cancer.
How long do implants last?
The most important determining factor in this regard is the importance the patient attaches to oral care. It has been observed that implants can remain in the mouth for up to 30 years without problems in individuals with good oral hygiene. The lifespan of an implant can vary depending on many factors. If the necessary care is provided, implants can be used for a lifetime.