Implant

/ What is an Implant?

Implant treatment is applied to complete the missing tooth or teeth in the mouth. Within the scope of the procedure, screw-shaped artificial tooth roots are placed in the jaw and it is generally preferred to use screws made of titanium. The procedure is completed by placing dental prostheses on the screws.

As part of implant treatment, one or more missing teeth are replaced with an artificial root and prosthesis. Unlike dentures, in other words, removable prostheses, which can be easily removed, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone.

The implant, which is usually made of titanium, looks like a screw. The bone grows over time around the implant, which is placed where the missing tooth roots are located in the jaw. Thus, the implant stays firmly in place. To fill the gap caused by the missing tooth, an artificial crown or tooth must be placed on the metal screw. Since the crowns are custom-made, they resemble the patient's other teeth in shape, color and size. In some cases, dental implants can be used to hold dentures or dental bridges in place.

/ How is Implant Treatment Performed?

One of the most popular dental procedures, dental implants are usually performed under local anesthesia. In the first stage of the procedure, a scan is performed and x-rays are taken. The dental implant is then placed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. The bone inside the dental implant grows within a few months, allowing the implant to become stable. This provides a solid foundation for the new tooth or teeth. The patient's mouth impressions are taken to make the artificial tooth or teeth. Dental implant treatment is completed after screwing or bonding the artificial tooth or teeth to the foundation.

A dental implant is placed in the jawbone in about 10 to 25 minutes. However, in order for the treatment to continue, the implant must match and fuse with the jawbone and replace a real tooth root. This usually requires a period of time ranging from 3 to 6 months.

In order to reach the final stage of implant treatment, the implants placed in the jawbone must be fixed. In this way, the implant can carry the prostheses to be placed on it. How long it will take to complete the healing process in the patient with implant treatment may vary depending on many different factors, especially how strong the patient's bone structure is.

For implant treatment, the patient's gums must be healthy and the bone structure must be strong. Otherwise, bone powder is added to increase the thickness and height of the bone. Thanks to the procedure performed under local anesthesia, the bone powder placed with the patient's bone is replaced. With this process, which takes place over a period of approximately 6 months, it is ensured that the bone has sufficient strength for implant treatment.

/ Treatment Process

1. 01Planning: 3D imaging defines optimal placement angle.
2. 02Placement: A forty-minute procedure under local anaesthesia.
3. 03Healing: Three months of osseointegration.
4. 04Crown: Zirconium or porcelain crown is fitted.

/ What are the Advantages of Implant Dental Treatment?

• Implants can be made in a similar shape, size and color to other teeth. Therefore, it provides an aesthetic appearance and harmony with the patients' natural teeth.
• Long-term and safe use can be achieved if the implants are applied correctly and the oral and dental care routine is performed completely after the treatment.
• Implants stimulate and support the jawbone because they are directly integrated with the jawbone. This can prevent the loss of the jawbone and gives an advantage over other dental treatment methods in maintaining jawbone density.
• Traditional bridges require support by cutting through the adjacent intact teeth. However, since implants are directly integrated with the jawbone, they can be placed without damaging neighboring teeth.
• Implant teeth can improve chewing and speaking ability, similar to natural teeth. This allows patients to eat comfortably and have a natural ability to speak.

/ What are the Implant Stages?

Implant dental treatment is carried out by following different stages:

Examination and Planning

The patient undergoes a detailed examination. The gums, the relationship between the upper and lower jaw and the teeth are evaluated. The number, size and type of implants to be applied and the prostheses to be placed on the implants are determined. In addition to classical radiography, in complicated cases, three-dimensional tomography is used to meticulously plan the areas where the implants will be placed.

Operation

The operation phase is performed under local anesthesia. An incision is made through the gum and a slot is made in the bone to insert the implant. Special instruments are used to place the implant in this cylindrical slot. Depending on the number of implants to be applied, the duration of the procedure may vary.

Recovery Process

After the implant is placed, a certain period of time is needed for it to integrate with the bone. This period is usually 2 to 2.5 months for the lower jaw and 3 to 4 months for the upper jaw. During this period, temporary prosthesis may be preferred to increase the comfort of the patient. However, it is important that patients do not place the chewing load directly on the implants during normal feeding processes.

Implant Placement

Proper planning is very important for successful implant treatment. Again, the procedure should be performed by experienced and specialized dentists. Although the dental implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, if the jawbone is not sufficient, it is necessary to add tissue called graft. In this case, it may be preferable to perform the procedure under general anesthesia or sedation in long operations or in extremely stressed patients.

Fabrication of the Prosthesis

Upon completion of the healing process and the complete filling of the implant surroundings with new bone, ensuring a strong adaptation to the bone, a prosthesis can be placed onto the implant. After taking measurements for the planned prosthesis, it may be preferable to fabricate the prosthesis as a single crown, bridge, partial, or full denture

/ In Which Cases is Dental Implant Applied?

Dental implants can be applied to individuals who have one or more missing teeth in their mouths due to decay, trauma, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Individuals may experience aesthetic and functional issues due to tooth loss in the oral cavity. Patients may feel uncomfortable with the appearance caused by tooth loss and may also encounter problems while eating and speaking. Additionally, preventing potential bone loss over time in the area of tooth loss can be possible through implant treatment, which has the ability to support the jawbone.

/ What Material is Used for Making Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically made from biologically compatible and durable materials. Implant materials can be defined as structures that can remain in the body for a long time, exhibit biocompatibility, and are usually placed through surgical procedures. The choice of materials for implants may vary depending on the areas where implants are used.

The most commonly used implant material is titanium. Titanium is a highly biocompatible metal that is lightweight and has a durable structure. Implants made from titanium or its alloys are designed to be resistant to oral fluids and withstand forces that may occur in the oral cavity.

/ How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

Dental implant treatment includes the time from the initial examination of the patient to the placement of the implant, abutment, and crown. The completion time of dental implant treatment generally ranges from 3 to 9 months. However, like in all dental procedures, the duration of dental implant treatment can vary depending on various factors such as the individual's specific conditions, healing time, and the initial situation. If bone grafting or sinus lifting procedures are required for the patient, the completion time of dental implant treatment may be longer.

/ Who Can Undergo Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implant treatment can be applied to individuals who are over 18 years old and have completed jaw and facial development. However, the eligibility for dental implant treatment is determined after specific evaluations for each patient.

Before applying dental implant treatment, the patient's jaw structure is examined, and a decision is made whether the patient is suitable for implant treatment. If the patient has diabetes, insulin levels should be controlled before treatment. If the patient is taking blood thinners, blood thinning medications should be stopped before the treatment under the supervision of a doctor. If the patient has bone resorption issues, dental implant treatment can be applied after completing the treatment processes.

Individuals with one or more missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw are suitable candidates for implant treatment. On the other hand, for the implantation of implants to stabilize in the jawbone, the bone structure in the planned treatment area must be sufficient, or bone grafting must be applied. In addition, the patient's oral tissue should be healthy, their general health condition should not be an obstacle to implant treatment, and they should not have diseases that could negatively affect bone healing. People who have received radiation therapy to the head and neck area or those whose bone development is not yet complete are not suitable for dental implant treatment.

Implant Prices

Implant prices can vary depending on factors such as the number of implants to be applied for each patient, the quality of the materials used, which implant will be used, and many other different factors.