Dental implants are titanium-based screws or root-shaped structures that are placed in a socket drilled into the jawbone to restore the function and aesthetics of one or more missing teeth. The union between the titanium dental implant and the living bone tissue is called osseointegration.
Implant treatment is a comfortable, durable, and reliable procedure. Prostheses placed on implants replace real teeth while creating a natural structure. When missing teeth are replaced, healthy teeth are left untouched. They are much more durable than all other prostheses. The confidence they provide will also eliminate the negative psychological effects of tooth loss.
Efforts to develop a safe implant have been ongoing since the early 1800s. Today, there are implants on the market that are very close to perfection, with 35-40 years of clinical follow-up. You can find more detailed information on this subject below.
Implant screws are structures with a specific thickness and width. Therefore, in the area where the implant is to be placed, the jawbone must have the height and width to accommodate this implant screw. The quality of the existing bone is one of the factors that affect the success of the implant. In addition, the gums must be completely healthy before treatment and while the implant remains in the mouth. There is no upper age limit that would prevent implant placement as long as the patient's general health is good. Implants can be placed in anyone with good general health. However, they may not be preferred for very young patients whose bone development is not yet complete.
Implants are made of materials that have no side effects on the body and have been extensively researched for many years. These materials are not part of a living organism. It is not possible for the body to produce antigens against them and reject them, as is the case with heart and kidney transplants.
Dental Implant Application Stages
Examination and treatment planning
Dental implants are planned individually for each patient. First, the remaining teeth, soft tissues, and jawbones are examined. An X-ray (panoramic, tomography) of the jawbone is taken and the amount of existing bone is determined. The individual's overall health is also assessed, and the implant procedure is planned accordingly.
Placement of dental implants
All implants are placed under local anesthesia, and you can return home on your own after the operation is complete. There is no pain during the procedure. Painkillers and ice are applied after the procedure. There is no pain after the procedure, but slight swelling may be seen for 2-3 days. The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the type and number of implants placed, and is often no more challenging than a tooth extraction.
Depending on the condition of the bone where the implant will be placed, the placement can be done in one or two stages. In a single-stage application, a healing piece that will remain inside the mouth is attached to the implant, and soft tissue is sutured around it. In a two-stage procedure, no piece is attached to the implant, and the tissue is sutured to completely cover the implant. In these cases, after the healing period, the tissues over the implant are removed under local anesthesia, and preparations for the prosthesis are begun.
Waiting Period - Prosthesis Preparations
After the dental implant is placed into the jawbone, there is a waiting period of 2-6 months depending on the condition of the bone. During this period, a connection (osseointegration) forms between the bone tissue and the implant. Permanent prostheses are prepared at the end of this waiting period. The preparation of the prosthesis is completed within approximately 2-4 weeks.
In order to ensure complete osseointegration of the implants, the load on the implants must be minimized for the first 2-3 months. Your doctor will not leave you without teeth during this healing period by making a temporary prosthesis suitable for you. Later, permanent teeth will be mounted on your implants to complete the treatment.
Prostheses to be placed on implants can be of different types depending on the characteristics of the case. They can be designed to be easily removed by the patient for cleaning purposes, or they can be designed to be removed by the dentist. Both plans have advantages and disadvantages, and your dentist will explain the design that is right for you before starting treatment.
Implant treatment is a treatment method that improves patients' quality of life and brings a smile to their faces when performed correctly and in the right cases. The complexity of the implant placement procedure varies depending on the patient's oral condition and needs. A survey conducted after implants were placed in 350 patients revealed that patients were satisfied with their investment and would gladly do it again if necessary.
We believe that patients in our country, as in the rest of the world, should benefit from such a successful treatment method. Therefore, we will not charge you for any inquiries you make to obtain information about implant treatment. During this examination, it is best for you to be examined by specialist doctors who will place the implants, make the prosthesis, and take care of your periodic gum care in the future to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment. During this examination, information about your general health will be obtained, and if deemed necessary, you may be asked to undergo certain tests. At this stage, various X-ray examinations and models of your mouth may also be required.
Advantages
Disadvantages
In addition to being carefully placed and cared for by the dentist, implants require special attention from the patient. If the patient does not take good care of the implants, complications may arise. Furthermore, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the success of implants.
The lifespan of an implant depends on many factors. The patient's health and implant care are two of these factors. If proper care is taken, implants can last a lifetime. Health is a much more important factor than age. Many patients in their 70s and 80s have fewer surgical risks than younger patients with health problems. In addition, older people are more likely to need implants than younger people because they have lost more teeth. However, bone development must be complete in younger patients. This occurs by age 16-17 in females and age 18 in males. There is no upper age limit for adults.
Implants may not be recommended for certain physical conditions or disabilities. These include: