What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone in order to eliminate the deficiency both functionally and aesthetically in cases of tooth loss. Implants made of titanium material are a treatment method that has been widely used in dentistry for the last 20 years. Thanks to this method, tooth gaps can be filled in a healthy and natural way.

What are the Advantages of Implants?

Implants offer many advantages compared to traditional methods (crowns and bridges, partial or total dentures) used to replace missing teeth.

• It does not harm neighboring teeth: In bridge treatment, healthy teeth next to the gap need to be cut. However, there is no need for such a procedure in implant application.
• More Effective Than Prostheses: Removable prostheses used in multiple tooth deficiencies are weaker than implants in terms of retention and chewing functions. In addition, these prostheses need to be removed and cleaned after meals and removed at night. This can negatively affect the quality of life of patients. Implant-supported prostheses do not have such problems.
• Protects Bone Health: Implants help maintain the shape of the face by preventing the jawbone from melting.
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Is Implant Treatment Suitable for Everyone?

Both local and systemic factors need to be evaluated before implantation.

• Local Factors: The bone quality, quantity and anatomical structure in the edentulous area should be suitable for the implant. If the bone structure is inadequate, bone quality can be improved by methods such as bone grafting. These evaluations are usually performed by radiologic or tomographic imaging methods.
• Systemic Factors: The general health condition of the patient should be suitable for implant treatment. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, blood diseases or cancer treatment should be examined in detail. In such patients, consultation with the relevant specialists may be requested.

What are the Stages of Implant Treatment?

Implant treatment is performed painlessly under local anesthesia. No pain is felt during the procedure. Depending on the number of implants to be applied, the procedure time can vary between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

• After the Operation: After the procedure is completed, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. Stitches are removed after one week.
• Waiting Period: After the implant is placed, the patient waits 2-3 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone (osteointegration). After this process is completed, the superstructure (prosthesis) is applied.

Things to Consider After Implant

The following points should be considered after the operation:

• Follow the doctor’s recommendations to the letter.
• Prescribed medications should be used regularly.
• Ice compresses should be applied for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid eating and drinking until the feeling of numbness disappears.
• Hot, acidic and alcoholic beverages should not be consumed, smoking should be avoided and hot showers should not be taken for the first 3 days.
• Do not rinse your mouth, gargle or brush your teeth on the day of the operation.
• The operation area should be carefully cleaned after each meal.
• In case of an unexpected situation, consult a doctor immediately.

Implant Prosthesis Care

• Care should be taken to brush, floss and use mouthwash as recommended by the doctor.
• A check-up should be performed at least once a year.
• Internal cleaning of removable dentures should be done regularly.

This information is a general guide about dental implant treatment. However, the appropriate treatment method for each patient should be determined after a detailed examination.