What Is Dental Implant? | Implant Treatment
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, which are placed in the jawbone to provide the function and aesthetics of missing teeth.
It is the best alternative that provides the function and aesthetics of natural teeth.
Stopping the melting of the jawbone, which is one of the important problems that occur with tooth loss, can only be achieved with implants today.
Implant treatment is the closest treatment to the real tooth.
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Can Implant Treatment Be Applied to Every Patient?
Every patient with sufficient bone level can be implanted. In patients with insufficient bone level, implants can be placed after applying methods to increase the bone level.
Can an Implant Be Placed Immediately After Tooth Extraction?
Yes, it can be done. If there is no ongoing infection in the extraction site, an implant can be placed immediately. This concept is called Immediate Implant.
Treatment Summary
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It provides better speech and chewing function than traditional veneers and prostheses, while bringing a natural appearance to your face. It is recognised as the most important development of dentistry in the 21st century.
Can Teeth Be Immediately Implanted After Implantation?
Since there is no aesthetic concern in the implants placed in the posterior region, the tooth is placed after about 3 months.
However, the situation is different for implants placed in the front region. In order to avoid a bad aesthetic appearance, an aesthetic fixed temporary tooth can be placed on the implant.
How is a Dental İmplant Applied?
Dental implant application starts with the planned surgical intervention after a detailed examination of the mouth and jaw structure. In the first step, the operation area is numbed by applying local anesthesia. Then, the implant socket is prepared with special probes in the jawbone and the implant screws made of titanium are carefully placed.
In order for the implant to fuse to the bone, a temporary cover is applied and the patient waits for 3-6 months. After this process is completed, a favorable prosthetic cap is placed on the healing implant, thus providing both aesthetic and functional natural tooth comfort.
What are the Materials Used in Dental Implant Treatment?
Titanium and zirconium-based materials are most commonly preferred in dental implant treatment. Titanium, thanks to its high biocompatibility, quickly fuses to the bone and forms a solid foundation, while zirconium stands out with its low allergic sensitivity and aesthetic advantages.
In addition, during the surgical phase, the dentist uses specialized instruments such as osteotomy probes, implant placement guides and temporary healing caps. In the final prosthetic stage, porcelain- or composite-supported abutment and crown materials provide an appearance and durability close to natural teeth.
What are the Differences Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges?
Application Method and Surgical Procedure
A dental implant is performed by surgically inserting screw-like implants made of titanium into the jawbone. This intervention is performed under local anesthesia, usually in cases where a single tooth or several teeth are missing. In the dental bridge, two natural teeth next to the missing tooth are cut, prosthetic legs are prepared and a temporary or permanent bridge is placed between them.Effect on Neighboring Teeth
The implant is fixed by fusing with the bone on its own without affecting the neighboring teeth; thus, healthy tooth tissue is not interfered with. In the bridge application, the enamel layer of the side teeth is filed down and these teeth are weakened to support the prosthesis.Bone Health and Preservation
The implant settles into the bone and prevents the jawbone from resorption and volume loss through the osseointegration process. The bridge does not provide bone stimulation as it does not directly contact the bone; thinning and shrinkage of the bone can be observed over time.- Durability and Longevity
With good care and regular check-ups, dental implants can last 15-20 years or a lifetime. The success rate is high with professional cleaning and oral hygiene. Bridges usually last 8-10 years; decay and gum problems in the bonding area can shorten the life of the bridge. - Care and Oral Hygiene
The implant prosthesis is cleaned by brushing close to the natural tooth, using floss and an interface brush. Particular attention should be paid to the tissues around the implant. The area under the bridge should be cleaned with special threads and flosses; otherwise, food residues may accumulate and cause gum recession or caries. - Aesthetics and Function
Implant crowns are prepared in color, shape and height in harmony with the adjacent teeth and look almost indistinguishably natural. The bridge also offers aesthetics with well-crafted porcelain or composite material; however, the base color of the cut side teeth can sometimes be slightly shaded. - Cost and Treatment Time
Implant treatment, with its surgical, graft and prosthetic phases, is usually more costly and involves a long process of 3-6 months. Bridge application is faster and initially more economical as it can be completed in a single stage and does not require surgery.
Success Rate and Risks
Dental implants are more than 95% successful with good planning, sufficient bone volume and physician experience. Infection or sinus complications are rarely seen. In bridges, the risk of damage to neighboring teeth, underlying caries and gum problems may affect success.
What is The Bone Density Required For Dental Implants?
For successful implant placement, the jawbone must have sufficient volume and density. Generally, a bone height of at least 6-8 mm in diameter and 10-12 mm in length is required. Bone quality is also important; the most ideal type of osseointegration (fusion with bone) is seen in areas with dense and dense cortical bone. In case of insufficient bone volume or low density, the bone volume can be increased with graft (bone powder or block graft) applications and the implant can be safely placed with success rates close to 95 percent.
What To Do If a Dental Implant Fails?
In the rare event of implant loss or infection, the failed implant is first removed and the area cleaned. The treatment plan is reviewed and a waiting period of 3-6 months is usually recommended for soft tissue and bone healing. If necessary, the tissue is supported with a bone graft. When healing is complete, a second implant can be applied by evaluating alternative implant brands or different surgical techniques. Measures are taken to address the cause of failure and the chances of success are increased again.
What Should Be Considered After Dental Implant?
Cold compresses and short rest are recommended in the first 24-48 hours postoperatively. Clean gauze is lightly bitten to control bleeding; keeping the head elevated reduces the risk of swelling and bruising. In the first week, smoking and alcohol should be avoided and soft foods should be eaten. Antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the dentist should be taken regularly and gentle but careful oral hygiene should be maintained. When clinical controls are carried out on the scheduled dates without interruption, the healing process goes smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the common questions asked by our patients and contact us for all other questions you are curious about.
Dental implants can be used for a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Over time, a denture or superstructure (crown) may need to be replaced, but titanium screws offer a permanent solution for most patients.
Mild to moderate pain and tenderness is expected after implant placement; these complaints are usually controlled within 2-3 days with painkillers and cold compresses. If the pain intensity is not permanent and gradually decreases, it is considered normal.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the implant site, prolonging the healing process and increasing the risk of implant failure. Quitting or at least reducing smoking before and after the operation is recommended for long-term success.
Implant placement usually takes 30-90 minutes, while a waiting period of 3-6 months is required for bone integration (osseointegration). The treatment is then completed with the application of the superstructure (crown) prosthesis.
In cases with bone resorption, implants can be made with graft (bone powder or block) application until sufficient bone volume is achieved. After the bone quality and quantity are optimized, standard protocols are applied.
All adult patients who have completed their growth period are candidates for implant treatment; it is usually applied to people over the age of 18. Old age alone is not an obstacle; as long as the general health status and bone quality are appropriate, implants can be performed at an advanced age.
Yes, a 3D dental tomography (CBCT) is usually performed before implant planning. This imaging method shows the density and structure of the jawbone in detail and helps the physician to place the implant in the most accurate way.
The dental implant procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain. There may be mild pain after the procedure, but this can be controlled with prescribed painkillers.
