Dental Implants

Dental implants are used as artificial roots in cases where there are no teeth in the mouth or one or more teeth are missing. Thanks to the prostheses supported by dental implants, chewing can be done like your main tooth and also much more successful aesthetic results can be obtained.

In single tooth deficiencies, healthy teeth can be made without the need for any procedure on neighboring teeth. Implants are made of titanium, which is accepted by body tissues and is an extremely durable, advanced technology product.

They are placed under local anesthesia in an operation that takes about half an hour.

They are intended to function smoothly in the mouth for a lifetime. Since the surfaces of the implants are specially treated, they form a special bond to the bone and hold mechanically and cellularly. It is ideal to wait between 3-6 months for the bond to form.

In recent years, there have been researches on prosthesis making without waiting. In this method called immediatric (immediate) loading, many criteria such as the condition of the tissue, the implant site, the torque force applied during placement, and the laboratory must be fully compatible with each other.

Since minimal incompatibilities in these relationships will result in the loss of the implant, it is in the patient's best interest to fully comply with the waiting periods.

The reactions of implants applied to extraction cavities and healed crests were compared under early loading, resulting in a 20% risk of loss with immediate loading.

Who Can Receive Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implant treatment is a popular and effective method used to replace missing teeth. Many people can receive this treatment successfully, but some important factors can affect the feasibility of implants. Here are the characteristics usually looked for in suitable candidates for dental implant treatment:

1. Adequate Bone Density and Health: Implants are placed in the jawbone, so adequate bone density and health are important. Patients with bone loss or weakness may need additional treatments such as bone grafting.
2. Good Oral Health: Healthy gums and other teeth play an important role in the success of implants. People with gum disease, such as periodontal disease, may need to have these problems treated first.
3. General Health Status: Some chronic diseases or certain medications can affect the feasibility of implant treatment. Conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis can affect the healing process and the success of the implant.
4. Smoking: Smoking can pose a risk to both the placement of implants and the healing process. By reducing blood flow, smoking slows healing and can increase the risk of implant failure.
5. Age: For the most part, age is not a barrier; implant treatment can be performed in adults. However, in younger patients, it may be necessary to wait until jaw development is complete.
6. Regular Oral Care and Dentist Visits: Regular oral care and dental visits are important for the longevity of implants.

Each patient is unique and their individual health conditions may vary. Therefore, it is important for people considering dental implant treatment to meet with a dentist or oral surgeon to assess their suitability and create a treatment plan.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The duration of dental implant treatment can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here are the main factors that affect the duration:

1. Preparation: Some patients may need additional procedures such as tooth extraction, bone grafting or gum treatment before getting implants. These preparatory steps can increase the total treatment time.
2. Implant Placement: Surgical placement of the implant usually takes a few hours. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and patients can return home the same day.
3. Healing and Osteointegration Process: The time required for the implant to fully integrate into the jawbone. This process usually takes between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the implant settles well into the jawbone and provides stable support.
4. Abutment and Prosthesis Placement: After the implant has integrated with the bone, it may be necessary to place the abutment (the connecting piece that comes on top of the implant) and then the artificial tooth (crown, bridge or denture). These stages usually take less time, but can sometimes be several weeks apart.
5. Personal Factors: Factors such as the patient's general health, smoking and oral care habits can affect the healing process.
6. Complications: In rare cases, complications can occur in implant treatment, which can lead to a longer treatment time.

Usually, the time from the initial examination to the final denture fitting can vary from a few months to a year. Since each patient's situation is different, it is best to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon one-on-one to get the most accurate timeline.