DENTAL IMPLANT
overview
Dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement for your missing teeth, helping you regain confidence in your smile, speech and chewing ability.
- It is suitable for individuals who need to have a single missing tooth replaced.
- It is suitable for patients who need multiple teeth replaced with a single crown or implant-supported bridge.
- It is ideal for patients who have to replace their full denture with a bridge supported by multiple implants.
- It is suitable for people with sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw. (Otherwise, bone grafting may be a viable solution.)
Dental Implant Process
Dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. In this section, we will discuss how dental implants work and what the dental implant procedure involves.
How does a dental implant work?
Dental implants can be made of titanium or zirconium and consist of three parts: the implant device that replaces the tooth root, the crown or denture overlying it, and the abutment that connects the implant device to the crown, bridge, or denture. After the abutment is screwed into the implant and the tissue is sutured, it is allowed to heal and become fixed. The implant fuses to the jawbone after an average of 3-4 months.
What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Include?
The timing of the dental implant procedure and the number of visits required depend largely on each individual, particularly on how quickly the implanted tooth and surrounding area heal and whether the patient requires a bone graft. When a bone graft is not required, the entire procedure (from the consultation visit to the final visit where the permanent crown is placed) can take an average of 3-4 months. The minimum length of stay for a dental implant procedure is 1-2 days for the first visit and 5-8 days for the second visit, for a total of 2 trips.
Note: The timing of the dental implant procedure and the number of visits required depend largely on each individual, particularly on how quickly the implanted tooth and surrounding area heal and whether the patient requires a bone graft. The healing process also depends on whether the individual requires a sinus lift or splint, which can extend the time to 5-6 months before crowns are placed.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery?
A sinus lift is necessary for dental implant treatment when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw due to the enlargement of the maxillary sinus. The procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and filling the space underneath with bone graft material, creating a solid foundation for dental implants.
What is Splint Surgery?
In implant surgery, a splint may be required to prevent the implants from moving or shifting during the initial postoperative period. This helps promote proper healing of the implant and its integration with the surrounding bone. Whether a splint is necessary depends on a variety of factors, and your surgeon will evaluate your individual situation to determine if a splint is needed.
Operation Features
Local anesthesia
Minimum Pain
Dissolvable Stitches
No Surgery Scar
Necessary Medicine
Post-Operative Instructions
Antibiotic Injections
Sedation (Optional)
Treatment Results Gallery
Travel Plan
Consultation: During your first visit, you will have a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your dental health and your need for dental implants. They will evaluate your oral condition, take X-rays, and discuss your medical history.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include additional procedures such as bone grafting if there is not enough bone to support the implant.
- Implant Placement: If you are deemed a suitable candidate for implants, an implant placement procedure will be scheduled. This involves surgically placing the implant into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place and a temporary crown or denture may be provided.
Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months is required. During this time, osseointegration, the process of the implant fusing with the surrounding bone tissue, occurs. It provides stability and strength for the final restoration.
- Follow-up Appointments: You will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your healing progress and ensure that the implant is properly integrated. X-rays or CT scans may be taken to evaluate the bone-implant interface.
Implant Exposure: Once osseointegration is complete, a second visit is scheduled to expose the implant. Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the implant.
- Abutment Placement: The abutment, a connecting piece, is attached to the implant. It rises above the gum line and serves as the foundation for the final restoration.
- Impressions: Once the abutment is placed, impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
- Son Restorasyon: Kalıcı restorasyon hazır olduğunda, genellikle birkaç hafta sonra, yerleştirilmesi için başka bir randevunuz olacak. Restorasyon, abutmente güvenli bir şekilde tutturulur ve eksik dişiniz/dişleriniz için işlevsel ve estetik bir değiştirme sağlar.
SSS
The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that involves several steps to ensure the long-term success of the implant. After the implant session, you may experience discomfort or pain as the anesthesia wears off, and you may experience some minor bruising and swelling in your gums. You may also be restricted to a soft food diet for the duration of the recovery period, which usually takes an average of 3-4 months.
After your recovery period is complete, subsequent sessions will include taking impressions of your teeth, creating custom crowns for your implants, and performing some tests to see if the crowns fit and feel good in your mouth. The crown will then be attached to your implant, and you can return to your routine activities immediately after.
Once the treatment is complete (4 to 6 months after the implant), you will feel more comfortable smiling, eating, and talking because the crowns are made to match your natural teeth and their color and shape will look like a natural, integral part of your mouth. Your jawbone will also be strengthened because dental implants encourage the growth of the jawbone during the osseointegration process, making the area stronger and healthier.
To take good care of your dental implants, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are fixed and anchored in the jawbone, and with proper oral hygiene, they are a durable and long-lasting solution.
Aftercare after a dental implant procedure is an important part of ensuring implant success. Here are some important steps to follow for aftercare:
- Management of Swelling: Swelling can be managed by applying an ice pack to the surgical site. This should be done continuously for at least the first 36 hours.
- Managing Bleeding: Bleeding is common after an endosseous implant (dental implant) procedure. If it is excessive, you can place a sterile piece of gauze between your teeth for about 30 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, you will need to see your doctor.
- Medication Use: Post-operative painkillers and antibiotics should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Minimize all physical activities, including strenuous exercise, as this can increase bleeding.
- Avoid Dentures and False Teeth: Dentures and false teeth that the patient wore before the implants were placed should be avoided for at least 10 days after surgery. Denture use can put pressure on the new implants before they are fully healed.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves placing synthetic bone material in an area where there is insufficient natural bone. This procedure may be necessary before a dental implant procedure can begin, as it can take several months for the graft to form new, strong bone. Panoramic dental X-rays and a CT scan will help determine if a bone graft is needed to accommodate the implant.
In some cases, a sinus lift may be required along with the bone graft. This involves adding bone between the upper jaw and maxillary sinuses and lifting the sinus membrane to make room for the bone. When only a small bone graft is needed, the procedure may be performed at the same time as the implant surgery.
While dental implants are a suitable option for many people, they may not be recommended in some cases. The following groups of people may not be suitable for dental implants:
- Patients with advanced gum disease or periodontal disease: Implants rely on the support of the surrounding gum tissue and bone, so it is important for the patient to have healthy gums and adequate bone density.
- Patients who are taking steroids, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have uncontrolled blood clotting disorders, osteoporosis or a weak immune system: These conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of infection, making it harder for dental implants to integrate properly with the bone.
- People with severe tooth decay: Before getting dental implants, it is important to remove any existing tooth decay or other dental issues to ensure the success of the implants.
Dental implants are a safe and effective option for replacing missing teeth, with a success rate of up to 98%. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These include:
- Infection: As with any surgical intervention, there is a risk of infection in the implant area or the surrounding gum tissue.
- Sinus problems: In dental implants applied to the upper jaw, there is a risk of sinus problems if the implant protrudes into the sinus cavity.
- Allergic reactions: In rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction to the metal used in the implant.