Dental Implant
Today, dental health is very important not only in terms of physical health but also in terms of aesthetic appearance and psychological well-being. Missing teeth are a serious problem that can reduce the daily life quality of individuals. In addition to physical effects such as deterioration of chewing functions and difficulty in speaking, it can also lead to psychological consequences such as avoiding smiling in social environments.
Over time, this situation can cause a decrease in a person’s self-confidence and a decline in social relationships. Fortunately, dental implants, which are among the solutions offered by modern dentistry, offer extremely successful results in both aesthetic and functional terms. Implants, which stand out with their structure closest to natural teeth, are an ideal option for those who want to permanently eliminate the problem of missing teeth.
So, what exactly is a dental implant, who can benefit from this treatment and how does the process work? In this article, you will find comprehensive answers to all these questions.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root in the form of a screw that is placed in the jawbone to restore the function and appearance of a lost tooth. These screws, usually made of titanium, fuse firmly with the jawbone thanks to their durability and biocompatibility, and replace the natural tooth root.
After the implant is placed, a specially prepared prosthetic tooth, namely a crown, is attached to it. This crown is designed to match the shape, color and size of the natural teeth, providing both an aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective result.
One of the most important features of titanium is that it can be tolerated by the human body to a high extent. For this reason, dental implants are among the reliable treatment options that are unlikely to be rejected by the body and offer a long-lasting solution. After application, the implant fuses with the jawbone over time to form a fixed and solid structure. This provides resistance to chewing forces and protects the health of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants provide people with both a healthy smile and high living comfort by providing the closest feeling to a natural tooth.
Who Can Have an Implant?
Dental implants can be successfully applied to individuals who are in good general health and have completed their jawbone development. However, careful evaluation is required in these cases:
- Individuals whose diabetes is not under control,
- Patients with advanced osteoporosis,
- Individuals who smoke heavily,
- Individuals with a weak immune system,
- Patients receiving radiotherapy.
In such cases, the body should be prepared for the implant with appropriate treatments before the implant is applied.
How Does the Dental Implant Process Work?
Dental implant treatment is a multi-stage process that requires patience and careful planning. This treatment, which usually takes several months, is tailored to each individual’s mouth and bone structure. When the stages are applied correctly, a long-lasting and natural result is achieved. Here are the basic steps of the dental implant process:
Detailed Examination and Personalized Planning
- The treatment process begins with a general assessment of oral health. At this stage, the dentist performs a detailed intraoral examination and requests a panoramic X-ray or, if necessary, a 3D tomography scan to analyze the jawbone structure. A personalized treatment plan is prepared by considering factors such as the areas where the implant will be applied, the thickness and density of the bone. If the jawbone is insufficient, supportive procedures such as bone grafting (bone powder application) can also be planned at this stage to ensure the implant holds on healthily.
Surgical Implant Placement
- After the planning is completed, the implant application is started. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and in sterile clinical conditions. The implant screw made of titanium is placed into the jawbone with a delicate procedure. The operation time varies depending on the number of implants to be applied, but it is usually completed between 30 and 60 minutes. Then, the process called osseointegration begins for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. This fusing process usually takes between 2 and 4 months depending on the individual’s bone structure and is of critical importance in terms of creating a solid foundation for the implant.
Preparation and Placement of the Prosthetic Tooth
- After the implant has completely integrated with the bone, the second stage is started. At this point, the connection piece called the abutment is placed on the implant. This piece ensures that the prosthetic tooth is fixed to the implant. Then, a special crown (prosthetic tooth) is prepared by taking measurements from the mouth and matching the person’s mouth structure and natural teeth. The prepared crown is placed on the abutment in the final stage and the dental implant treatment is completed. As a result, a natural tooth look and feel is achieved in terms of both aesthetics and function.
What Should Be Considered After Treatment?
- First 24 Hours: Hot foods and drinks should be avoided, the mouth should not be rinsed and hard foods should not be consumed.
- Oral Hygiene: Regular oral care should be done with tooth brushing, dental floss and mouthwash.
- Regular Check-ups: After treatment, a dentist should be visited at regular intervals.
- Smoking: It is one of the most important factors that negatively affects implant success. If possible, it should be stopped or reduced.
Does a Dental Implant Hurt?
Since the implant application is performed under local anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Since the relevant area is completely anesthetized during the operation, the procedure is completed comfortably. However, it is quite natural to feel mild pain, swelling or tenderness after the effect of the anesthesia wears off, especially in the first 24-48 hours.
Such symptoms can usually be controlled in a short time with the painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications recommended by the doctor. Although the healing process varies from person to person, the vast majority of patients undergo implant treatment without any problems and comfortably.
How Much Are Implant Prices?
Dental implant prices vary depending on many factors such as the quality of the material used, the experience of the doctor, the number of areas to be applied and additional procedures (bone grafts, etc.). However, it should not be forgotten that implants should be considered as an investment and low-quality, very cheap applications should be avoided. Send us a form immediately to get a price and we will contact you…
