What is an Implant (Tooth Planting)?
In short, an implant is an artificial tooth root made of a suitable material that is placed in the jawbone to restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth.
Types of Implants
Different implant types have been produced. However, the most popular implant type today is the ‘screw’ shaped one.
Is Treatment with Implants Safe and Long-Lasting?
The first dental implants were made using sapphire during the time of the Egyptians. Studies to produce a safe implant have been ongoing since 1809.
Can Implants be Used in Every Case?
Whether it is a single tooth or multiple missing teeth, if there is sufficient bone for implant placement, implants can be used for every case.
Can Implants be Applied to Every Patient?
Implant screws are structures with a certain thickness and width. Therefore, in the area where implant placement is planned, the jawbone must have sufficient height and width to accommodate this implant screw. The quality of the existing bone is also one of the factors affecting implant success. In addition, the gums must be completely healthy before treatment and for as long as the implant remains in the mouth. As long as the patient’s general health is good, there is no upper age limit that would prevent implant application, but it may not be preferred to apply it to very young patients whose bone development is not yet complete.
Will I Feel Pain While the Implant is Being Placed?
No, if appropriate anesthesia methods are applied. General or local anesthesia can be used during the operation according to the patient’s preference. Usually, the pain that may be felt on the evening the implant is placed can be relieved with simple painkillers. Many patients state that this pain is no different from the pain felt after a normal tooth extraction. In cases where the treatment is completed without problems, you will be comfortable enough not to even feel the presence of the implants.
What is the Total Treatment Time?
From the first examination until your work is finished, you will usually need to come for 5–6 separate appointments. The duration of these appointments will vary depending on the specifics of the work to be done. Treatment can be completed in about 3–5 months for the lower jaw, while it can take up to 6 months for the upper jaw.
Is the Cleaning of Implants Important?
Yes. And it is very important. Considering that implants are foreign bodies in the mouth, you will appreciate that their cleaning is at least as important as your own teeth, if not more so. Although the cleaning of implants requires a certain learning process, it is not difficult. However, you need to allocate sufficient time for this task. The thing you should not forget is that the most important factor for the success of this type of treatment is regular oral care.
What are the Prostheses to be Made on Implants Like?
The prostheses to be made on implants can be of different types depending on the specifics of the case. That is, they can be designed to be easily removed by the patient for cleaning purposes, or they can be planned to be removed only by the dentist. Both designs have advantages and disadvantages, and your doctor will explain the design suitable for you before your treatment begins.
Is ‘One’ Implant Required for Every Missing Tooth?
No. If the number of missing teeth is more than ‘1’, a single implant can serve in place of 2 or 3 teeth, depending on the area where the implant will be placed.
What Happens if the Implant Screw Does Not Fuse with the Bone (Osseointegrate)?
Such a possibility is almost non-existent if the correct implant and method are used. This type of failure usually occurs within the first 6 months following the surgical operation. In such a case, the implant should be removed with a procedure as easy as a tooth extraction. Following the healing of the bone in this area, a new implant can be placed, or one of the classic type prostheses can be preferred. However, usually, in cases where more than 2 implants are placed, the remaining implants are sufficient to serve with the redesign of the prosthesis.
Is Implant Treatment Expensive?
Unfortunately, yes. The fact that all the materials used are imported and that very high technology is required for the production of healthy implants determines the price of the treatment. The increases observed in exchange rates due to the economic conditions our country is in also negatively affect the cost of the treatment. However, the exact price will vary depending on whether our specialist doctors examine you and determine if you are a suitable patient for this treatment method, and according to the type of prosthesis you want. The complexity and length of the implant placement procedure vary depending on the patient’s dental health and needs, and the result can be a significant investment. Nevertheless, in a survey conducted after placing implants in 350 patients, it was found that the patients were satisfied with their investment and would gladly do it again if necessary.
Where and How Can Implant Treatment be Obtained?
Before starting such a treatment, it is necessary for you to receive sufficient and accurate information, first and foremost for your own health. In this regard, dentists who have received training in implant surgery have the knowledge to provide you with all the necessary guidance. In addition, dental faculties are also institutions where you can be correctly informed. Implant treatment, when performed in correctly selected cases and according to the procedure, is a treatment method that increases the quality of life and brings a smile to the faces of patients. Since we believe that patients in our country should also benefit from such a successful treatment method, as is the case all over the world, no fee will be charged for your applications to obtain information about implant treatment. During this examination, the most accurate method to determine whether you are a suitable patient for treatment is for specialist doctors who will place the implants, make the prosthesis on them, and undertake the subsequent periodic gum care to examine you. During this examination, information about your general health will be obtained from you, and if deemed necessary, you may be asked to have some tests done. At this stage, various X-ray examinations and obtaining models of your mouth may also be required.
What are the Observable Risks in Implant Treatment?
There is no risk beyond the risks that can be observed in all intraoral or extraoral surgical procedures. These can manifest as infection and allergy in the early period, and as inflammations due to insufficient oral hygiene in the late period after the prostheses are completed. Especially, smoking during the early healing period increases the risk of infection.
In Which Cases Does Implant Treatment Offer What Advantages?
- Patients who have completely lost their teeth in the lower jaw and wear dentures: These patients constantly complain of pain (bruising) due to the movement of the denture and the inability to chew well. These complaints increase over time with the resorption of the bone tissue supporting the denture. In these types of patients, implant treatment not only eliminates all the above complaints but also stops bone resorption.
- Patients who have completely lost their teeth in the upper jaw and wear dentures: Although upper dentures are more stable than lower jaw dentures, the design of the denture covering the palate can reduce the sense of taste and cause nausea.
- Patients who have lost some of their teeth in the lower or upper jaw: The complaints of these patients can be listed as the unsightly appearance of the prosthesis held by clasps or the obligation to cut down healthy teeth to make a bridge.
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Patients who have lost a single tooth: These patients are the ones who have to sacrifice at least two adjacent teeth for the restoration of a single tooth. The placement of a single implant not only saves the adjacent teeth but also leads to more aesthetic and functional results.
What are the Disadvantages of Implant Treatment?
- High price
- Oral hygiene procedure that requires very careful and time-consuming effort
What are the Advantages of Implant Treatment?
- Better chewing ability – Being able to eat anything you want
- Better aesthetic appearance
- A happier social life with the regaining of self-confidence
- Healthier and more balanced nutrition due to being able to eat everything
What Will be Done During the Implant Examination?
During this examination, the most accurate method to determine whether you are a suitable patient for treatment is for specialist doctors who will place the implants, make the prosthesis on them, and undertake the subsequent periodic gum care to examine you. During this examination, information about your general health will be obtained from you, and if deemed necessary, you may be asked to have some tests done. At this stage, various X-ray examinations and obtaining models of your mouth may also be required.
Are All Implants Successful?
There are many factors to consider when deciding on implant placement. First of all, the patient must be healthy and have the healing power. For example, if the patient is an uncontrolled diabetic, semi-healing can create complications. If this disease develops after the implants are fully placed, it can also lead to complications in the future status of the implants. In addition, the patient should be examined, and the appropriate implant and implant placement method should be carefully selected for the patient. In addition to the careful placement and care of implants by the dentist, they should also receive special attention from the patient. Complications can arise if the dentist or patient cannot take good care of the implants. Besides these, the success of implants is affected in patients who smoke and consume excessive alcohol.
What is the Lifespan of Implants?
It has been observed that implants remain trouble-free in the mouth for up to thirty years. However, the average expectation from implants is shorter than this. The lifespan of an implant depends on many factors. The patient’s health and good care of the implants are two of these. Ultimately, implants can be used for a lifetime. Your dentist will explain many factors that affect their lifespan and your risks to you.
Is Old Age a Factor in the Decision to Have Implants?
No. Health is a much more important factor than age. Many patients in their 70s and 80s have lower surgical risks than younger patients with health problems. Moreover, older people are more likely to need implants than younger people because older people have experienced more tooth loss.
Is There a Risk of the Body Rejecting Implants?
Implants are made of materials that have no side effects on the organism and have been subjected to intensive research for years. These substances are usually metals such as titanium and other similar substances that are never part of a living organism. It is not possible for the body to produce antigens against them and reject them, as in heart and kidney transplants.
Is There a Risk of Cancer from Implants?
No findings have been encountered in the medical literature showing that implants cause cancer.
Are Implants Used for Cosmetic Purposes?
Implants are generally not used for cosmetic reasons. The purpose of using implants is to provide support for prosthetic teeth. Cosmetic corrections can be made using prosthetic teeth, but you should fully consult your dentist about your expectations before starting such a treatment.
Is the Success of Implants Guaranteed?
It is not possible to give a guarantee for anything that enters your mouth and is under your control. Just as doctors cannot guarantee that an organ transplant or heart surgery will keep you alive for a certain period, we can only tell you that we will try to place the implant perfectly as much as possible. We can give you the necessary information about the care of your implant and examine it when necessary. We will do our best for the success of the implants, but you should also show the same effort.
How Long Does Implant Placement Take?
This time depends on your condition, needs, and the work to be done. A single surgery can take between half an hour and a few hours. An entire treatment can be completed with one surgery, or it may require a series of surgeries and appointments. Full healing can take months.