What are dental implants?

An implant; covers the process of placing the artificially designed root of the tooth, which is made out of titanium, and is compatible with the tissues of the jawbone. The process is implemented to restore function and aesthetics of the missing teeth.

How do implants work?

The surgical procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and requires a single session. A titanium screw is basically inserted into the missing tooth cavity. After the screwing process is completed, the exposed gum is covered again. Once the implant-to-bone healing has been observed within a few months, the top of the implant is removed to attach a cap to give some structure to the gum. After the gum structure is formed, measurements are taken, and porcelain or zirconium coating is prepared.

In which cases are implants implemented?

• In cases where teeth are lacked, if procedures on the teeth next to the gap need to be avoided, the missing tooth or teeth are implanted instead.
• Patients with unstable protheses have difficulty eating, talking, and/or chewing. In such cases, prostheses that are fixed on the implants are placed on the jawbone to obtain more stability.
• Patients who lack all their teeth or who have lost many of their teeth are required to wear removable prostheses, denture, or palate. However, implants can be offered as an option for patients who are in search of a permanent solution that will remain fixed in mouth, instead of removable prostheses. Even those without remaining teeth can regain their lost teeth by supplementing complete fixed porcelain coatings with implants.

For which cases are implants preferred? What are the advantages of an implant?

Implants consist of biocompatible screws placed in the jawbone that imitate the lost tooth root. One of the biggest advantages of the implant is to provide the possibility of teeth regain without requiring any cutting procedure to the teeth surrounding the cavity. Thus, healthy teeth do not need to be used to supplement the treatment by undertaking excessive procedures. For patients who do not want to use removable prostheses, we are able to construct fixed prostheses with the help of the implant. It is also possible to make full dentures in the prostheses that normally have difficulty of use, move a lot of in the mouth, and/or have retention problems. It can be seen that implants provide additional solutions and more comfortable use in the treatment of missing teeth.

Is it painful to undertake the implant procedure?

Implant surgery is not a painful or agonising process despite common concern. As the operation is performed under local anaesthesia, no pain or soreness would be experienced. Following the procedure, patients can continue their daily tasks with no restrictions on eating or drinking. Paying attention to the dentist’s advice, along with regular medicine use, would result in a healthy and problem-free healing process.

How long does the implant treatment last?

Porcelain veneers, placed upon the upper structure of the implants, can be prepared within 3 to 5 months after the surgery. This is also considered to be the period known as the ‘healing process’ in which the implant is fully integrated to the jawbone. There are some factors that may shorten or lengthen this process. The most important factor is the brand of the implant and the reaction of the jawbone to the treatment.

Which material is the implant made out of? Is there any harm to the human body?

The titanium material used in the implant is a substance compatible with the gum and jawbone. It does not cause any allergic reactions in the human body while also being resistant to breakage. Titanium is a stainless steel and resistant to high temperatures. It is not affected by strong chemicals such as acetic acid, calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, nitric acid.