Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is a method used to restore missing teeth by filling the gap in the mouth with implants made of titanium or biocompatible titanium components that are fixed into the jawbone. The titanium screws placed into the area of tooth loss function as artificial tooth roots. This makes it possible to securely attach a dental prosthesis onto the implant.
As a result of this treatment, the implant root and the prosthetic tooth placed on it closely resemble a natural tooth in both appearance and function. Dental implants successfully perform all the functions of a natural tooth.
The reason titanium screws are preferred in implant treatment is that titanium is a material that does not react with body tissues and is highly compatible with the human body. Implant treatment also offers many advantages. One of the most important benefits is that the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are not damaged during the procedure. Since there is no need to cut or interfere with healthy neighboring teeth, implant treatment is one of the most frequently preferred solutions for tooth loss.
In Which Situations Is Implant Treatment Suitable?
Dental implant treatment may be suitable if:
- The patient does not have advanced diabetes or serious heart disease that may interfere with healing
- The patient’s bone development is complete
- There is no pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy
- The patient does not smoke heavily
- There is no use of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances
- The patient has not undergone radiotherapy in the head or neck region
- There are no diseases causing immune system deficiency
- The patient does not need to use corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications
Is an Implant Required for Every Missing Tooth?
Implants are recommended by dentists as an effective method to replace missing teeth and eliminate gaps caused by tooth loss. If a patient has lost more than one tooth, the dentist may prefer to place multiple implants and apply a bridge prosthesis after completing the necessary examinations. Whether multiple implants are required is determined after a detailed clinical evaluation.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implant Treatment?
- Implant treatment restores oral health while also eliminating aesthetic concerns
- Closing the gap caused by missing teeth prevents neighboring teeth from shifting and developing alignment problems
- Bone loss that may occur due to missing teeth can be prevented
- No changes occur in the patient’s biting, chewing, or speaking habits after treatment
- There is no risk of slipping, loosening, or falling of the implant-supported prosthetic tooth
- When properly cared for, implants made from durable materials can last for many years, even a lifetime
How Is Dental Implant Treatment Performed?
First, the oral area is numbed using local anesthesia. Based on previously taken X-ray or tomography results, a socket is prepared in the appropriate area of the jawbone and the implant is placed. At this stage, it is crucial that the implant integrates with the jawbone.
The procedure may be performed using either a single-stage or two-stage approach:
- Single-stage treatment: A temporary crown is placed immediately after the implant is inserted.
- Two-stage treatment: The implant is covered with gum tissue, and a healing period of 3 to 6 months begins.
In some cases, prosthetic teeth may be attached immediately. In both methods, the dentist provides instructions such as consuming soft foods during the healing period.
The duration of recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the patient’s age and general health condition, bone sufficiency, and whether the implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw.
What Should Be Considered After Treatment?
After implant surgery, some swelling and edema may occur. To reduce these effects, cold compresses may be applied to the treated area at the frequency recommended by your dentist. Regular use of prescribed medications also helps accelerate the healing process.
Proper oral hygiene after the procedure is extremely important. The most common reason for implant failure is inadequate oral care. Just like natural teeth, the implant area must be brushed regularly. In addition to brushing, dental floss and mouthwash should be included in the daily oral care routine to effectively prevent bacterial buildup in the mouth.
Sanita Istanbul & Izmir Dental Hospitals
Sanita Health Group provides services at its branches in Istanbul Kadıköy, Istanbul Şişli, and Izmir Bayraklı.
