Implant Treatments

Any kind of artificial substance which is planted into the human body is called an “implant”. Dental implants, on the other hand, are artificial roots of teeth made from titanium, which are planted into the jawbone and used for the purpose of providing the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. Dental implants have been used since 1965. Thanks to the technological advancements in the last 20 years, the success rates have substantially risen up to 98%.

Being a part of facial aesthetics, the loss of teeth causes psychological and social issues as well as problems in nutrition, digestion, and speech disorders.

Teeth loss can be treated by classic methods via bridge prostheses connected to your natural teeth or removable dentures, as well as implant-supported prostheses. In the case of single or more missing teeth, if there is enough amounts of bone fit for implants and if the patient’s health and condition and oral care allow it, implant treatments can be applied. If you are considering dental implants as a solution to your dental problems, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced dental professional who can assess your needs and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Under what circumstances can implants be applied?

Single tooth loss (or more): It’s a type of treatment where the lost teeth are replaced by a single implant. If there is more than one lost tooth, more number of implants can be used for treatment.

Total edentulism: If there are no teeth left and the patient cannot use prostheses due to the faucial reflex or inadequate amount of prosthesis integrity in the oral cavity, there are two ways to do implant-supported prostheses. For removable prostheses, two or four implants may be placed to support the prosthesis from underneath and improve their retention, The second method is if the amount of implants is increased to a number such as six or eight implants, fixed prostheses can be used without the need of removable ones.

What is the structure of the implant?

Titanium, which is used in manufacturing implants, is quite durable and considered compatible with the tissue of the body. Because of being one of the most biologically compatible substances with the body, an allergy is unlikely to occur, and this minimizes the reactions of the body against foreign substances. There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are the most common type of implant. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. They are typically used for patients who do not have enough bone density to support endosteal implants.

What is the process of implant application?

After the clinical and radiographical examination is performed, the dentist examines whether the patient has favorable width and depth on the jawbone and the gingiva in order to place specific lengths and diameters of implants. If your dentist deems it necessary, he may wish to perform a more detailed examination. For example; if your dentist wishes to examine the surgical area's bone tissue in a more detailed manner, he may request a tomography. If the patient has systemic illnesses or bone loss, he may request a blood panel as well. Then the dentist explains the implant planning and the prostheses that will be used to his patient. After getting approval, the surgery stage begins.

An implant operation is a surgical procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. In this procedure, the gum tissue is lifted away from the bone, a socket is opened with a drill of a special size in order to accommodate the implant's diameter, and the implant is placed into this socket. Afterwards, the gum tissue is closed with stitching. Thanks to the local anesthesia used in the procedure, patients feel no pain during the procedure. After the operation, mild pain and swelling can be experienced as much as after a routine tooth extraction. These kinds of effects can be remedied by applying pressure with ice and painkillers. The implants are given a certain amount of time to get attached to the bone surface. After this time, the upper structure is prepared. Temporary prostheses are used after the procedure till the permanent prostheses are made.

After the healing period, the dental professional attaches the prosthesis part to the implant, thereby establishing a structure that is connected to the stable structure placed inside the bone that identically imitates the natural tooth. The prosthesis stage is completed by performing the necessary operations on this structure for either the stationary or removable prosthesis. After the procedure, the patient is usually given 3-6 months’ time in order for the implant and the teeth to merge (osseointegration). However, implants manufactured in recent years allow for beginning the prosthesis preparation immediately without waiting for a firm attachment (primary stabilization) inside the bone.

The anatomic features called sinus cavities on the upper jaw and mandibular canal on the lower jaw may limit the depth for implantation or the horizontal depth of the jaw may not be enough for the diameter of the implant. In cases like this, advanced surgical techniques are used to reinforce bone tissue. The dentist may consult with his patient to perform advanced surgical techniques. In these cases, before the implant is placed, bone tissue reinforcement procedures are performed and the implant may be placed during or after the procedure. The waiting period can be extended due to these factors.

Post-Operation Oral Health Care

For the success and prolonged use of the implants, proper oral care and regular control are the most important conditions. Neglecting oral hygiene, and excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes will adversely affect the success of the implants. To prevent this, patients must take heed of dental professional’s advice. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection. Patients should also follow a soft food diet for several days and avoid chewing on the implant site. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and to ensure the implant is properly integrating into the bone.

Can implants be applied to everyone?

For implants to be applied, bone development in patients (ages 16-17 in females, 18 in males) has to be completed. There is no age limit for adults. Patients of varying ages can be treated with implants provided that they have good general health and adequate bone structure.

Can implants be rejected by the body?

Implants are made from titanium and biologically compatible materials. Because titanium is not a living substance, it doesn't cause any kind of antigen-antibody reaction and therefore there is no "tissue rejection".

Conditions where the implants cannot be applied

On people with systemic diseases