Dental Implant Overview
The dental implant is a screw-shaped, artificial tooth root made of titanium in a laboratory setting. This root is used to create a new tooth by placing it in the jaw bone with a surgical operation in the case of tooth loss.
The new tooth, created with the dental implant, consists of two parts. The first part is the artificial root embedded in the jaw. This part serves as a solid foundation for the second part, which is shaped similar to the natural tooth and is visible from the outside. Both parts are made of tissue compatible materials and the patient is ensured not to experience any negativity.
Dental implant operation is completed in 1 to 2 hours under local anesthesia, and permanent prostheses are placed over the roots in a few weeks. Until the prostheses are ready, temporary prostheses are provided to patients, so that social life can be continued. However, many clinics complete all the process in a day or a few with laser support.
Also, this surgical operation with almost 100 percent successful results, should be performed by an experienced surgeon in a full-fledged clinic. The operations that are not carried out under appropriate conditions can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, the surgeon and clinic research should be conducted before the operation.
What are the advantages of Dental Implant?
By replacing non-functional options such as the bridge and denture, which are used in dental treatment for years, the implant, offers the following advantages:
- It’s a permanent solution with proper care.
- The reaction of the tissue to a foreign body is not observed, as it’s made of materials fully compatible.
- It offers a real chewing feeling; It doesn’t differ from the existing teeth during eating.
- It looks like natural teeth.
- It doesn’t harm adjacent teeth. As with bridge and denture operations, neighboring teeth don’t need to be reduced or replaced.
- It doesn’t cause any problems when speaking.
Who can get Dental Implant?
Dental implant with many advantages, may not be suitable for everyone. To have a smooth process, the patient should have the following features:
- There should be no serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatic disorders.
- There should be no systemic ailments that cause bleeding and delay wound healing.
- Bone tissue should be sufficient for the procedure.
- The gums should be healthy.
- Must be over 18 years old.
Before the Operation
The implant and prosthetic forms are determined by taking the measurements. The surgeon evaluates the patient’s expectations and gives information about the result.
Before the operation, the patient should consider the following recommendations, in addition to choosing the right clinic and surgeon:
- If radiation therapy was applied to the head and neck, the surgeon’s approval is necessary.
- Diabetic controls should be carried out.
- The surgeon should be informed about chronic diseases that affect the bones.
- The use of vitamin, supplement, and aspirin should be discontinued.
- Smoking and alcohol shouldn’t be used as these increase the risk of bleeding and infection.
After the Operation
After the implant is placed, full healing is achieved within 1-3 months. While some surgeons wait for healing for the prosthesis to place, some surgeons prefer to complete treatment in a few days.
Slight pain and swelling may occur; in this case, the prescribed medicines can be taken.
To have a comfortable recovery and to get the best results, patients should pay attention to are as follows:
- Dental health & hygiene should be considered; floss and proxy brushes should be used.
- Alcohol and cigarette shouldn’t be used until full recovery is achieved to prolong the life of the dental implant.
- The dentist visits should be done regularly especially in the first 2 years.
- Nuts and hard foods should be avoided for a while.
- Prescribed medicines should be used regularly. However, using the painkillers frequently isn’t recommended.
The surgeon also gives other recommendations; the task of the patient is to follow these exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a dental implant depends on how many teeth will be treated and which material will be used. For this reason, the price can be determined after the first inspection.
The age of 18 when bone and tissue development is completed is considered to be the limit. There is no upper age limit for adult individuals; chronic diseases are evaluated.
It depends. Smoking and alcohol use and proper care are the factors that determine dental implant life.
The operation varies from person to person and the number of teeth to be applied but is completed within 1-3 hours.
This operation doesn’t differ from other dental treatments in terms of pain. For this reason, it would not be correct to say that the procedure is painful.
Dental implant treatment doesn’t require hospitalization. For this reason, it is possible to return to daily life immediately after the procedure.
After this type of dental treatment, within 1 to 3 weeks full recovery occurs.
Local anesthesia is preferred during the operation so that the patient does not feel any discomfort.
This is very unlikely. Because implants are made from tissue-compatible materials such as titanium or zirconium.
Yes. Considering the patient’s wishes and needs, it is possible to treat more than one tooth within the same operation period if it does not constitute a health problem.
