What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a treatment method where titanium artificial tooth roots are placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth, followed by the placement of porcelain or zirconium teeth on them.
While dental implantation primarily involves surgical procedures (placement of titanium screws), the prosthetic phase of the treatment also includes the fabrication of teeth to be attached to the implants.
Through dental implants, the aim is to restore the basic functions of teeth such as chewing and speaking by replacing missing teeth with functional and aesthetically pleasing tooth roots and prosthetics.
Furthermore, dental implants help prevent volume loss in the jawbone and facial deformities.
An important advantage of dental implant treatment during the prosthetic phase is that it can be performed without damaging neighboring teeth, unlike traditional prostheses. Dental implant treatments result in less damage to the gums and jawbone.
Dental implants are currently the most effective and long-lasting option for achieving both smile aesthetics and functionality.
In Which Situations is Dental İmplant Treatment Applied?
1- Tooth Loss: It is the most suitable treatment option for replacing missing teeth, whether due to congenital absence or other reasons.
2- Prosthetic Applications: It is preferred for prosthetic applications in the mouth as it allows for multiple options to be applied.
3- Oral Cavities: It is the most suitable treatment option for preventing jawbone loss caused by gaps formed inside the mouth.
Dental implants can also be chosen for aesthetic purposes. They can be used for reasons such as smile design and facial shape.
What should we pay attention to before getting an implant?
The decision to get an implant is generally not made alone. It is important for patients recommended for implant placement to first consult with a trusted dentist, preferably an Oral Surgeon if possible, during the decision-making process.
During this process, patients may need to choose from multiple treatment options. It is important for them to clearly express their expectations. While some patients prioritize functionality, others may prioritize aesthetic expectations. Additionally, price and economic conditions can also be significant factors in the decision-making process.
- Assessing the general health condition of patients is the first step that must be taken. Patients with chronic illnesses (such as heart conditions, hypertension, diabetes, etc.) should continue their treatment processes in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
- Starting treatment without a reliable dentist can lead to unmet expectations, disappointment, and may require patients to undergo repeated treatments.
- Treatment planning should be done in collaboration with the dentist, taking into account the patient’s expectations and economic conditions to determine the most suitable treatment option.
- In some cases, treatments to compensate for bone loss in the jaw may be necessary before implant placement. This treatment option should also be evaluated with the patient to determine priorities.
Implant placement is typically performed under local anesthesia, in a process where pain control is possible.
Stages of Dental Implantation
- Dental implant therapy typically consists of several stages. Preparation of the jawbone area where the implant will be placed is necessary. If evaluation indicates insufficient bone volume, preparatory treatment such as grafting and membrane application may be required. This may prolong the treatment process compared to a standard implant.
- The most critical stage of treatment is the placement of the implant into the jawbone. At this stage, the knowledge and experience of the dentist come into play. An experienced dental professional assesses patient expectations alongside their expertise, preparing the foundation for appropriate prosthetic restoration.
- Following implant placement, a waiting period of several months is required for osseointegration, the fusion between the implant and the jawbone. While immediate loading of implants is possible with modern technologies, permanent restoration typically requires a period of about three months. In some cases, this waiting period may extend to six months.
The prosthetic stage is, in fact, the most crucial stage of the treatment. This is because it is during this stage that the patient will become acquainted with the visible part of the implant treatment. It is at this stage that the patient’s functional and aesthetic expectations are met. The most important factor that makes this stage successful is obtaining input from a Prosthodontist during the treatment planning process. In treatments where only the surgical stage is planned by the surgeon, situations arise where expectations are not met during the prosthetic stage. The fact that the treatment involves both surgical and prosthetic stages necessitates collaboration between specialties.
Conditions Where Implants Will Not Be Placed
- Elderly individuals who are not fit for implant surgery.
- Those who have undergone radiotherapy, especially in the head and neck regions.
- Individuals who have not completed bone growth and development, such as younger patients.
- Patients undergoing treatment for systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hemophilia, and immune system disorders.
- Those with immune system deficiencies due to systemic diseases.
