Implant Treatment
- Diş Hekimi Musa Karaca
- November 8, 2024
- Blogs
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Implant Treatment
Implant treatment is one of the most effective solutions in modern dentistry to replace missing teeth with natural tooth function and aesthetics. Thanks to today’s developing technology, implant treatment stands out as both a reliable and permanent treatment method. In this method, a screw made of titanium is placed in the jawbone and this screw acts like a natural tooth root, ensuring that the prosthetic tooth is firmly attached to the jaw. Dental implants have an appearance and use that are aesthetically and functionally no different from natural teeth.
Missing teeth cause negative effects not only on aesthetics, but also on chewing function, speaking ability and oral health. Missing teeth can cause melting of the jaw bone, displacement of neighboring teeth, and even digestive problems. Therefore, replacing missing teeth with implant treatment is of great importance both to protect oral health and to improve the quality of life of patients.
Dental implants offer the closest alternative to individuals’ natural teeth. The treatment process is planned individually depending on the condition of the jawbone, the health of the area where the implant will be placed, and the general oral health of the patient. Implant treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is generally a painless procedure. After the implant is placed, a certain period of time is waited for the bone to fuse with the implant. After this process is completed, the treatment is terminated by placing a prosthetic tooth on the implant.
What is an Implant?
An implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone to replace lost teeth. Dental implants take over the role of the natural tooth root, allowing prosthetic teeth to be placed safely on it. Implant is a widely preferred method in the treatment of missing teeth because it offers the closest solution to natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Titanium, used in implant treatment, is a body-compatible material and easily fuses with the jawbone, allowing for a long-lasting, solid tooth structure. This process of fusion is called “osseointegration”. The jawbone reshapes around the implant and supports it like a natural tooth root. In this way, it offers a much more stable and comfortable use than classical methods such as dental implants, bridges and prostheses.
Implant treatment not only addresses aesthetic concerns, but also provides positive effects on chewing function, speech ability and oral health. Negative effects such as jaw bone loss that can be caused by missing teeth can be prevented thanks to implants. In addition, since adjacent teeth are not interfered with during implant application, natural tooth tissue is preserved.
Advantages of Implants
Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures and provide an effective solution to replacing missing teeth. First of all, since it offers the closest alternative to natural teeth, it provides a natural appearance in terms of aesthetics and high comfort during chewing. Implants, which have a stronger and more stable structure than prostheses, are very durable because they are made of titanium and can be used for a lifetime if proper care is applied.
Implants also protect jawbone health; It prevents jawbone shrinkage that occurs after tooth loss, creates pressure on the jawbone like a natural tooth root, and prevents the bone from melting. In addition to its aesthetic and functional properties, it also eliminates the loss of self-confidence caused by tooth loss and helps individuals smile freely, speak and feel more comfortable in social life.
Implant Treatment Process
- Examination and Planning: The dentist first performs a detailed examination and evaluates whether the jawbone and gums are suitable for the implant. A treatment plan is created using the necessary imaging (panoramic x-ray or tomography).
- Surgical Procedure: This is the stage where the implants are placed in the jawbone. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and is generally painless. After the implant is placed, a healing process is required for it to fuse with the bone.
- Healing Process (Osteointegration): It takes between 2-6 months for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone. Completing this process is important for the durability of the implant.
- Prosthesis Application: Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, a prosthetic tooth is placed on it. This tooth is individually designed to be compatible with the patient’s other teeth.
Who is Implant Treatment Suitable for?
Dental implant treatment is generally suitable for adult patients. More successful results are obtained in individuals who have completed their jaw bone development. However, some special circumstances may restrict implant application. For example, the recovery process may take a long time in individuals whose diabetes is not under control. Therefore, the dentist plans the treatment by taking into account the patient’s general health condition.
Risks and Side Effects of the Implant
Although implant treatment is a reliable option for replacing missing teeth with its advantages, it carries some risks and side effects, as with any surgical procedure. Although rare, complications such as infection, nerve damage and jaw bone melting may occur during this treatment process. Infection may negatively affect the healing process in the area where the implant is placed and may cause the implant to be rejected by the body.
Nerve damage may rarely occur in implants placed in deep areas of the jawbone and may lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensation. Melting in the jaw bone can be seen as the bone around the implant weakening and losing volume over time, which may affect the stability of the implant.
In addition to these potential risks, some people may experience side effects such as swelling, pain and slight bleeding after surgery; However, these symptoms are usually temporary and disappear on their own within a few days.
hese risks can be minimized with regular dental check-ups and proper care after treatment. In addition, a detailed evaluation by a specialist dentist, appropriate treatment planning and provision of necessary hygiene conditions play an important role in minimizing the risk of possible complications.
Care Recommendations After Implant Treatment
To extend the life of implants, it is important to pay attention to oral care:
- Regular Brushing: Implants, like natural teeth, should be cleaned by regular brushing and flossing.
- Dentist Check-ups: It is important to go to the dentist for check-ups at regular intervals for the first year and then twice a year to maintain the health of the implant.
- Avoid Excessive Force: Habits such as teeth clenching and nail biting can put pressure on the implant. Damage to the implant should be prevented by avoiding such habits.
Implant Prices
The cost of dental implant treatment can vary depending on many factors. Implant prices vary depending on the quality of the material used, the implant brand and the number of teeth where the implant will be placed. In addition, factors such as the experience of the dentist who will perform the treatment and the location of the clinic may also affect the price.
High quality materials such as titanium used in implant application ensure that the treatment process is long-lasting and reliable. However, some patients may require additional procedures before treatment; For example, if there is not enough volume in the jawbone, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts may need to be performed, which can increase costs.