Things You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a treatment method that offers the most natural solution for missing teeth, both aesthetically and functionally. In this article, we will discuss what dental implants are, how they are applied, their advantages, and the important considerations afterward.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces missing teeth in a functional and aesthetic way. These artificial roots are typically made of titanium and are placed into the jawbone. Titanium is a biocompatible material that is easily accepted by the body, allowing the implant to integrate seamlessly with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it enables the implant to become a permanent solution.

Dental implants are preferred as a treatment method to restore both the functionality lost due to missing teeth and to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. The prosthetic tooth placed on the implant provides a very close experience to that of a real tooth in both appearance and function. This way, individuals regain their missing teeth both in terms of appearance and function.

Another important advantage of implant treatment is that it prevents the bone loss in the jaw that may occur due to missing teeth. After the loss of a tooth, the jawbone in the area where the tooth root is absent can gradually shrink. Implants stop this process and help preserve the healthy structure of the jawbone. Additionally, implant treatment is performed without damaging adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridge treatments, healthy teeth do not need to be reduced or reshaped. This makes implants a more protective and long-lasting option in case of tooth loss.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many advantages compared to other dental prostheses. Implant treatment provides the closest appearance and feel to natural teeth while also contributing to the long-term health of the oral structure.

The main aesthetic and functional benefits of implants are as follows:

• Natural Appearance: Dental implants provide the most natural appearance to replace missing teeth. Implants designed in harmony with the surrounding teeth are indistinguishable from the other teeth.
• Restoration of Functions: Properly placed dental implants significantly restore chewing and speaking functions. The functions lost due to missing teeth are regained, making it easier to consume food and ensuring clear speech.
• Long-lasting Solution: Implants, when properly maintained, can last for years or even a lifetime. This longevity makes implants a preferred option.
• Preservation of Oral Health: Implant treatment prevents bone loss that can occur due to missing teeth, helping to preserve oral health in the long run. Since implants act as natural tooth roots, they aid in strengthening the bone tissue.
• Not Damaging Adjacent Teeth: Dental implants can be placed to replace missing teeth without damaging neighboring teeth. Unlike bridges, implants do not require the cutting or reshaping of adjacent teeth, thus preserving their natural structure.
• Increased Confidence: Thanks to the aesthetic and functional benefits, individuals undergoing implant treatment feel more comfortable. The loss of confidence caused by missing teeth is eliminated, and they can continue their daily lives with an aesthetic smile.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer natural-looking and functional solutions to replace missing teeth. Since each person's oral structure and condition of tooth loss are different, dental implants come in various types. The choice of the correct implant type is crucial for both the long-term success of the treatment and the patient's comfort.

Single Tooth Implant

The single tooth implant is applied in the case of a missing single tooth, replacing the missing tooth in both aesthetic and functional ways. In this treatment, a crown (tooth cap) specially prepared is placed on a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone. This ensures that the missing tooth is restored in the closest way to the natural teeth. Single tooth implants provide the advantage of replacing the missing tooth without damaging the surrounding healthy teeth.

Multiple Tooth Implants

For cases where multiple teeth are missing, multiple tooth implants are placed. This method is usually applied in combination with bridge prostheses. Several titanium screws are inserted into the jawbone, and a bridge prosthesis is placed over them to restore the missing teeth. Multiple tooth implants are an ideal solution for patients with multiple missing teeth and help restore natural chewing and speaking functions.

Full Mouth Implant Prostheses

For individuals who have lost all their teeth, full mouth implant prostheses are one of the best treatment options. This method involves securing a full prosthesis to the jawbone using several implants. It prevents the prosthesis from slipping or falling out and offers greater comfort to users. Typically, prostheses placed over 4 to 6 implants restore all teeth naturally and securely. This method is a long-lasting and reliable solution, especially for patients with suitable jawbone structure.

Zirconium vs. Titanium Implants

Dental implants are typically made from two main materials: titanium and zirconium. Titanium implants have been widely used for many years and are known for their high durability and biocompatible properties. Titanium implants seamlessly integrate with the jawbone, providing a long-lasting and stable foundation. On the other hand, zirconium implants offer superior aesthetic appearance and are a suitable alternative, especially for individuals with metal allergies. Zirconium implants provide a more aesthetic appearance due to their natural tooth color, and they also have high durability. However, since zirconium is a newer material compared to titanium, the choice of implant type should be made based on the patient's needs and health condition.

How is Implant Treatment Performed?

Dental implant treatment is a precise process carried out in several stages. Each step is crucial for the implant to integrate with the jawbone smoothly and for the treatment to provide a long-lasting, healthy solution. The stages of implant treatment, when followed carefully, ensure that the best results are achieved for the patient's oral and dental health.

• Examination and Planning
  • In the first stage, your dentist performs a thorough oral and dental examination. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and 3D tomography are used to evaluate your dental structure and jawbone.
  • These assessments determine whether your jawbone can support the implant and help identify the best location for implantation. If an issue is detected in the jawbone structure, additional treatments such as bone grafting may be required.
  • This stage is crucial for creating a successful treatment plan and ensuring the long-term success of the implant.
• Implant Placement
  • The implant placement procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain during the process. A small incision is made in the gum to access the jawbone.
  • A hole is drilled in the jawbone for the implant, and a titanium screw is inserted. As titanium is a biocompatible material, the implant starts the natural integration process with the jawbone.
  • The successful placement of the implant provides a stable foundation for the next stage of prosthetic placement.
• Healing Process (Osseointegration)
  • Following implant placement, the healing process, during which the implant integrates with the jawbone, is crucial. This process usually takes 3 to 6 months.
  • During osseointegration, the jawbone accepts the titanium implant, allowing it to securely anchor to the bone.
  • This stage is critical for the implant's durability and long lifespan. During the healing process, the patient should follow the dentist's recommendations and pay attention to oral care.
• Prosthetic Tooth Placement
  • Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a permanent prosthetic tooth is placed on top. The prosthesis restores the aesthetic and functional properties of the missing tooth.
  • The prosthetic tooth is specially prepared to match the patient's oral structure and to harmonize with other teeth. This provides both a natural appearance and restores chewing and speaking functions.
• Regular Checkups and Maintenance
  • After implant treatment, regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential to ensure the longevity of the implant. Your dentist will provide care and cleaning guidelines to maintain the health of the implant.
  • During regular checkups, the condition of the implant and surrounding gum and bone structures will be reviewed. These checkups ensure that the implant remains healthy and functional without any complications.
  • Maintaining proper daily oral care, protecting gum health, and cleaning plaque buildup around the implant are crucial for extending the life of the implant.

Post-Implant Care

The success of implant treatment is directly related to the care taken after the procedure. Post-implant care should be as follows:

• Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the procedure to allow the anesthesia to wear off.
• After the procedure, there may be some swelling or discomfort around the implant area. Ice packs or prescribed pain medications can help reduce these symptoms.
• Maintain good oral hygiene after the healing process. Gently brush your teeth, especially around the implant area, to prevent infection and plaque buildup.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and to ensure that the implant is functioning properly.

Dental Implant Costs

Dental implant prices can vary based on several factors, including the location, the clinic, the materials used, and additional treatments. On average, the cost of a single dental implant ranges between 3,000 TL to 7,000 TL. However, these prices can increase depending on the material used and any additional treatments required. For example, a bone graft may add extra costs for patients with bone loss. Additionally, more expensive implant options, such as zirconium implants, are available for aesthetic reasons.

Dental implant prices are also influenced by the clinic and the level of expertise of the surgeon. The area in which the implant is placed, the techniques used, and the quality of the equipment can affect the prices. Before proceeding with the treatment, it is recommended that patients consult their dentists for a thorough examination and price quote. This allows for the identification of the best and most economical treatment option for their individual needs.

In conclusion, dental implants provide a long-lasting, aesthetic solution for missing teeth, but their prices may vary depending on the patient's needs and treatment process. Therefore, it is important to evaluate various options before deciding on implant treatment.