Dental implants are a type of artificial tooth root placed into the patient’s jawbone to provide support for prosthetic teeth. They are a long-lasting treatment method used to replace missing teeth. Fixed or removable prostheses can be placed on implants. In this way, both the patient’s oral and dental aesthetics are restored, and chewing and speech functions can continue without problems. A dental implant refers to the screw or screws placed into the patient’s jawbone. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, as well as in cases of long tooth gaps or complete tooth loss. For implant treatment to be successful, the patient’s bone structure and gum health are important. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who provides services to his patients in Adana, explains what implant treatment is and in which situations it is applied.
What Is Implant Treatment?
An implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jawbone that serves as a support for dental prostheses. It is a treatment method used to replace missing teeth and can be used for many years, even for a lifetime. By placing removable or fixed prostheses on it, it enables the patient to regain both oral and dental aesthetics as well as chewing and speech functions.
In Which Situations Is Implant Treatment Applied?
- In patients who have lost all their teeth and cannot use full dentures due to severe bone loss, implants are used to support the placement of prostheses.
- If the molars have been lost and the back region remains toothless, a removable partial denture can be prepared. These prostheses can also be supported by a fixed bridge placed on several implant screws.
- If the patient has long edentulous spaces, long bridges can be supported with several implants to increase their durability.
- If only a single tooth is missing, a single implant can be placed in the missing area without reducing the adjacent healthy teeth, and the tooth loss can be restored with a single crown.
What Should Be Considered Before Getting a Dental Implant?
Dental implant treatment is a successful method that restores the function and aesthetic appearance of missing teeth. However, for the treatment to be long-lasting and successful, there are several important points that should be considered before implant placement. Proper planning, a detailed examination, and the patient’s compliance with the treatment process directly affect the success rate of the implant.
The Adequacy of the Jawbone Should Be Evaluated
One of the most important factors determining the success of implant treatment is the quality and density of the jawbone. Therefore, the bone structure is examined in detail through a clinical examination, panoramic X-ray, and, if necessary, three-dimensional dental tomography (CBCT). In cases where the jawbone is insufficient for implant placement, supportive surgical procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may be performed to increase the success of the treatment.
General Health Status Should Be Reviewed
Before starting implant treatment, the patient’s general health condition should be evaluated in detail. Uncontrolled diabetes, immune system disorders, diseases affecting bone metabolism, and certain medications may alter the treatment plan. Therefore, all existing medical conditions and regularly used medications should be reported to the dentist.
Gum Health Should Be Checked
Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of dental implants. If gum inflammation or periodontal disease is present, these conditions should be treated before implant placement.
Age and Bone Development Should Be Considered
There is no strict upper age limit for implant treatment. Implants can also be applied to elderly individuals whose general health and bone structure are suitable. However, implant treatment is not recommended for young individuals whose jawbone development has not yet been completed.
Smoking Should Be Stopped or Reduced
Smoking can interfere with the healthy integration of the implant with the jawbone and increase the risk of infection during the healing process. Quitting or at least reducing smoking before treatment and during the healing period can increase the success rate of the treatment.
An Experienced Dentist Should Be Preferred
Accurate diagnosis, proper planning, and surgical experience are very important in implant treatment. Treatments performed by an experienced dentist increase the success rate and reduce the risk of possible complications.
The Treatment Process and Expectations Should Be Discussed with the Dentist
Before treatment, the number of stages involved, the number of implants to be used, the healing period, the cost, and aesthetic expectations should be discussed in detail with the dentist. Proper patient information contributes to achieving more successful results.
How Is an Implant Placed?
Implant treatment is performed in five stages. These stages are as follows:
Examination: During the examination, the patient’s general health condition is evaluated. It is determined whether implant treatment is suitable for the patient’s needs and whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for implants. An X-ray is taken to determine the type and length of the implant screw to be used. At this stage, the type of prosthesis that will be placed on the implant is also decided.
Surgery: The patient is given anesthesia, and the implants are placed into the jawbone. Depending on the number of implants, the procedure is usually completed within 30 to 90 minutes.
Healing Period: After the implants are placed into the jawbone, a certain period is required for the screws to integrate with the bone. The healing period is usually completed within three to six months. During this period, the patient may use a temporary prosthesis. Excessive force should not be applied to the implants during healing, and regular dental check-ups are recommended.
Placement of the Implant Abutment: Implants generally consist of two parts. One part is the cylindrical component placed into the jawbone. A second component that connects with the first part is required for the prosthetic restoration; this component is called an abutment. After the healing period is completed and the first part is fully surrounded by bone, the abutment is placed.
Placement of the Prosthesis: Impressions of the abutment are taken, and the previously planned prosthesis is fabricated and placed.
What Are the Benefits of Implant Treatment?
Implant treatment is a durable and long-lasting method that restores missing teeth both aesthetically and functionally. Prostheses fixed onto implant screws placed in the jawbone provide a function and appearance very close to natural teeth. There is no need to cut or damage adjacent healthy teeth to replace missing teeth. Implants also help preserve the jawbone and reduce the risk of bone loss. Compared to removable dentures, they offer a more comfortable, stable, and durable solution. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can be used for many years and, under suitable conditions, even for a lifetime.
In Which Situations Is Implant Placement Not Possible?
Although implant treatment is a safe and successful option for many patients, it may not be suitable or may need to be postponed in certain medical or oral conditions. The main situations in which implant treatment may not be appropriate include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Certain cardiovascular diseases
- Blood clotting disorders
- Active rheumatic diseases
- Certain diseases affecting the immune system
- Insufficient jawbone volume or bone density for implant placement
- Active gum disease and oral infections
- Incomplete jawbone development
- Patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery
- Inability to maintain adequate oral hygiene after implant treatment
- Heavy smoking or inability to follow the dentist’s recommendations after treatment (these may negatively affect the success rate)
Since each patient’s health condition is different, some of these situations may be resolved with appropriate treatment. The decision regarding suitability for implant treatment is made individually by the dentist after a detailed clinical and radiological evaluation.
How Are Implant Prices Determined?
The cost of implant treatment may vary from person to person depending on the patient’s oral and jaw structure, the number of missing teeth, the number of implants required, and any additional procedures that may be needed during treatment. In cases where the jawbone is insufficient, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may affect the treatment plan. In addition, the implant system used, the material chosen for the prosthesis, the technical infrastructure of the clinic, and the planned treatment process are among the factors influencing the cost. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a standard price for implant treatment. The most accurate cost information can be determined after a clinical examination and the necessary radiological evaluations, followed by a personalized treatment plan prepared by the dentist.
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