WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone (maxilla or mandible) to provide support for a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete set of teeth (such as a prosthetic superstructure in the form of a complete denture). Titanium-based biocompatible screws, since their initial production, have undergone continuous research and development, reaching a success rate of 96-98% and healing periods of 2-3 weeks. Therefore, implant therapy has become a frequently used treatment method for missing teeth. Tooth loss can lead to deepening of facial lines around the mouth, loss of self-confidence, and an unhappy facial appearance. Additionally, gastrointestinal and digestive system disorders, as well as nutritional difficulties, can arise from compromised oral health.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANT TREATMENT?
1. It resolves chewing and nutrition problems by restoring the ability to chew.
2. It helps to address aesthetic concerns related to facial and dental appearance.
3. Compared to the bridge and fixed prostheses used in the treatment of missing teeth, it preserves the health of surrounding tissues.
4. In patients with complete tooth loss, it provides stability to prosthetic teeth. Additionally, when patients desire fixed prosthetic teeth, it allows for treatment planning without removable prostheses throughout the entire jaw.
5. It eliminates the tissue damage associated with removable partial dentures in patients with partial tooth loss and eliminates the unaesthetic appearance of metal clasps.
6. It prevents the altered centric occlusion caused by neighboring teeth tilting into the space of missing teeth, thereby avoiding functional difficulties and potential joint problems.
7. It helps prevent the gradual resorption (bone loss) of the jawbone in the area of the extracted tooth by using artificial tooth roots (implants).
HOW IS IMPLANT TREATMENT PERFORMED?
Implant treatment, which is used to treat tooth loss, is a surgical procedure. With the advancement of technology, it is now performed under local or general anesthesia in a sterile and hygienic environment, ensuring that patients do not feel pain. After assessing the patient's suitability for this treatment, the dentist examines the oral structure, X-rays, and detailed bone tissue using tomography. If the patient is deemed suitable for treatment, the surgical phase begins. Titanium screws, which act as artificial tooth roots, are placed into the jawbone under anesthesia.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS AND HEALING TİME FOR IMPLANTS?
The placement of each implant takes a maximum of 10-15 minutes. A waiting period of 3 to 6 months is required for the implant to integrate and replace the position of the tooth root.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR IMPLANT TREATMENT?
Implant treatment can be performed on individuals over the age of 18 who have completed their jaw and facial development. It is done for patients without any systemic diseases. It is performed on patients with one or more missing teeth. It is also suitable for cases where there is a lack of or weak tooth support for a prosthesis
WHEN IS IMPLANT TREATMENT NOT RECOMMENDED?
In individuals who have not completed their growth and development, it is advisable to wait until their development is complete. In individuals who are heavy smokers. In individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. During pregnancy and in certain blood and bleeding disorders, where there are abnormalities in platelet count (PLT) and functional disturbances in normal bleeding time values.
