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Overview of Dental Implants

In today’s dentistry, missing teeth have long ceased to be a problem. If you have missing teeth, you can complete your teeth with dental implants. Dental implant surgery replaces your tooth roots with metal, screw-shaped posts. This procedure is performed for damaged or missing teeth and implants are completely artificial and can take over the function of a real tooth. In appearance, they do not differ from a real tooth. Your dentist may apply this procedure to both jawbones. You may want to have dental implant surgery for cosmetic reasons or you may have functional problems.

You may need more than one surgery depending on your jawbone structure and the type of implant. Also, it takes time for your jawbone to heal after the procedure. In this process, you must show the tenacity to keep your new tooth healthy.

As a result, it will be worth the wait as you will get the teeth you want.

Why It is done

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you may want to have a dental implant. However, as with any surgery, you have to meet certain requirements. First, you must have a fully developed jawbone. Your dentist cannot apply dental implants to a jawbone that is still in development. Also, for the implants to stay solid in your jawbone, you must have enough bone quality or be eligible for bone grafting. Moreover, the tissues in your mouth need to be healthy for the surgery to be successful. Finally, you should not be suffering from a disease that adversely affects bone healing.

Dentists can apply dental implants for one or more missing teeth. If you are not suitable for a denture or want a better alternative, you can choose dental implants. But you need to prepare yourself for the healing process, which can take months. Also, you can forget about the consumption of tobacco products.

Risks and Benefits of Dental Implants

Every surgical procedure carries certain risks. However, the probability of complications in dental implants is very low. Also, possible complications can be easily controlled:

  • Infection in the implant area.
  • Damage to your other teeth or blood vessels.
  • Damage to the nerves in your mouth. In this case, you may experience problems such as pain, numbness, or tingling.
  • If an implant placed in your upper jaw puts pressure on your sinus cavities, you may experience problems.

Again, these risks are extremely rare, and manageable. Moreover, the benefits of dental implant surgery are so impressive and long-term that it is worth taking these small risks. Here are the benefits of dental implant surgery:

  • It is possible to carry dental implants in your mouth for a lifetime without any problems.
  • You do not have to place or take out dentures anymore.
  • Implants do not require filling.
  • They give a natural feeling.
  • They are more durable than other dental prostheses.
  • It is more resistant to abrasion or impact than all other tooth-replacement methods.

How You Prepare

Before having a dental implant operation, you have to go through many examinations in different departments. For example, an otolaryngologist (ENT) and an oral surgeon will examine you. In addition, a periodontist will examine your bones and gum, or a prosthodontist will determine your suitability for a dental implant. Because dental implants may require you to go through more than one procedure.

Before the dental implant procedure:

  • You must undergo a comprehensive dental examination. This examination includes an X-ray, a 3D view of your teeth, or a model of your jaw and teeth.
  • Your dentist will examine your medical history in detail. He/she reviews the medications you use and your health problems. Depending on these diseases, you may be prescribed medication before the operation.
  • Your dentist should determine the treatment plan that is most suitable for you. He/she makes this plan based on how many teeth you missing and your jawbone and teeth condition.

For dental implant surgery, your dentist may administer general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or sedatives according to your needs. You can decide this in consultation with your doctor. In addition, the type of anesthesia to be used determines the precautions you should take before the surgery. Doctors will warn you about eating and drinking restrictions. If you’re going to have surgery under sedation or general anesthesia, it’s helpful to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What can you expect

Dental implant surgery is a procedure with certain stages. Between these stages, there are certain time intervals for recovery.

Your dentist follows these steps to place your dental implant:

  • Removal of the damaged tooth.
  • If necessary, application of bone graft.
  • Placement of dental implant.
  • Bone growth and healing.
  • Placement of the abutment.
  • Placement of artificial tooth.

It will take you months to pass all these stages. Because the growth and healing processes of your jawbone by fusing with the implant take time. You should consider the order of healthy teeth that you will achieve as a result of the process and be patient.

Your jawbone may not be thick or hard enough. In this case, for dental implant surgery to be successful, you must have a bone graft. The purpose of the bone graft is to provide a solid base for the implant while chewing. As you know, the act of chewing puts strong pressure on the jawbone. If your jawbone is not thick or hard enough, it cannot support the dental implant.

Your dentist may perform the bone graft from another natural bone in your body or using artificial materials. A bone graft can take several months to complete. However, if you need a minor bone graft, your dentist may perform the transplant simultaneously with the surgery. Again, it all depends on the condition of your jawbone.

Procedure Stages of Dental Implants

Placement of Dental Implant

Your surgeon makes an incision on your gum and reaches your bone. Next, he drills a hole for the metal post. This post takes over the task of the tooth root. Therefore, it needs to be placed deep into your jawbone. After the post is placed, the gap where your missing tooth was will remain. If its appearance bothers you, this gap can be filled with a denture. You can remove and put this on whenever you want and keep the cavity clean.

Waiting for the Bone to Grow

The medical name for this process is osseointegration. Your jawbone fuses and grows with the surface of the dental implant. This process will take months to complete, but the artificial tooth needs to stand on solid ground.

Placement of Support

After the growth of your jawbone has taken place, it is time to place the abutment. You may need additional surgery for this. But this is a minor surgery and only requires local anesthesia.

To place the abutment, your dentist;

  • Reopens your gum to reach the dental implant.
  • Combines the abutment with the implant.
  • It covers your gum around the support.

In some patients, the abutment can be placed with the post and the patient does not need additional surgery. After your dentist places the abutment, he waits 2 weeks for your gum to heal. Next, he/she places the artificial tooth. You should choose the type of artificial tooth to be placed in consultation with your doctor. After your gum heals, you can choose either fixed, removable, or artificial teeth with both features.

After Procedure

You may experience some discomforts after dental implant surgery:

  • Swelling in your gum or face.
  • Bruising on your skin or gum.
  • Pain at the implant site.
  • Minor bleeding.

You may need painkillers or antibiotics for these ailments. But if you experience worsening of these problems, you should contact your dentist immediately.

For the operated area to heal, you should consume soft foods. You need to completely stop smoking, otherwise, you will hinder recovery.

Results

The failure rate of dental implant surgery is very low. However, even if your surgery was successful, there are some things you need to avoid to maintain the results and not have to have the surgery again in the future:

  • Pay attention to the cleanliness of your teeth. Clean your implant and other teeth regularly and do not neglect it.
  • Go to the dentist regularly. It is important to visit your dentist regularly for the health of your implants.
  • Protect your teeth from damage. Do not chew hard objects such as ice or candy. You may damage your implant or natural tooth. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, seek medical attention. Avoid caffeine and smoking.

As a result, you can have the tooth you want and light up a room with your smile with a little patience and effort.

For More Information

In Istanbul Medical Assistance your comfort during or after all kinds of procedures is our priority. Whether you are looking for more information, an initial evaluation, or a second opinion, do not hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp on +90 530 884 47 22 and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.