What is Implant Treatment?

Implant therapy is considered one of the most impressive and transformative developments in modern dentistry. This revolutionary approach to dentistry offers a solid, natural and long-lasting solution to individuals experiencing tooth loss. Implant therapy, which replaces traditional dentures, can be an excellent option to deal with the aesthetic, functional and psychological consequences of missing teeth. However, before you have a full understanding of this modern solution, it is important to embark on a journey covering the basics and advantages of implant treatment.

First, it is critical to understand what implant therapy is and how it works. Implant treatment consists of titanium screw-like structures that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace natural tooth roots. These implants fuse with the jawbone to form a strong and durable foundation. Then, dentures made of materials similar to natural teeth, such as porcelain or ceramic, are placed on them. These prostheses provide an aesthetic appearance by perfectly adapting to the patient’s mouth structure and tooth color. This procedure eliminates problems such as chewing difficulties, speech disorders and facial deformities caused by missing teeth, while giving the patient a natural smile and self-confidence.

HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?

Implant treatment is a modern and effective method used to treat missing teeth. However, how this treatment method works and how it integrates with the bone is a subject that many people are curious about and want to understand. Here are the details about how the implant works and how it integrates with the bone:

• Structure and Material of the Implant: Implants are generally made of biocompatible materials such as titanium. This material is easily accepted in the body and the risk of rejection is minimal. Implants are metal rods designed in the shape of screws or bolts. These rods are surgically placed in the area where the tooth is missing and come into direct contact with the jawbone.
• Osseointegration Process: After implant surgery is performed, bone tissue begins to grow towards the surface of the implant. This process is called “osseointegration”. Bone cells grow into microscopic features that have the ability to attach to a special coating or tissue on the surface of the implant. This ensures solid integration of the implant into the bone and ensures that the implant is firmly attached to the jawbone.
• Duration of the Osseointegration Process: The osseointegration process refers to the time required for the implant to integrate with the bone. This period usually varies depending on the bone density of the area where the implant is placed, the general health of the patient and other factors given to the treatment. Generally, the osseointegration process takes between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the implant becomes firmly integrated with the bone and the surgical site heals.
• Importance of Bone Integration: Solid integration of the implant with the bone is vital for the success of the treatment. Without osseointegration, the implant cannot adhere securely to the jawbone and treatment results may be unsuccessful. However, following appropriate surgical techniques and correct selection and placement of the implant, osseointegration usually occurs reliably.

In addition to being an effective option to treat missing teeth, implant treatment provides long-term success thanks to the osseointegration process with bone. This process increases the durability and functional success of implant treatment, so patients can live a pleasant life for many years with a natural and solid smile.

ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANT

Implant treatment is a modern method used to treat missing teeth and has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of implant treatment:

ADVANTAGES

• Natural Look and Feel: Implants are extremely similar to natural teeth and allow patients to restore their smile in a natural and aesthetic way. Additionally, implants feel like natural teeth, which increases patients’ comfort in speaking and eating.
• Durability and Longevity: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and regular check-ups. They are more durable than other dental prostheses and form a solid foundation by combining with the jawbone.
• Protecting Surrounding Tissues: Like other treatment options, implant treatment protects surrounding tissues. There is no need to cut or damage adjacent teeth because implants are placed directly into the jawbone.
• Restoring Chewing Function:  Implants address chewing difficulties caused by missing teeth. Patients can eat more effectively with a solid jawbone and dentures similar to natural teeth.
• Preservation of Bone Density:  Implants prevent bone tissue from melting when placed in the jawbone. This ensures that the jawbone remains intact and the aesthetic structure of the face is preserved.

DISADVANTAGES

• Cost:  Implant treatment is more costly than other traditional dental prosthetics. This is because implants are more expensive due to surgical procedures, material costs, and other factors.
• Surgical Procedure: Implant treatment requires a surgical procedure and some patients may not be suitable for surgery. Additionally, the recovery process after surgery may take several months.
• Healing Process: The time required for the implants to integrate with the bone may prolong the treatment process and require patience in some patients.
• Risk of Infection: As with any surgical intervention, implant surgery carries the risk of infection. Therefore, hygiene rules and post-surgical care instructions should be observed.
• Relationship to Other Health Problems: Some health problems can affect the success of implant treatment, especially in patients with bone diseases or immune system problems.

In conclusion, although implant treatment offers many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. However, when done correctly and with appropriate care, implants are an effective and reliable option for treating missing teeth.

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPLANT

Implant treatment is a comprehensive process consisting of a series of steps to treat missing teeth. Let’s examine together how the implant is made.

• Examination and Evaluation: The implant treatment process begins with a detailed examination and evaluation of the patient’s oral and dental health. The dentist evaluates the patient’s jaw structure, gums and general health condition and determines the suitability of implant treatment.
• Treatment Planning: After the examination, the dentist and the patient create the treatment plan together. This plan includes determining the area where the implants will be placed, details of the treatment process and expected results.
• Surgical Phase: Surgical placement of implants is one of the most important stages of treatment. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist works according to a predetermined plan to place the implants in the correct position and angle.
• Healing Process: After the implants are placed, a healing process begins for them to integrate with the bone. This process is called osseointegration and can often take several months. During this period, the patient’s implants are expected to integrate firmly with the jawbone.
• Temporary Prosthesis Application: While the healing process of the implants continues, temporary prostheses can be applied to temporarily provide the patient’s chewing function and aesthetic appearance. These temporary prostheses are used until they are replaced with permanent prostheses after osseointegration is completed.
• Permanent Denture Placement: Once the implants are integrated with the bone and the healing process is completed, permanent dentures are placed by the dentist. These prostheses provide a natural smile and chewing function by perfectly adapting to the patient’s jaw structure and other teeth.

The implant treatment process may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and treatment plan. However, these steps generally form the basis of implant treatment and are very important to achieve a successful result.

HOW SHOULD CARE BE AFTER IMPLANT?

Post-implant treatment care is an important part of ensuring the longevity of implants and maintaining oral health. Here are the importance of post-implant care and some suggestions:

• Regular and Effective Dental Hygiene: It is important to practice regular and effective dental hygiene to clean the gums and surrounding implants. Brushing your teeth every day, using dental floss or an interdental brush, and gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash reduces plaque buildup around implants and prevents the risk of infection.
• Regular Check-ups: It is important to visit your dentist regularly after implant treatment. By checking the condition of the implants and gums, the dentist can detect and treat possible problems at an early stage. Generally, a dental checkup once or twice a year is recommended.
• Healthy Eating Habits: A good diet helps keep implants healthy and strengthen their integration with the bone. Consuming a balanced diet improves chewing function and supports the long-term success of implants.
• Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the success of implants. These habits can slow the healing process of implants and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided if possible.

Beware of Teeth Clenching and Grinding Habits: Bad habits such as teeth clenching or grinding can cause damage to implants and surrounding tissues. In this case, it is important to talk to your dentist and use a suitable protective appliance or practice stress management techniques.

IMPLANT PRICES

In addition to being an effective method to treat missing teeth, implant treatment is also a factor that affects the budget of patients. Implant treatment prices can vary depending on a number of variable factors and it is often difficult to give an exact price. However, some of the main factors that affect implant treatment prices are:

• Number of Implants: Implant treatment prices vary depending on the number of implants to be treated. Patients with multiple missing teeth may require more than one implant, which can increase costs.
• Implant Type: There are different types and brands of implants. Some implants may be more expensive, while others may be more affordable. Therefore, the type of implant to be used is an important factor affecting the price.
• Surgery and Additional Procedures: Additional surgical procedures and additional materials that may be required during implant treatment may increase the cost. For example, the need for additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lift may affect the price.
• Experience and Expertise of the Dentist: The experience, expertise and techniques of the dentist are also factors that affect the price. An experienced and specialized dentist can often charge higher fees.
• Material and Technology Used: The quality and brand of implant materials, prostheses and other materials used are also an important factor affecting the price. The use of higher quality materials and advanced technology can often lead to higher costs.

Giving an exact price for implant treatment depends on the individual situation and needs of the patient and is usually determined after a preliminary examination and evaluation. Therefore, it is important to seek professional advice from a dentist to get accurate information about implant treatment prices.

To Summarize

Implant treatment is an effective method to treat missing teeth. This method is achieved by placing titanium screw-like implants into the jawbone and applying prostheses on them. Implant treatment offers a similar look and feel to natural teeth, restores chewing function and preserves the health of the jawbone. However, implant treatment can be costly and may require surgery in some patients. While implant treatment improves a person’s oral health and quality of life, it emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and check-ups. Therefore, it is important for anyone considering implant treatment to see a dentist.

Take steps to achieve a healthy smile and natural chewing function! To find a permanent solution to your missing tooth problem, contact a dentist today and get information about implant treatment. A healthy smile is just one step away!