What is an Implant?
An implant is a material made of titanium, which is implanted for therapeutic purposes to replace lost teeth, and serves as a natural tooth both aesthetically and functionally without any side effects for the organism. Implants mimic natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and function. Titanium is a metal with excellent tissue compatibility, and it has been safely used in various medical fields for centuries.
Areas of Application:
- In the treatment of single-tooth loss without causing damage to adjacent healthy teeth,
- In the treatment of multiple tooth losses, by replacing removable dentures with fixed prosthetics,
- In the case of complete tooth loss, instead of removable prosthetics (dentures), fixed prosthetics can be applied.
Why Should Missing Teeth Be Treated?
The teeth in front of, behind, and opposite the missing tooth gradually close the gap left by the missing tooth over time. The tooth opposite the missing tooth grows, and the adjacent teeth lean towards the missing tooth area. This misalignment of the teeth leads to gum problems, tooth decay in the adjacent and opposite teeth, and eventually, the loss of these teeth. In addition, chewing efficiency decreases, and jaw joint problems may arise.
Can I Undergo Implant Treatment?
Anyone with a normal wound healing capacity, capable of maintaining oral hygiene, and having a healthy bone structure in sufficient quantity or that can be brought to a sufficient amount can undergo implant treatment.
Benefits of Implant Application:
Implant is a solid, comfortable, and reliable application. Prosthetics placed on implants create the most natural structure while replacing the position of real teeth. During the completion of missing teeth, healthy teeth remain untouched. Implant, as a special application replacing natural teeth, provides a definite and healthiest solution to any problems that may arise due to tooth loss.
Can Implants Be Applied at Any Age?
Yes. However, bone development in young individuals must be completed. This occurs up to the age of 16-17 in girls and 18 in boys. There is no upper age limit for adults.
Can Implants Stay in the Mouth Throughout a Lifetime?
This period depends on general health conditions, daily care, and cleanliness of the implant. Nevertheless, as with any other medical intervention, it is not possible to guarantee for a lifetime in principle. The success of implants can vary between 90-100%, and appropriate surgical and prosthetic procedures by a specialist are necessary.
Can Implants Be Rejected by the Body?
Implants are made of biocompatible materials, specifically titanium. Therefore, there is no mention of "tissue rejection."
Is There a Risk of Cancer?
- There is not a single example in the medical and dental world showing that dental implants cause cancer.
- While dental implants are primarily used to address tooth loss, cosmetic improvements can also be achieved.
Is It an Expensive Treatment?
Implant applications involve a series of complex and prolonged procedures, requiring higher expenses than routine dental services. However, patients have stated that when implant treatments are completed, they feel that they have received value for their investment and would undergo the same procedure again if necessary.
Will I Experience Discomfort During and After the Operation?
The operation can be performed without any pain or discomfort with local anesthesia and sedation. After the operation, there may be slight pain or swelling, similar to what one might experience after any tooth extraction. These can be easily alleviated with pain relievers and necessary precautions.
How Long Does the Placement Operation and Completion of the Prosthesis Take?
The duration of the surgery can vary between half an hour and a few hours, depending on the number of implants to be placed and the conditions of the patient. After the operation, a waiting period of about 3-4 months is required for the fusion of the implant with the bone (osseointegration). Afterward, prosthetics are placed on these implants through a procedure that takes several sessions.