Implant is an artificial root used in dentistry to replace a lost tooth. This procedure is employed to restore dental function and aesthetics by replacing missing teeth in patients with tooth loss. Implants, typically made of titanium, are inserted into the jawbone and gradually fuse with the bone to form a strong bond.

The implant procedure can be used to fill the gap created by the extraction of a tooth or to add new teeth in place of teeth lost a long time ago. Implants function similarly to natural teeth and assist in effectively performing daily activities such as chewing, speaking, and smiling.

Implant surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure can be successfully completed if the patient has good oral hygiene and a healthy jawbone structure.

An implant tooth is a dental treatment method where an artificial tooth made of titanium material is fixed to the jawbone in place of a missing tooth in the mouth.

Since titanium material is compatible with the body, the success rate of implant treatment is quite high. The application range extends from patients with single tooth loss to those with no teeth at all.

Unlike other treatment methods, dental implants do not affect other teeth and can be applied as a single tooth replacement. Through this treatment method, the patient achieves a natural tooth appearance.

People with missing teeth may face both functional and aesthetic issues. Tooth loss can hinder effective chewing function and may lead to problems with the jaw joint. Additionally, due to aesthetic problems and speech disorders, individuals’ self-confidence can be affected. For these and similar reasons, implants are an optimal option for patients who have lost their teeth for various reasons.

How is Implant Treatment Performed? What are the Stages?

Like any dental treatment, a specific timeframe is determined for this procedure. The stages of implant treatment are as follows:

Examination: The initial stage involves an analysis of the patient’s general oral condition and the suitability of the jawbone for implant treatment. During this stage, the implant tooth prosthesis and the color of the tooth are selected.

Operation: Local anesthesia is preferred for numbing during the placement of the implant screw into the jawbone. The duration of the operation may vary depending on the number of missing teeth to which implant teeth are added. However, this process generally takes between 30 to 90 minutes.

Healing Period: After the implant tooth is placed into the jawbone, it is necessary to wait for the integration of the implanted material with the bone. This fusion process may vary between 3 to 6 months, depending on the structure of the jawbone and the integration of the implant with the jawbone. During this period, patients can continue their daily eating routines without exerting excessive pressure on the area where the implant treatment was applied.

Placement of the Upper Structure of the Implant Tooth: While the first part of the two-part implant tooth treatment is placed in the jawbone, the second structure, referred to as the upper structure, is placed inside the screw applied to the jawbone.

Placement of the Implant Prosthesis: The final step, the placement of the prosthesis, is completed by inserting the prepared prosthesis according to the upper structure and its compatibility with other teeth.

The most well-known type of dental implant, applied by dentists, is the “screw-type implant.” However, there are many types of implants used in implant treatment. The decision on which type to use is made by dentists based on the location of the treatment and the structure and tissue of the jaw. Some types of dental implants are as follows:

Transosseous Implant: This implant model is a type of implant treatment applied to the entire jawbone. Although it is preferred due to insufficient bone height, it is not commonly used because it requires the patient to undergo general anesthesia, and it is a cumbersome and challenging treatment method.

Endosseous Implant: One of the most preferred implant methods, this type is used by placing it inside the jawbone when one or more teeth are missing. It has three different models: Screw implant, Cylindrical implant, Blade implant.

Subperiosteal Implant: This is an implant model applied by taking measurements over the jawbone. The most significant advantage of this implant type is that it distributes the chewing force equally to the entire jaw. However, it is not widely preferred because it requires exposing and placing the jawbone.

Intramucosal Implant: The implants used here are coated with titanium. It is not a widely preferred implant treatment method today due to being outdated, high cost, and not having a flexible structure.

Endodontic Implant: This type of implant is used in hardening weak teeth. Through this method, a strong substructure for the tooth is created. Also known as an endodontic stabilizer, this type increases the durability of the teeth while extending their lifespan.