Implant Treatment
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a screw- or root-shaped structure made of titanium that is placed in the jawbone; the aim is for the bone to heal around the implant and accept it as part of itself.
For implant treatment to be successful, good general health, a high standard of oral hygiene, and accurate diagnosis and planning for implant placement are required. Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking have a negative effect on implant success.
How Is a Dental Implant Placed?
Dental implant treatment is a treatment in which titanium screws are placed in place of missing teeth and prosthetic teeth are then attached to these screws. The procedure is performed by dentists under local or general anesthesia.
What Are the Advantages of Implant Treatment?
What Should Be Considered Before Getting an Implant?
How Is Implant Treatment Performed?
Implants are placed through a surgical procedure in which sockets of the appropriate position, diameter and length are prepared in the jawbone for the planned implant. Because implant placement is a surgical procedure, the quality of the materials used and strict sterilization and hygiene conditions are among the most important criteria. Numbing the area with local anesthesia is sufficient for implant surgery. The first stage of your treatment is implant placement; in the second stage, the implant is given an average of 3 to 6 months to fuse with your bone, after which impressions are taken and the crown (porcelain tooth) that will sit on the implant is prepared. Implant placement is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia, and placing a single implant takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes, which is roughly the time the patient spends in the chair. Local anesthesia keeps the area fully numb during the procedure. The numbness wears off within 2 to 3 hours, and most patients manage the following 1 to 2 days comfortably with the pain relievers recommended by their dentist.
Stages of Dental Implant Treatment
- Planning and Examination: The dentist examines the patient’s oral and dental health in detail and assesses whether the jawbone is suitable for implants using imaging methods such as X-rays and CT scans.
- Surgical Procedure: Implants are placed in the positions of the missing teeth under local or general anesthesia. This procedure usually takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes per implant.
- Healing Period: A healing period of approximately 3 to 6 months is needed for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, it is important for patients to care for the implant area carefully and follow the dentist’s instructions.
- Placement of the Prosthesis: Once healing is complete, prosthetic teeth are attached to the implants. The prosthetic teeth are prepared according to the patient’s mouth structure and aesthetic preferences.
How Should You Care for Your Mouth After Getting an Implant?
Cleaning and maintaining your implants properly is essential for long-term success, so that they can be used comfortably for many years. To keep implant treatment successful in the long term, patients need to care for their implants carefully. Your dentist will explain in detail the specific care your mouth needs, and it is important that you carry out the cleaning and maintenance steps as instructed; otherwise, undesirable outcomes may occur. It is worth knowing that caring for implants is not difficult or demanding. On the contrary, it is not very different from caring for and cleaning your own natural teeth.
Why Are Implants Preferred?
For various reasons we may lose our natural teeth, and this can cause functional, aesthetic and even psychological loss. We want to return to normal as quickly as possible. When we see a dentist to replace a missing tooth, we may be told that two or more neighboring teeth need to be prepared in order to replace it. In other words, replacing one loss may mean affecting two more teeth.
This is where implants offer an alternative. Only the lost tooth is replaced, without intervening on the other natural teeth. Moreover, with regular dental visits and good care, implants can be used for many years.
Or perhaps you have lost most or all of your teeth and have had to use a removable denture. For many people, this means less effective chewing and discomfort. Here too, implants can help by providing a fixed prosthesis that closely resembles natural teeth, with effective chewing and comfort.
When implant surgery is performed accurately and carefully, many patients find it about as comfortable as a tooth extraction, because every step of the procedure is planned in advance and carried out with technology suited to that plan.
This is where implants offer an alternative. Only the lost tooth is replaced, without intervening on the other natural teeth. Moreover, with regular dental visits and good care, implants can be used for many years.
Or perhaps you have lost most or all of your teeth and have had to use a removable denture. For many people, this means less effective chewing and discomfort. Here too, implants can help by providing a fixed prosthesis that closely resembles natural teeth, with effective chewing and comfort.
When implant surgery is performed accurately and carefully, many patients find it about as comfortable as a tooth extraction, because every step of the procedure is planned in advance and carried out with technology suited to that plan.
Planning Your Implant Treatment
Implant treatment is planned individually for each patient. The number of implants needed, the condition of the bone and whether any additional procedures are required are determined after examination and imaging. For information about your treatment plan and the process, you can contact us via our Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Treatment
Is implant treatment painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, so the area is numb during the procedure. There may be mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards, which can usually be managed with the pain relievers your dentist recommends.
How long does implant treatment take?
Placing a single implant takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes. The implant is then given an average of 3 to 6 months to fuse with the jawbone, after which a permanent crown (porcelain tooth) is placed on top. The total time depends on your bone structure and on whether additional procedures (bone grafting, sinus lift) are needed.
Is there an age limit for implants?
Implants can be placed in anyone whose bone development is complete and whose general health is suitable. There is no upper age limit; suitability is determined by examination and dental CT.
How long do implants last?
With regular oral care and a dental check-up every 6 months, implants can be used for many years. Since gum health is critical for the lifespan of an implant, periodontal check-ups are important.
Should I choose an implant or a bridge?
Because an implant replaces the missing tooth without involving the healthy neighboring teeth, it is in many cases a more conservative option than a bridge. For patients missing all their teeth, an implant-supported dental prosthesis may also be an option. The most suitable option for you is determined after an examination.
This content was prepared by the ViraDenta dental team. Meet our dentists.
Please note: The information on this page is for general information purposes only.
For diagnosis and treatment of any health concern, always consult your doctor.
VIRADENTA DENTAL POLYCLINIC
Online Appointment Form
Get information about treatment
Fill in the form and our dental team will call you. If you prefer, you can also continue via WhatsApp after submitting.