What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw system to which a prosthesis is placed in cases of a missing tooth. Dental implants placed in the jawbone serve as a substitute for the tooth root. In cases of a single missing tooth, it is possible to replace the missing tooth without touching the adjacent healthy teeth, and thanks to dental implants, it is possible to use fixed prostheses instead of removable prostheses in cases of multiple missing teeth. In cases of total edentulism, thanks to implants, it is possible to fixate removable prostheses, which are difficult to use especially in the lower jaw, and tend to frequently come out of the mouth.
What Does the Dental Implant Treatment Process Involve?
Placing of prostheses in dental implant treatment takes longer compared to conventional treatments because it takes around 2.5 to 4 months for the titanium structure to integrate with the bone, and, if any additional operations are done on the jawbone or sinus lifting is procedure is carried out, this process can extend up to 6 months. However, the results are very satisfactory and longer-lasting.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implant?
The existing prostheses of patients, especially those who have been edentate for many years, lose compatibility over time due to the constant change in the bones and begin to move and cause scars. As implant-supported prostheses are placed on a fixed foundation, it does cannot move or be removed from the mouth. It can be applied to people who do not want removable prosthesis or whose bone has lost its retention.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Difficult?
The operation, which is conducted under local anesthesia by anesthetizing only the area where the implant will be placed, is painless. Treatment process is quite comfortable if prescribed medicine is taken before the operation, antiseptic mouthwash is used after, and oral care is done properly.
Will My Face Swell Too Much After the Dental Implant Operation? Will I Feel a Lot of Pain?
Slight swelling and color changes on cheeks is expected, however, edema would swiftly decrease if cold compress is applied within the first 24 hours after the operation. Intense pain is not observed. The painkillers recommended by the dentist are sufficient to easily relieve the pain that may develop within the first day.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Include? How Long Does It Take To Be Completed?
The retention of the implants to the bone takes an average of 3 months for the implants in the upper jaw and 2 months for the implants in the lower jaw, and afterward, porcelain veneers are applied to them. The retention process may be as long as 6 months if any additional operations have been made due to thin or insufficiently leveled bones.
Is Dental Implant Without Sutures Possible?
It is possible in cases where only one tooth is pulled out and an implant is placed without cutting the gum in its empty socket.
Is There Any Possibility of Harm by Dental Implants? Sometimes the Body Rejects Implants. Is It True?
Dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium, which is extremely biocompatible with the body, is a precious nontoxic metal that does not pose a risk of triggering allergic reactions.
Is Dental Implant Right Choice for Me?
Its application to patients who have systemic diseases that cannot be kept under control, as well as those who recently received radiotherapy and chemotherapy is unfavorable. However, as long as the disease is under control, implants can be applied to everyone. If the number of bone is insufficient in the examination, implants can be placed after a bone substructure is created with additional procedures.
I am a Smoker. Can I Get Dental Implants?
It has been proven by many studies that smoking prevents the retention of the implant with the bone. The risk of the implant falling off is 2 to 3 times higher than normal for smokers.
Are Dental Implants Durable?
The lifespan of dental implants is as long as as natural teeth. They can be used for a very long time as long as standard oral care is done properly.
I Do Not Want to Wait for 2 to 3 Months. Can I Use My Dentures with Dental Implants?
Yes. With the help of the mini dental implant technology, the removable dentures can be compatibly used with implants after the operation.
Author of the Article: Dr. Başak Öztemel