A dental implant is an artificial titanium screw placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. It functions like a natural tooth root by integrating with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth.
What Is a Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, that is placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. It integrates with the jawbone and can support a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots and provide a permanent solution for tooth replacement.
Implants are not used solely for aesthetic purposes; they can also help restore chewing function, improve speech difficulties caused by tooth loss, and prevent jawbone deterioration.
Unlike other missing tooth treatments such as bridges and crowns, dental implants are a method that does not damage other healthy teeth and consist of 3 main parts that are fixed to the tooth root: the implant body (screw), the abutment (connection), and the superstructure (crown).
For dental implants, sufficient jawbone volume and healthy gum tissue are necessary.
What Are the Types and Methods of Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment is commonly performed by placing an artificial tooth onto a screw-like implant that is anchored into the jawbone. Dental implants can be classified according to their placement method as follows:
Endosteal or Endosseous Implants: This is the most commonly used dental implant method. The implant is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. If the jawbone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be performed first to provide adequate bone support before implant placement.
Subperiosteal Implants In patients where the jawbone is insufficient and bone grafting cannot be done, it is fixed on the jaw, under the gum.
Zygoma implant: In patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw, the implant is fixed on the cheekbone.
Dental implants are classified as single and multiple according to their application methods. For multiple missing teeth, methods such as all-on-6 and all-on-4 implants (6-piece and 4-piece) are used, while for a single missing tooth, a single implant is used.
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Why Is a Dental Implant Performed?
Implant treatment is used to replace missing teeth in the mouth. It can be applied in cases of single tooth loss, multiple tooth loss, or complete edentulism. Dental implant treatment can be performed for the following reasons:
- Single tooth loss
- Multiple missing teeth
- Complete tooth loss (edentulism)
- Jawbone deterioration or resorption
- Speech difficulties
- Reduced chewing function
- Facial collapse and an aged appearance caused by tooth loss
How Is a Dental Implant Procedure Performed?
Before implant treatment, the patient's dental and jaw structure is evaluated using three-dimensional dental tomography and panoramic dental X-rays. The dental implant procedure generally involves the following stages:
- Local anesthesia is administered.
- An implant site is created in the jawbone.
- The titanium implant is placed into the prepared site.
- The patient returns home for the healing period.
- If necessary, painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by the dentist are used.
- Once the implant site has healed, the abutment (connector) and the prosthetic restoration (crown) are attached.
The color and design of the crown are planned during the initial clinical examinations and prepared during the healing process. After the implant has successfully fused with the jawbone and the surrounding tissues have healed, the final crown is placed.
Who Is Eligible for Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implants can generally be placed in individuals over the age of 18 who are in good overall health and have completed jawbone development. Implant treatment may be suitable for people with missing teeth who meet the following criteria:
- Individuals with sufficient jawbone volume
- Patients without active periodontal (gum) disease
- Individuals whose systemic medical conditions are under control
- Non-smokers
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Unlike bridges, implant treatment is an artificial tooth treatment that does not damage the surrounding healthy teeth. It is fixed to the jawbone independently of other teeth, and is long-lasting and stable. The advantages of implants are as follows:
- It is the closest-looking prosthetic tooth treatment to natural teeth.
- Provides long-lasting use.
- Prevents or slows down jawbone resorption.
- With proper oral care, implants can be used for an average of 20-30 years.
- It is applied without damaging neighboring teeth.
- Corrects speech disorders caused by edentulism.
- Improves chewing functions.
- Eliminates the aged appearance caused by complete edentulism.
- It is stable and not removable like a bridge or denture.
How Long Does Implant Treatment Take?
The total implant treatment time varies between 3 and 9 months. The duration is longer for patients requiring bone grafting. The healing process after implant placement is generally 3 months, but this may be longer or shorter depending on the patient's overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implants
Who Cannot Get Implants?
Dental implants are not performed on the following individuals:
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetes
- Individuals with active bone infection
- Individuals with severe immunodeficiency
- Individuals at risk in the jawbone after radiotherapy
Can Dental Implants Be Done for Rheumatism Patients?
In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, implants can be applied, but a comprehensive evaluation by a doctor is necessary. Immunosuppressant drugs can increase the risk of infection, but the success rate is high in patients with controlled rheumatism.
How Much Does One Dental Implant Cost?
Implant prices vary depending on the city, clinic, region, insurance coverage, the patient's general health condition, additional treatments, and the brand of implant used, so it is not possible to give a precise price. The implant price includes the surgical procedure, implant material, abutment, and crown.
Can Thyroid Patients Get Implants?
If the thyroid disease is under control, thyroid patients can get implants. If hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is not under control, implant treatment should be postponed. Endocrinologist supervision is required during the process, and stable hormone levels increase the success rate.
Do Implants Cause Infection in the Body?
Since dental implants are a surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, but the risk is generally low. However, the most common complication is implant inflammation (periimplantitis).
How Many Implants Can Be Placed at Once?
More than one implant can be placed in a single session, but the patient's overall health is a determining factor. In cases of multiple missing teeth, implants can be placed throughout the jaw using methods such as all-on-6 and all-on-4.
Can Implants Be Placed in All Teeth?
In cases of complete edentulism, a separate implant is not required for each tooth. Generally, implants can be placed throughout the jaw using implant methods such as all-on-6 and all-on-4. The choice of method depends on the bone structure.
Do Implants Cause Cancer?
There is no evidence that implants cause cancer. Dental implants are usually made of titanium, and titanium is considered a biocompatible material.
Can Implants Be Placed in Front Teeth?
Yes, implants can be placed in front teeth.