What is Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implant treatment is a method used to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots, providing an aesthetic and functional solution. These artificial roots, made of titanium, are placed into the jawbone and fitted with prosthetic teeth. Implants look and function like natural teeth, making them an ideal option for patients with tooth loss.
Stages of Dental Implant Treatment
- Initial Examination and Planning
- X-Ray and Tomography: The first step is to assess the patient’s jaw structure and bone density. Panoramic X-rays and tomographies are used for this purpose. These detailed images help the dentist understand the specific needs and conditions of the patient’s mouth.
- Creating a Treatment Plan: Based on the obtained images, your dentist will create the most suitable treatment plan for you. This includes determining where the implants will be placed, how many implants are needed, and other details related to the process.
- Surgical Stage
- Anesthesia: The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia might be considered, depending on the patient’s anxiety levels and overall health condition.
- Placing the Implants: The surgeon prepares the area in the jawbone where the implant will be placed and inserts the titanium implant into the jawbone. This procedure usually takes 1-2 hours. After the placement, the gums are sutured, and the patient is given specific post-operative care instructions.
- Healing Process
- Osseointegration: This is the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone. It typically takes 3-6 months for this to be completed. During this time, the implant becomes fully integrated into the jawbone, acting like a natural tooth root.
- Temporary Prosthesis: During the healing process, patients may use temporary prostheses to meet their aesthetic and functional needs. These temporary solutions allow patients to continue their daily routines without major disruptions.
- Placing the Prosthetic Tooth
- Completion of the Healing Process: After osseointegration is complete, the dentist places abutments, which are the connectors between the implant and the prosthetic tooth.
- Creating and Placing the Prosthetic Tooth: The permanent prosthetic teeth, customized to fit the patient’s mouth structure, are attached to the abutments. This procedure ensures the appearance and functionality closest to natural teeth. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the size, shape, and color of the patient’s natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetic result.
Types of Dental Implant Treatments
- Single Tooth Implant
- Treatment Process: In cases of single tooth loss, one implant is placed where the missing tooth was, and a prosthetic tooth is attached. This method is more conservative than bridge treatment as it does not require cutting down adjacent teeth.
- Multiple Tooth Implants
- Treatment Process: For multiple tooth loss, several implants are placed where the missing teeth were, and bridge prostheses are attached to these implants. This way, large gaps caused by multiple missing teeth can be effectively restored.
- Full Mouth Implants (All-on-4 / All-on-6)
- Treatment Process: For patients who have lost all their teeth, four or six implants are placed in both the upper and lower jaws, and fixed prostheses are attached. This method provides a more stable and comfortable use compared to complete dentures. The All-on-4 and All-on-6 techniques are designed to maximize the use of available bone and provide a full set of teeth with minimal implants.
- Zygoma Implants
- Treatment Process: These are implants placed in the zygomatic (cheekbone) region when there is insufficient jawbone. This method is suitable for patients with severe bone loss. Zygoma implants provide a solution for those who might otherwise require bone grafting, offering a quicker and less invasive alternative.
Advantages of Dental Implant Treatment
- Aesthetic Appearance: Implants have an appearance almost identical to natural teeth, enhancing the patient’s smile and facial aesthetics.
- Functionality: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing for normal chewing and speaking activities without discomfort or difficulty.
- Bone Preservation: Implants prevent the jawbone from deteriorating and help maintain bone tissue.
- Long-Term Solution: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, offering a durable and reliable solution for tooth loss.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges that require the reduction of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect nearby teeth, thus preserving more of your natural teeth.
Post-Treatment Care for Dental Implants
- Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are crucial to ensure the longevity of implants. Patients should maintain a diligent oral care routine to prevent any complications such as infections.
- Regular Check-ups: Visiting your dentist regularly to check the condition of your implants is essential. These check-ups help in early detection of any issues and ensure that the implants remain in good condition.
- Healthy Diet: Avoiding hard and sticky foods can prevent damage to the implants. A balanced diet that supports overall oral health is also beneficial.
For more information about dental implant treatment in Ankara and to schedule an appointment with Zehra İkincioğlu, click here.
