A dental implant is a prosthesis that is used to replace missing or damaged teeth and functions like a natural tooth root. This prosthesis is created by placing a screw-shaped implant made of titanium into the jawbone. By creating an artificial tooth on it, it provides aesthetic and functional completion of the missing or damaged tooth.
How to Get a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a surgical procedure to replace a missing tooth. It usually includes the following steps:
- Examination and Planning: First, the dentist will examine the condition of the missing tooth, take x-rays, and make a plan to locate the implant.
- Surgical Operation: A cut is made on the jawbone where the implant will be inserted and the implant slot is prepared. Then, the implant made of titanium is placed in the jawbone.
- Healing Process: This phase is the expected time for the bone tissue to heal around the implant. This period can usually vary between 3 and 6 months.
- Temporary Prosthesis Application (Optional): In some cases, temporary prostheses can be worn during the healing process.
- Placement and Prosthesis Attachment: When healing is completed, your prosthesis is specially prepared and attached to the implant.
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and usually results in minimal discomfort for the patient.
Things to Consider After Implant Installation
- Pay Attention to the Healing Process: It is very important to pay attention to the healing process after the surgical procedure, as recommended by your doctor. In this process, it is necessary to create a suitable environment for the implant to fuse with the bone.
- Pain and Swelling Control: Pain and swelling may occur after the operation. You should control these conditions by using the medications recommended by your doctor.
- Hygiene: It is very important to pay attention to hygiene around the implant. You should prevent plaque accumulation around the implant by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
- Nutrition: Consuming soft and cold foods after the operation can reduce discomfort in the implant area.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: Avoiding habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol during the recovery process can accelerate recovery.
- Performing Check-ups: You should carry out the periodic check-ups specified by your doctor without interruption.
Should a bridge be built? Should an implant be made?
“Bridge or implant?” The question is a situation frequently encountered by people suffering from missing teeth. Both options are methods used to treat missing teeth, and each has advantages and disadvantages. It is best to consult a dentist or periodontist to determine which method is more suitable for you.
Bridge: It is an artificial tooth that rests on other teeth. It is built on the healthy teeth next to it and imitates the missing tooth. The bridge provides an aesthetically natural appearance and can correct malocclusion. However, during the installation of the bridge, the healthy teeth next to it may need to be cut, which may cause them to weaken.
Implant: It is an artificial root created by surgically placing a titanium screw-shaped device into the jawbone. Implants are long-lasting because they fuse with the bone and there is no need to cut the healthy teeth next to them. However, the application of the implant may require a surgical procedure and the healing process may be longer.
An examination is required first to determine which option is suitable for your situation.
Can implants be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
Insertion of implants immediately after tooth extraction is generally not recommended. Because after tooth extraction, the jawbone enters the healing process and in this process, it may take several months for the bone tissue to fully heal. For the implant to be successful, there must be a sufficient amount of solid bone tissue.
Therefore, after tooth extraction, it would generally be better to wait for the healing process to be completed and wait for some time to evaluate the condition of the bone tissue. Your dentist can determine the best time for you to place an implant at the appropriate time after tooth extraction.
Who cannot get dental implants?
Dental implants are generally used in adults who have an intact jawbone and good oral hygiene. However, in some cases, fitting a dental implant may not be recommended or appropriate. These situations may include:
- Insufficient jawbone: There must be sufficient intact jawbone to fix the implant. In case of jaw bone deficiency, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be required.
- Diabetes: In case of uncontrolled diabetes, the healing process and the risk of infection may increase.
- Heart disease: Implant surgery may be risky for people with some heart diseases.
- Oral hygiene problems: The implant may fail in people with chronic gingivitis or periodontal disease.
- Smoking: The risk of implant failure may increase in smokers and the healing process may be longer.
- Chemotherapy/radiotherapy history: After such treatments, bone tissue may weaken and the implant may become difficult to adhere to.
