Dental Implant and Surgical Operations
What is an dental implant?
In short, an implant is an artificial tooth root made of suitable material that is placed in the jawbone to restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. Precisely manufactured dental implants are in the form of screws that are inserted directly into the jawbone. Once healed, the implants provide a strong foundation for the artificial tooth or bridge that is attached to the top of the implant.
Compared to other tooth replacement options, implants are closest to your original teeth because they fuse to the jaw; offering a more natural feel and function. Because the implants are securely attached to your mouth, you can continue eating, brushing and sleeping without having to remove the teeth.
You can get years back with implants. As you lose your natural teeth, the jawbone underneath is also absorbed, causing the face to show a ‘sunken’ appearance. Deep wrinkles and lines may begin to appear around the mouth or lips, and folds may develop. Unlike dentures, implants can reduce this bone loss and restore the natural appearance of your face.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
- İmplantlar, doğal dişler gibi görünür ve hissedilir – yeme içme ve konuşma fonksiyonlarının yerine getirilmesine olanak verir.
- İmplantlar, sağlıklı dişlere zarar vermeden kalıcı stabilite ve konfor sağlar.
- İmplantlar gevşemez veya düşmez.
- İyi ağız hijyeni sağlarsanız, implantlar uzun yıllar dayanabilir.
- İmplantlar, kemik yapınızı uyararak ve çevresindeki dişleri stabilize ederek yaşlanmaya bağlı kemik kaybını önler.
What is a dental implant?
In short, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of suitable materials, placed into the jawbone to restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth.
Are there different types of implants?
Yes. Since becoming widely used, various implant designs have been developed. However, today the most commonly used type is the screw-shaped implant.
Are treatments with implants safe and long-lasting?
Studies aimed at developing safe and high-quality implants have been ongoing since 1809. Today, there are implants on the market with up to 35 years of clinical follow-up, as well as newer brands. Your dentist can provide more specific information.
Can implants be used in every case?
If there is sufficient bone volume where the implant is to be placed, then implants can be used for both single and multiple missing teeth.
Can every patient receive implants?
Implant screws come in specific widths and lengths. Therefore, the jawbone in the area must have sufficient height and width to accommodate the implant. Bone quality also affects success. Additionally, the gums must be healthy before and during the lifespan of the implant. If the patient’s general health is good, there is no upper age limit. However, implants are typically not recommended for very young patients whose bone development is not complete.
Will I feel pain during implant placement?
No, not if proper anaesthesia is applied. General or local anaesthesia can be used based on patient preference. Any pain experienced later that evening is usually manageable with simple painkillers. Many patients report the pain is similar to or even less than after tooth extraction.
How long does the total implant treatment take?
Today, implant surgeries can sometimes be completed in just half an hour. The total duration depends on your bone and tooth structure. Usually, the final prosthesis is completed around the third month after surgery.
Is cleaning the implants important?
Yes—very much so. Since implants are foreign objects in the mouth, their care is as important as, or even more important than, natural teeth. Implant hygiene requires some learning but is not difficult. The key to a successful treatment is regular oral care.
How are prosthetics placed on implants?
The prosthetic designs depend on the case. Some are removable by the patient for easier cleaning, while others can only be removed by the dentist. Your dentist will explain the best design for your case before beginning treatment.
Is one implant needed for each missing tooth?
No. Depending on the location, one implant can support two or even three teeth.
What if the implant doesn’t fuse with the bone (osseointegration fails)?
With proper technique and implant selection, this is rare. If failure occurs, it usually happens within the first 6 months. In such a case, the implant is easily removed. After healing, a new implant or traditional prosthesis can be considered. If more than two implants were placed, the remaining ones can usually still support the prosthesis.
Where and how is implant treatment done?
Before starting, it is essential to receive accurate and comprehensive information. Dr. Aykut Koşun, who has completed specialised training abroad, will guide you through the process. When done correctly in appropriate cases, implant treatment can greatly improve quality of life. At our clinic, consultations about implant treatments are free of charge. During your exam, your general health will be assessed, and if necessary, some tests and radiographs may be requested.
What are the potential risks of implant treatment?
Beyond the general risks associated with oral surgery, early complications include infection or allergic reactions. In the long term, poor hygiene may cause inflammation around the implant. Smoking during the healing process increases the risk of infection.
What are the advantages of implant treatment in various cases?
In completely edentulous lower jaws: Implants eliminate pain and instability caused by removable dentures and also prevent bone loss.
In completely edentulous upper jaws: Although upper dentures are more stable, they often reduce taste sensation and cause nausea due to palate coverage. Implants can resolve this.
In partially edentulous jaws: Implants eliminate the need for unsightly clasps or sacrificing healthy teeth for bridges.
For single missing teeth: Placing a single implant preserves adjacent teeth and offers better aesthetics and function.
What are the disadvantages of implant treatment?
Implants require very meticulous and consistent oral hygiene.
What are the advantages of implant treatment?
Better chewing ability, freedom to eat what you want, improved aesthetics, increased self-confidence and better nutrition.
Are all implants successful?
Many factors determine success. The patient must be healthy and capable of healing. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications. Each patient must be evaluated carefully, and implant type and technique should be selected appropriately. Patient cooperation is also critical. Smoking and heavy alcohol use may reduce success rates.
How long do implants last?
Lifespan depends on health and care. With proper maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Your dentist will explain your personal risk factors.
Is age a limiting factor for implant placement?
No. Health is more important than age. Many patients in their 70s or 80s have fewer surgical risks than younger patients with health issues. In fact, elderly patients often need implants more due to tooth loss.
Can the body reject implants?
No. Implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium, which do not trigger immune rejection like organ transplants.
Is implant success guaranteed?
No procedure under your control can be guaranteed. As with any surgery, outcomes depend on many factors. We promise to do our best for a successful result and guide you throughout.
How long does implant placement take?
It depends on your specific case. Surgery can take from 30 minutes to several hours. Full treatment might be completed in one visit or may require several appointments over a few months.
How much time off work will I need?
We usually recommend taking the day of surgery and 1–2 days afterward to rest. There may be swelling or minor pain, but you will never be left without teeth during the process.
Research and statistics show that due to inadequate oral hygiene, people of all ages eventually require implants. Implant reliability has been proven through decades of clinical research and follow-up. Because implants don’t damage adjacent teeth and provide better chewing, they are often a better option than bridges.
However, the success of an implant also depends on the proper design of the crown placed on top. Even a tiny error in crown planning or placement can affect the implant’s function, durability, and the symmetry of your smile.
Interested in getting a tooth on your implant the same day?
Thanks to advanced technology, it is now possible to place a tooth on the implant on the same day. Traditionally, implants required 2–4 months of healing before a permanent tooth could be placed. Immediate placement used to be risky due to chewing forces.
With the BioHPP abutment system, the entire prosthetic design is preplanned digitally. These custom abutments make same-day restorations possible, reducing healing strain and increasing success rates.
Can I get a prosthesis immediately after implant placement?
YES and NO.
NO: The implant must fuse with the bone over a healing period of 2–4 months. During this time, temporary prosthetics can be used. YES: With rapid and aesthetic protocols, it is possible using advanced systems.
What are oral surgery operations?
Abscess and cyst removal (Apicoectomy)
When is apicoectomy performed?
If root shape prevents proper root canal treatment
If instruments break inside the canal
If there is a restoration that cannot be removed
If a cyst has formed at the root
If pain persists after proper root canal treatment
If the root tip is fractured
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt and often cause problems due to lack of space or positioning. They may need to be removed in certain situations.
When should wisdom teeth be extracted?
Cavities: They can trap food and bacteria, causing decay in themselves or adjacent teeth.
Gum Disease (Pericoronitis): Partially erupted teeth may create infection sites leading to pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness.
Pressure Pain: Crowding can cause discomfort and misalignment.
Prosthetic Planning: Wisdom teeth may interfere with denture fit.
Cyst Formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts that destroy bone and harm nearby teeth.
Orthodontic Reasons: If they disrupt dental alignment.
Tooth Extractions are performed in cases such as:
Untreatable decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infections or abscesses
Orthodontic space needs
Fractured or non-restorable teeth
Impacted or misaligned teeth
Sinus Lifting This involves adding bone to the upper jaw below the sinus to allow implant placement. Materials used may include the patient’s own bone or bone graft substitutes.
Two types of sinus lifting exist. One involves gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone material beneath it to prepare for future implants. This is necessary in areas where the sinus cavity has enlarged after tooth loss, reducing bone volume.
In severely resorbed upper jaws, sinus lifting provides vertical height for secure implant placement.