Implant

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are highly advanced prostheses made to replace missing teeth by being fixed unto the jaw.

People with missing teeth often have several complaints which reduce the quality of life. Mastication is impaired in case of missing teeth, making diet and nutrition more difficult. Tooth loss also changes the closing angles of the upper and lower jaws, causing long term joint problems and chronic pain. Furthermore, due to the aesthetic concerns and possible speech impediments developing as a result of the missing tooth, loss of self-confidence becomes a major issue. Dental implants provide a permanent, practical solution to patients suffering from tooth decay, traumatic tooth loss and other oral health problems.

Missing teeth cause progressive and serious damage to the bones of the skull, due to bone decay and erosion. However, following a tooth extraction or an acute loss of tooth with an implant will significantly reduce this damage, and halt its future development as well. Since implants don’t rely on, or put pressure on the neighboring natural teeth, it’s widely accepted by dentists to be the best option. Dental implants are also the preferred option in cases where the missing teeth are the last molars on the row, where the patient has no teeth at all, or when the jaw bones have deteriorated to such a degree that it can not support a total prosthesis on its own. In conclusion, implants are used both to support the existing natural structure of the mouth, and to provide a practical and permanent solution to problems that may have dire consequences in the future.

Dental implants are performed in two stages. For an essential implant treatment, the first stage consists of preparing the implantation site under comfortable pain management using local anesthesia. The second stage is when the implant is given time, depending on the unique anatomy of the patient, for it to embed safely into the site. When the dentist is sure that everything is as it should be, the implant is exposed for the placement of the prosthetic component, thus finalizing the procedure which results in a permanent, strong prosthesis with a natural look and function.

Dental implants use biocompatible titanium, which is safe for MRI.

Operation Duration

The operation lasts for about 20 minutes for each implant.

Treatment Duration

6-7 days must be spent in Istanbul for the full treatment

Side effects

Allergic reaction against titanium is extremely rare

What to do before dental implants

Mouth and dental hygiene must be kept rigorously before the operation

If the patient is using/has used any medications leading up to the operation, the dentist must be notified

How to care for dental implants

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours after the operation. During the first 24 hours after the operation, avoid hot drinks and only consume soft, cold foods (ice cream, mash, dairy etc.). Avoid hot and spicy food in the first week.
• Sterile cotton rolls can be used to gently bite down after the operation. This will help in reducing swelling and bleeding that might occur after the operation.
• It is normal to have blood in the sputum in the first 24 hours. It is also usual to see blood on the pillow in the morning. Do not try to stop the bleeding by spitting out or rinsing your mouth.
• Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth on the same day after the operation.
• After 36 hours, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with salted water twice per day for 2 weeks. Simply run the water through your mouth for a minute, spit it out, and avoid eating and drinking 30 minutes after the rinse.
• Do not smoke or drink after the operation. It is highly recommended that you avoid these consumptions altogether until full recovery.
• If prescribed pain medication or antibiotics by the dentist, follow the prescription to completion.
• If bleeding occurs later on after the operation, it is advised to use a sterile cotton roll or even a tea bag to apply gentle pressure on the bleeding area.
• Redness and swelling may be observed in the first 2-3 days after the operation around the operation site, cheeks or around the eyes. This is normal and temporary. This will resolve in 7 days at the most. Applying ice on the affected area 10 minutes at a time and sleeping with your head raised above your body with the help of pillows is advised to avoid these complaints.
• Sutures used in the operation are absorbed by the body. Some pieces are expected to remain for about 2 weeks after the operation, even though the sutures will have been absorbed for the most part. If the sutures persist for longer, they should be taken out. In any case, do not brush directly on top of the sutures.
• The dentist is ready to answer your questions 24/7, do not hesitate to make contact in any case of discomfort.
• Avoiding the use of the operated side during meals is recommended until full recovery.
• The sutures will be taken out at the dentist's office after 7 days. Painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed for you if needed. It is proven that 0.12% Chlorhexidine Digluconate mouthwash is significantly effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative infections. It is recommended that you use the mouthwash two times per day for two weeks after the operation.

Dental Implant Check Up

Patients must have check ups for the implants every 6 months, while carefully maintaining dental and oral hygiene.

Contraindications

• Patients who have had radiotherapy on the head and neck region.
• Young patients whose teeth and bone development have not yet finished.
• Heavy smokers are not ideal candidates for dental implants as heavy smoking significantly reduces operation success.
• Patients with any of the following conditions must confirm with their GP before being deemed good candidates for dental implant: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hemophilia, autoimmune diseases, physical syndromes, diseases treated by bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.