Dental İmplants

A dental implant is a metal rod with an internal screw or hook (abutment) that can hold the denture (or teeth) in place. Implants are usually made of titanium. After a few months, the alveolar bone is fused with a titanium rod. Then, dentures, crowns or bridges can be inserted into the implant to replace the missing teeth. An implant can hold one or more spare teeth. In the upper jaw, at least six implants are required to replace all teeth, and in the lower jaw, four to six implants are required. To place dental implants, it is necessary to perform at least a small operation. You need to have healthy gums. Since smoking can affect the outcome of treatment, some specialists do not place implants in people who smoke. Implants may not be a successful treatment for people with health problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or people who have undergone chemotherapy treatment. Ask your dentist if dental implants are the right option for you.

Preparation For Dental Implant Surgery

The dentist will explain how you need to prepare for the procedure. You may need to have an X-ray or CT scan so that the dentist can check the thickness of the alveolar bone and the position of other structures in the mouth. Dental implant surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia completely blocks the pain in the mouth and you stay awake during the procedure. You may be given a sedative; this relieves anxiety and helps you relax. Although it is not very common, you may need to be hospitalized and treated under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the operation. Your dentist will explain what will happen before, during and after treatment and any pain that may occur. This is a chance for you to understand what is going to happen, and you may find it useful to prepare a list of questions about the risks, benefits and other alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed so that you can give consent when you are asked to sign a consent form to perform the procedure.

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

If a tooth needs to be extracted before dental implant surgery, the dentist can pull out the tooth and insert an implant directly into the tooth socket – this is called an immediate implant. However, the dentist usually places the implant after a few weeks, which is called a delayed immediate implant. Sometimes you wait a few months after the shot for the alveolar bone to heal – this is called delayed implantation.

One- or two-phase implants Both immediate and delayed implants can be performed in one phase or in two phases.

In one-stage implant treatment, the implant rod and the abutment passing through the gums are placed at the same time to connect the implant to the denture. In the two-stage implant treatment, the implant rod is buried under the gum while the bone heals (you don’t see it in your mouth). After a few months, they will do another small operation to place the fulcrum. Sometimes the dentist can implant artificial teeth on the same day as the implant is made. However, it usually takes three to eight months for the mouth to heal. The dentist may install a temporary bridge or partial denture on you so that there is no gap between your other teeth. Decontamination. If you have a full denture, it can be worn so that you can wear it during this time. After your mouth has healed, you will undergo a second, smaller surgery to expose the gum above the implant, if necessary. The dentist will place the artificial tooth on the implant. The teeth can be permanently fixed or positioned so that they can be removed for oral cleaning. The dentist will make sure that they fit properly, look like your other teeth and do not cause discomfort.