A dental implant acts as a substitute for the root of a missing tooth. This artificial root replaces natural teeth and integrates with the gums. Dental implant surgery is a viable option when traditional dentures or bridges aren’t feasible due to the absence of natural teeth. Expect to undergo several steps in the process of getting dental implants.
Complete Dental Examination
The first appointment involves a comprehensive dental checkup with X-rays and 3D imaging. These tools help assess your jawbone’s condition and oral structure. For example, panoramic X-rays allow the dentist to measure the space between adjacent teeth, which is crucial for proper implant placement.
Your dental implant plan is collaboratively developed by a prosthodontist and a maxillofacial surgeon, based on your jawbone condition and remaining teeth. Your medical history and medications are evaluated to determine the necessary implants and any potential complex surgery. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection prior to the procedure.
The steps involved in installing a dental implant include:
Removing a Damaged Tooth
- If necessary, bone grafting
- Installing dental implants
- Allowing the bone around the implant to heal
- Placing abutments
- Attaching hybrid prostheses or crowns
- Implanting a dental bridge
Depending on your condition, pain management may involve local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The dental team will guide you on pre-operative dietary restrictions. During the surgery, an incision is made to expose the bone, where the implant will be inserted.
At this point, your missing tooth will still be noticeable. Temporary prosthetics may be placed for aesthetic purposes and can be removed for cleaning.
Post-Operative Care
After surgery, you may experience common discomforts such as:
- Swelling in the jaw and face
- Bruising on the skin and gums
- Pain at the implant site
- Minor bleeding
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain relief medications. It’s advisable to consume soft foods to aid recovery. Smoking should be avoided, as it increases the risk of complications. Self-dissolving sutures are typically used, but your dentist will remove them if they do not dissolve on their own.
Bone Healing Period
The entire process may take three to six months, primarily spent on new bone tissue formation around the implant. Some steps can be combined based on individual circumstances and techniques used.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, local anesthesia is administered for the abutment placement, which will connect to the crown. After your surgeon exposes the gums, the abutment is attached and partially covered by gum tissue. In some cases, the abutment can be placed during the initial surgery, avoiding a second procedure.
Crown Fabrication and Placement
After the surrounding soft tissue heals, your dentist will take impressions for your custom crowns. Once ready, you will return for fitting and adjustments, followed by attaching your new tooth or teeth to the implants.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Maintaining your crowns is essential. The care for dental implants is similar to that of natural teeth—brush and floss regularly. With proper care, a titanium implant can last a lifetime, and crowns typically last about 15 years. If you grind your teeth, consider a night guard, and avoid hard objects that can damage your crowns.
Dental Implant Treatment in Turkey
Turkey is a top destination for dental implants, offering world-class care at affordable prices. Popular cities like Marmaris, Antalya, and Istanbul attract patients seeking quality treatments.
Reasons to choose Turkey include:
Quality treatments at lower prices compared to Europe, the UK, and the US.
Combine dental care with a memorable holiday experience.
Access to bilingual professionals for seamless communication.
Before deciding on a dental center, read reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot. Comparing before-and-after photos can also help you choose the best clinic, as Turkish dentists are recognized for their expertise.
We guarantee your treatment with a warranty document upon completion. When you choose our Marmaris dental center, our coordinators will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today for more information!