Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium artificial tooth roots placed to replace missing or congenitally absent teeth. They pose no harm to the body.
Implants offer several advantages. For single or multiple missing teeth, they allow for tooth replacement without affecting adjacent healthy teeth. Additionally, dental implants enable the use of fixed dentures instead of removable ones for extensive tooth loss.
Historically, regional tooth loss was treated with bridges, which required cutting healthy teeth adjacent to the missing area. However, implant treatment has become the preferred method in recent years. This is because healthy teeth remain intact, and the jawbone is preserved in implant placement areas.
A comprehensive patient history is essential before implant placement. Factors such as systemic diseases, bone width and height, bone density, smoking habits, and oral hygiene influence implant success.
Pre-treatment radiographic examinations assess bone conditions. While techniques exist to build up insufficient bone tissue (e.g., bone grafting), they may not be suitable for all patients.
Implant Candidacy
Individuals in good general health aged 17-18 or older are generally suitable for implants.
Factors Affecting Implant Treatment
Pre-existing conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, heart, and bone disorders must be considered. In most cases, implant treatment is possible with appropriate medical management or dietary adjustments. Smoking negatively impacts implant success. Patients on bisphosphonate medications (commonly used for bone resorption prevention) are typically ineligible for implants.
Implant Safety
Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with healthy bone without causing harm.
Implant Treatment Process
After implant placement, an average of two months is required for the implant to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration). During this period, no clinic visits are necessary. Once osseointegration is complete, the prosthesis construction phase begins, typically lasting about 20 days.
Post-Implant Comfort
Local anesthesia is administered during surgery, ensuring patient comfort. Post-operative pain and swelling may occur but are generally mild. Contrary to common belief, implant procedures are relatively pain-free.
Stitch-Free Implant Placement
In cases where tooth extraction and immediate implant placement are performed, stitches are often unnecessary. Additionally, when sufficient bone and attached gingiva are present, a small incision is made for implant placement, eliminating the need for stitches.
