Many people experiencing tooth loss ask similar questions:

1. “What exactly is an implant? Is it actually a screw?”
2. “What is meant by an 'implant screw,' or a 'screwed tooth'?”
3. “Are implants really made of titanium? Why is titanium mentioned so often?”
4. “Are implants long-lasting? Can they last a lifetime?”

These are among the most frequently asked questions about implants, both in internet searches and clinical examinations. In this article, we will address each of these questions individually, using understandable language while remaining faithful to the scientific basis of dentistry.

1. What is a Dental Implant? Is It Just a "Screw"?

Let's start with the most basic question: What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial root placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It is typically:

1. Cylindrical or conical in shape.
2. Has screw-like grooves on its outer surface.
3. Designed to fuse with the jawbone.

This is why the question, "Is an implant a screw?" is frequently asked by the public.

1.1. Is an implant a screw?

Yes and no.

1. Yes: Looking at the shape, the body of the implant has a screw form. Its outer surface is threaded and it is placed into the jawbone by "screwing it in."
2. No: It is not an ordinary screw. The implant is:
3. Made from biocompatible, special alloys.
4. Its surface is treated to promote the attachment of bone cells.
5. It is a medical device.

Therefore, comparing it to "a metal screw bought from a hardware store" is inaccurate. An implant is a high-tech artificial tooth root, designed according to medical standards, and intended to remain in the body for many years.

1.2. Is the implant only the visible tooth in the mouth?

No. When most patients see the porcelain or zirconia teeth on top of those who say, "I got an implant," they mistakenly believe that visible part is the implant.

However:

1. The Implant is the root part that remains inside the bone.
2. The Abutment is the connecting piece attached on top of it.
3. The Crown (porcelain, zirconia, etc.) is the part visible at the top.

Although the term "implant" is used colloquially to refer to the entire structure, the implant itself is fundamentally the root component.

2. What is an Implant Screw? Which Part Are We Referring To?

The term "implant screw" is sometimes used to describe the entire implant system, and sometimes to refer to specific components. To reduce confusion, let's clarify the main parts:

Therefore, the question, "What is an implant screw?" can be answered as follows:

An implant screw refers to the titanium-made, screw-shaped implant body placed inside the jawbone to act as the tooth root. Furthermore, small screws that connect this body to the overlying abutment are also part of the system.

Since these terms can sometimes be confusing for patients, dentists often prefer to refer to the entire structure simply as "the implant." But from a professional standpoint, the system is multi-component.

3. Are Implants Made of Titanium? Why is Titanium Used Specifically?

Another frequently asked question concerns the material used for the implant.

Short Answer: Yes, the vast majority of dental implants used today are made from titanium or a titanium alloy.

Why titanium?

3.1. Properties of Titanium

Titanium is an extremely valuable metal used in medicine not only for dental implants but also for:

1. Orthopedic screws and plates.
2. Heart valves.
3. Maxillofacial reconstruction plates.

This is because:

1. It is Biocompatible: It is generally very well tolerated by the body, with a low risk of allergy or rejection.
2. Lightweight and Durable: It has a structure that is both strong and not unnecessarily heavy.
3. Corrosion Resistant: It can remain in a moist and variable environment like the mouth for a long time without rusting or degrading its structure.
4. Most importantly, it forms a bond with the bone called Osseointegration.

3.2. What is Osseointegration?

Osseointegration means that bone cells attach to the implant surface, forming a tight, microscopic connection between the implant and the bone.

1. This allows the implant to fuse with the bone over time, acting like a real tooth root.
2. Chewing forces are physiologically transferred to the bone.
3. The implant's stability increases, making it possible for it to be long-lasting.

Titanium is an extremely suitable material, both chemically and physically, for this osseointegration process.

3.3. Are Zirconia implants also available?

Yes, zirconia (ceramic) implants are available on the market; these are generally white and metal-free options. However:

1. Their long-term clinical data is not as extensive or robust as titanium.
2. They may not be suitable for every case.
3. Their use is more limited, and they are not preferred for every patient due to cost and indications.

Therefore, the first and most widely used material that comes to mind when talking about dental implants is still titanium and its alloys.

4. Are Implants Long-Lasting? Can They Be Used for a Lifetime?

This is one of the most critical questions patients ask: "I'm getting an implant; how many years will it last? Is it long-lasting?"

A sincere and realistic answer is needed here.

4.1. Theoretically, an implant can be used for a very long time

When:

1. Correct planning is executed.
2. An appropriate implant brand and surgical technique are used.
3. The prosthetic restoration (porcelain, zirconia, etc.) is well-made.
4. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are maintained.

...an implant can be used for many years, even 20–30 years and beyond in many patients.

Clinical studies worldwide show that the long-term success rates of titanium implants are very high.

4.2. However, the lifespan of an implant is not solely dependent on the material

Many factors determine whether an implant will be "long-lasting":

1. Quality of Surgical Planning and Execution:
2. Was the bone status assessed correctly?
3. Were the sinus, nerves, and adjacent teeth properly analyzed?
4. Was the implant angle, depth, and number chosen correctly?
5. The Implant System Used:
6. Is it a scientifically proven, well-supported implant brand?
7. Are compatible components (abutment, screw) used?
8. Prosthetic Design:
9. Is the form of the crown (porcelain/zirconia) and its contact with opposing teeth correct?
10. Is the distribution of chewing forces close to natural?
11. Patient's Oral Hygiene:
12. Are regular brushing and interdental cleaning (floss, interdental brush) performed?
13. Are scaling and professional care done routinely?
14. Smoking and Systemic Diseases:
15. Excessive smoking.
16. Systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain osteoporosis medications can negatively affect the health of the tissues around the implant.
17. Night Grinding (Bruxism):
18. Severe clenching or grinding can overload the implant and prosthesis.
19. Protective measures like a nightguard may be necessary in such cases.

As seen, the "long-lasting" nature of an implant cannot be explained solely by "being made of titanium." The entire system and the patient's habits must be evaluated together.

4.3. Is an implant more durable than a natural tooth?

This question also comes up frequently. In short:

1. An implant will not decay because it is made of titanium or ceramic.
2. However, the gum and bone tissue around the implant can still be affected by bacteria.

Conditions around the implant, such as:

1. Mucositis (gum inflammation around the implant).
2. Peri-implantitis (bone loss around the implant).

...can develop. If left untreated, they can lead to implant loss.

Therefore: An implant won't decay, but it can be lost if not properly maintained. Just like natural teeth, it requires cleaning and check-ups.

5. What Does "Screwed Tooth" Mean? Is the Implant Always Secured with a Screw?

The concept of a "screwed tooth" (vidalı diş) in common parlance also sometimes causes confusion. It is generally used in two contexts:

1. The implant itself which is screwed into the bone.
2. The screw-retained method of securing the crown/restoration on the implant.

5.1. Cement-retained vs. Screw-retained Prosthetics

The crown (or bridge) placed on top of the implant can be attached to the implant body using two main methods:

1. Cement-retained System:
2. The crown is fixed onto the abutment using special cements (adhesives).
3. No screw access hole is visible, which can be aesthetically advantageous.
4. Screw-retained System:
5. The crown is secured directly to the implant or abutment using a small screw that passes through the crown.
6. If necessary, this screw can be removed to retrieve the crown for repair or cleaning.
7. It is advantageous in some situations from a functional and technical perspective.

These prosthetic systems are also situations referred to when people say "screwed tooth." Here again, the word "screw" indicates the engineering logic; they are not ordinary metal screws but precision medical connection components.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Implants (Quick Answers)

1. Is an implant exactly a screw?
2. It has a screw form and is screwed into the bone, making it similar to a "screw" in this aspect. But it is not an ordinary screw; it is a specialized artificial root made of titanium, with a specially treated surface, designed to integrate with the bone.
3. What does "implant screw" refer to?
4. It usually refers to the main implant body placed in the jawbone. Additionally, the small connecting screws inside the implant are also part of the system.
5. Are implants made of titanium?
6. The vast majority of dental implants used globally today are made from titanium or titanium alloy. Zirconia implants can be used in some special cases, but titanium is the most widespread material with the strongest long-term data.
7. Does titanium harm the body?
8. Titanium is one of the most commonly used biocompatible metals in medicine. In most people, it can remain in the body for many years in a bone-friendly way, without causing allergies or rejection. Rare allergic reactions are theoretically possible but are extremely infrequent.
9. How long does an implant last?
10. With correct planning, good surgical technique, quality material, regular check-ups, and good oral hygiene, implants can be used problem-free for decades, even a lifetime in many patients. However, this is not a guarantee; problems can arise if maintenance is neglected.
11. Is an implant or a bridge more long-lasting?
12. It varies depending on the situation. For single tooth loss, placing an implant without cutting adjacent teeth is often more advantageous in the long run. Because while the load in a bridge is distributed over several tooth roots, in an implant, the load is transferred to an individual root, and adjacent teeth are protected. Nevertheless, individual evaluation is necessary for every case.

7. Conclusion: An Implant is Not Just a Screw; It's an "Artificial Tooth Root," a Joint Product of Science and Engineering

In this article, we answered four fundamental questions:

1. Is an implant a screw?
2. ➜ It is screw-shaped but is a biocompatible, specially surfaced artificial tooth root, not an ordinary metal screw.
3. What is an implant screw?
4. ➜ The implant body placed in the jawbone and the medical connection components that link it to the restoration are considered part of this term.
5. Are implants made of titanium?
6. ➜ Yes, the vast majority of current implants are made from titanium or titanium alloy, allowing them to integrate with the bone and remain compatible with the body for many years.
7. Is an implant long-lasting?
8. ➜ With correct planning, quality material, and good oral hygiene, implants can be used for a very long time, often decades. But like natural teeth, they require regular maintenance and check-ups.

If you are considering getting an implant, it will be very helpful to write down your questions and ask your dentist during your first examination. Remember:

A well-informed patient feels more secure and comfortable throughout the treatment process.

Implant treatment is one of the most robust solutions, both functionally and aesthetically, for missing teeth when the right patient, the right dentist, the right planning, and the right maintenance come together.