Despite all modern advancements in oral and dental health, our teeth may gradually decay over time, and many of us can experience tooth loss due to injury or disease.

Implant treatment is a method applied to prevent tooth loss and provide a healthier, more reliable, more aesthetic, and long-lasting solution. It involves placing artificial tooth roots—made of titanium and its alloys—into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

Developed as an alternative to traditional bridgework and dentures, this treatment method provides a strong foundation for fixed or removable artificial teeth that are designed to match your natural teeth. In other words, these screws placed into the jawbone support dentures and prosthetic teeth inside the mouth.

Why Should Dental Implant Treatment Be Performed? What Are Its Benefits?

Dental implants can be used for many years. Patients regain brand-new, fixed teeth with characteristics similar to their lost natural teeth. The most important benefit of implants is that patients can use and clean them just like their own natural teeth for many years.

The bone in the area of an extracted tooth can gradually resorb over time. However, implants placed after extraction significantly reduce this bone loss, and in many cases, bone resorption stops completely in the long term.

Types of Dental Implants

Although there are various types of implants, the most commonly used ones are screw-shaped implants. Another name for screw-shaped implants is traditional implants.

Endosteal implants consist of two stages:

First, they are surgically placed into the jawbone. Then, the gum tissue is shaped around them.

All-on-X Implants

All-on-X implants offer a faster solution for fully restoring the upper or lower jaw compared to traditional implant treatments. Using computer-guided surgery, the specialist dentist determines the optimal implant positions and places them into the bone.

Requiring only six implants per jaw for a fully functional set of teeth, the All-on-X method often eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting procedures. A temporary prosthesis is attached during the process. The treatment typically takes about 1–2 months. Once the implants fully integrate with the surrounding bone, the temporary prosthesis is replaced by a permanent set within a few short months.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Implant Treatment?

For implant treatment to be possible, there must be adequate bone structure at the implant site. If the bone structure is insufficient, artificial bone may be applied. The jawbone must have appropriate width to support the implants. Because bone development and width are crucial, implant treatment is generally recommended for patients aged 18 and above.

Is Implant Placement Painful?

Thanks to local anesthesia or sedation used during the procedure, patients do not feel pain. Any postoperative discomfort or mild pain can be resolved with medication. Complete healing usually occurs within 1 to 3 months.

How Long Does Implant Placement Take?

Depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan, the surgical procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

After the 1–3 month healing period, the temporary prosthesis is removed and replaced with a permanent prosthesis, completing the treatment.

Do Implants Provide a Natural Appearance?

Porcelain crowns used in implant treatments offer a highly natural appearance. Porcelain is preferred for front teeth, while titanium-coated prosthetic teeth are often chosen for molars due to their durability.

How Long Does an Implant Last?

The lifespan of implants depends on the patient’s oral hygiene, smoking habits, and overall dental care. If proper oral care is not maintained, implants may not last long. Implants are, in essence, artificial teeth—so the better they are cared for, the longer they last.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum diseases. Alcohol and tobacco use may cause staining and inflammation. Just as we protect our natural teeth, we must apply the same level of care and attention to implant-supported teeth.

Is Implant Treatment Expensive?

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding dental treatments is whether implants are costly. Prices vary depending on the examination, materials used, treatment procedures, treatment duration, and the number of implants required. Annual inflation rates and currency fluctuations also influence implant treatment costs.

Can Implant Treatment Be Performed in Patients with Health Conditions?

Implant treatment may pose a risk for diabetic patients. However, with regular follow-ups and controlled blood sugar levels, implants can be safely placed. Frequent check-ups help shorten healing time, which is why close monitoring is essential.

Another important consideration is excessive smoking. Heavy smoking slows the healing process. Therefore, patients should reduce or stop smoking before treatment and ideally avoid it afterward. Smoking significantly impairs healing during implant therapy.

Patients with bone diseases or those taking related medications should undergo implant treatment under a doctor’s supervision.

Thanks to modern technology, implant treatment provides exceptional functionality, comfort, and longevity in oral and dental health. Its durability and ability to provide healthy, natural-looking teeth make it one of the most preferred treatment methods today.

Dr. Dt. Ali Direnç Ulaşan

Specialist in Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery