Short answer: A dental implant is a screw-shaped artificial root, usually made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a lost tooth. Once it has fused with the bone, a crown, bridge or prosthesis is attached to it, replacing missing teeth in a fixed way. It can be used for people whose jaw growth is complete and who have enough bone and healthy gums; suitability is determined by an examination and imaging.
Losing a tooth does not just mean a gap in your smile; it reduces chewing efficiency, can cause the neighboring teeth to tilt over time and the tooth in the opposing jaw to over-erupt, and leads to gradual resorption of the jawbone in that area. A dental implant, one of the methods used to replace missing teeth, is a structure that takes the place of the lost tooth's root. So what is an implant, who can have one and what stages does the treatment go through? In this guide we answer the question what is a dental implant from the ground up, covering the general framework of the process, its advantages, possible risks and care.
What is a dental implant, and why is it done?
A dental implant is a screw-shaped artificial root, usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy, that is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a lost tooth; with a crown, bridge or prosthesis attached to it, missing teeth are replaced in a fixed way. Once the implant has fused with the bone, it transmits chewing forces to the bone much like a natural tooth root.
An implant restoration consists of three basic parts:
- Implant body (screw): The part placed in the jawbone that acts as the root.
- Connecting piece (abutment): The part that links the screw to the tooth above it, extending from the gumline into the mouth.
- Restoration: The part visible in the mouth; it can be a crown for a single tooth, a bridge when several teeth are missing, or a prosthesis attached to implants when all teeth are missing.
An implant can be used to close the gap of a single missing tooth without touching the neighboring teeth, to provide support for a fixed bridge when several teeth are missing, or to increase the retention of removable dentures in jaws with no teeth.
Who are dental implants suitable for?
Implants can be used for people whose jaw growth is complete, who have enough bone volume to support the implant, whose gums are healthy and whose general health allows a surgical procedure. Age alone is not an upper limit; what matters is the condition of the bone and general health.
The main factors considered in the assessment are:
- Jaw growth: In teenagers who are still growing, implants are usually postponed, because while the jaw keeps growing the implant stays fixed in place and may over time end up out of line with the neighboring teeth.
- Amount of bone: If there is not enough bone, a suitable foundation can be prepared with additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.
- Gum health: If there is active gum disease, it needs to be treated first.
- General health: Uncontrolled diabetes, a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck, use of certain medications that affect bone metabolism and serious immune problems call for careful planning. In these cases, the dentist may work together with the relevant physician.
- Smoking: Because it negatively affects healing and long-term success, quitting or cutting down before treatment is recommended.
During pregnancy, planned implant surgery is usually postponed until after delivery. Whether a person is suitable for an implant is determined by an examination, X-rays and, when needed, a three-dimensional CT scan.
What are the stages of implant treatment?
Implant treatment consists of examination and planning, preparatory procedures if needed, surgical placement of the implant, the period of integration with the bone and fitting of the restoration. The total time can range from a few months to longer, depending on additional procedures and how quickly the person heals.
- Examination and imaging: An intraoral examination is done; with a panoramic X-ray and, in most cases, cone beam computed tomography, the height and width of the bone and its proximity to important structures such as nerves and the sinus are assessed.
- Treatment plan: The number, size and position of the implants and the type of restoration are planned. Digital planning and surgical guides are used when needed.
- Preparation: Treatment of decayed teeth, any necessary extractions, gum treatment or bone grafting is done at this stage.
- Surgical placement: Under local anesthesia, the gum is opened, a socket for the implant is prepared in the bone and the screw is placed. How long the procedure takes depends on the number of implants.
- Healing and integration: There is usually a wait of a few months for the implant to integrate with the bone. Temporary tooth options can be used during this period.
- Restoration: Once integration is complete, an impression is taken and the permanent crown, bridge or prosthesis is fitted.
If there has been a long wait after a tooth was lost, the neighboring teeth may have tilted into the gap. In that case, correcting the teeth orthodontically before the implant can open up suitable space for it. We looked at the options for this in our article on missing teeth and clear aligner treatment.
What are the advantages and risks of dental implants?
The main advantages of an implant are that it replaces a missing tooth without cutting down the neighboring teeth, restores much of the chewing function and slows bone loss in that area; the risks, as with any surgical procedure, include infection, complications involving structures such as nerves or the sinus, and the implant failing to integrate with the bone.
Advantages
- For a single missing tooth, there is no need to reduce healthy neighboring teeth for a bridge.
- Because it is a fixed structure, chewing and speaking comfort is generally higher than with removable dentures.
- By transmitting force to the bone, it helps slow bone resorption in the toothless area.
- In patients with no teeth, it can improve quality of life by reducing denture movement.
- With proper care and regular check-ups, it can be used for many years.
Possible risks
- Infection, swelling or bleeding at the surgical site
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness in areas of the lower jaw close to the nerve
- Sinus-related complications in the back of the upper jaw
- The implant not integrating sufficiently with the bone and needing to be removed
- In the long term, gum inflammation and bone loss around the implant (peri-implantitis)
Detailed imaging, careful planning and the patient following recommendations during healing contribute significantly to reducing these risks.
What factors affect the cost of a dental implant?
The cost of implant treatment varies from person to person depending on the number of implants needed, additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, and the type and material of the restoration. That is why a sound assessment is not possible without an examination and imaging.
- The number of missing teeth and the number of implants planned
- Whether there is enough bone volume, and the need for additional surgery
- Diagnostic and planning steps such as CT scans and digital planning
- The type of restoration (single crown, bridge, implant-supported prosthesis) and its material
- The need for a temporary tooth during the waiting period
- Other dental and gum treatments required before treatment
At our clinic, the treatment plan and fee information are provided to each patient individually, in writing, after the examination and necessary imaging are completed.
How do you care for a dental implant?
Caring for implants consists of brushing twice a day as with natural teeth, cleaning around the implant with interdental brushes or special floss, and regular dental check-ups. The implant itself does not decay; however, the gum and bone around it can become inflamed.
- Carefully clean the line where the implant meets the gum with a soft brush.
- Clean under bridges and implant-supported prostheses every day with the tools your dentist recommends.
- If you have a clenching habit, tell your dentist; a night guard may be recommended.
- At check-ups, the area around the implant is measured and, if necessary, the bone level is monitored with X-rays.
- If you notice bleeding or swelling of the gum or a feeling that the implant is loose, seek care without waiting.
You can find answers to other common questions about implant care and the treatment process on our frequently asked questions page.
When should you see a dentist in Ankara about missing teeth?
If you have recently lost a tooth or have been living with missing teeth for a long time, getting an assessment before bone loss progresses and the neighboring teeth shift into the gap widens your treatment options. At our polyclinic in Oran, Çankaya, next to Panora Mall, after an examination and imaging we discuss openly whether an implant is suitable for you, any alternative methods and the stages of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a dental implant last a lifetime?
With careful planning, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can be used for many years. However, no treatment can be promised to last a lifetime. Smoking, gum disease and inadequate care can negatively affect the lifespan of an implant.
Will I feel pain during implant surgery?
Because the procedure is done under local anesthesia, pain is usually not felt during it; you may feel pressure and vibration. After the anesthesia wears off, there may be tenderness and swelling for a few days. Your dentist will give you suitable advice for this period.
Can I get an implant if I do not have enough bone?
When bone volume is insufficient, a suitable foundation can be prepared with procedures such as bone grafting or, in the back of the upper jaw, a sinus lift. These procedures can extend the treatment time. Suitability is determined by assessment with a CT scan.
Which is more suitable, an implant or a bridge?
For a single missing tooth, an implant offers the advantage of closing the gap without touching the neighboring teeth. If the neighboring teeth already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge can also be a suitable option. Which one is more suitable is determined by evaluating the bone condition, the neighboring teeth and personal preferences.
