Dental Implant in Turkey

What happens during dental implant surgery?

The dental implant procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and in multiple steps. The complete process can last for a few months. Most of this time is accounted for by the fusion of the implant as well as the growth of the new bone in the jaw. The procedure is personalized for the patient based on their condition, specific needs, and the type of implant. Sometimes, multiple steps are combined to save time.

The process of placing a dental implant has many steps, including:

• Removal of a damaged tooth 
• Preparation of jawbone – using bone graft, if required
• Placement of Dental implant 
• Period of bone growth (fusion) and healing
• Placement of Abutment 
• Placement of the chosen Artificial tooth 

Bone grafting in the jawbone 

• The bone grafting procedure is necessary if the jawbone does not have the required thickness or is too soft. This step is required because the chewing action of the mouth puts excess pressure on the jawbone, and if it is unable to support the implant, the surgery is likely to fail. Therefore, the bone graft creates a solid base for the implant.
• A bone graft is available in various materials, including a natural bone piece from another part of the body or a synthetic bone graft. The bone-substitute material is selected to provide structural support for the new bone growth. The doctor will discuss these options with the patient and help choose the best one.
• The transplanted bone graft takes several months to grow and form enough new bone to support a dental implant. For some people, this can be achieved by minor bone grafting. This will depend on the condition of the jawbone.

Dental implant placement

• The procedure for dental implant placement involves fixing the screw-like titanium prosthetic into the jawbone. The dental surgeon will make an incision on the gum to expose the bone beneath. 
• Then, the surgeon will drill holes into the bone where the dental implant is placed. The implant will serve as the tooth root, and so it’s implanted deep into the jawbone.
• The gap from the missing tooth will still be there after this step. Sometimes, the doctor places a partial or temporary denture for appearance. This denture is removable and can be cleaned or removed while sleeping.

Bone growth or osseointegration 

• Osseointegration is the process of fusion of the metal implant post with the jawbone. 
• In this process, the jawbone grows into and around the surface of the dental implant, ultimately forming a solid base. 
• The entire process may take several months to complete. 
• After this, a stable foundation from the fused implant is ready for the new artificial tooth, and it works just as roots do for the natural teeth.

Abutment placement

• Additional surgery may be performed to place the abutment, the material, or the piece where the tooth crown will be attached. It is a minor surgical procedure performed in an outpatient setting and typically uses local anesthesia.
• The dental surgeon will reopen the gum to expose the dental implant and bone. The abutment is attached to the dental implant, and the gum tissues are closed around the abutment. 
• The abutment might also be attached to the dental implant metal post while the post is being implanted. 
• The dentist will complete the procedure after placing the replacement tooth. 
• The gums will heal within two weeks after the abutment is placed. Then, the artificial tooth can be attached.

Choice of new artificial teeth

• The dental surgeon will take impressions of the mouth and the remaining teeth to produce a new artificial tooth or crown. 
• The crown will only be placed after the jawbone is strong enough to support the new tooth.
• The replacement tooth can be removable, fixed, or a combination of both. 

1. Removable tooth replacement: This is similar to the traditional removable dentures. It typically comprises an artificial white tooth that is surrounded by pink plastic gum. The replacement can be a partial or full denture. The prosthetic is mounted on a metal frame that is already attached to the abutment, and it encloses the removable artificial tooth securely into place. The advantage is that it can be easily removed for repair and daily cleaning.
2. Fixed tooth replacement: This type of artificial tooth is permanently fixed, screwed, or cemented onto the implant abutment. It can’t be removed for cleaning, during sleep, or other purposes. Usually, each crown is separately attached to a dental implant. As dental implants are durable, several teeth can be bridged together using one implant only.