What is a Dental Implant?

Clinician pointing with a pen to explain an implant cross-section model held in the patient's hands (representative image)

A dental implant is a titanium, screw-shaped artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth that have been lost due to periodontal problems (gum disease), decay, trauma, or other reasons. We can also think of implant placement as the opposite of tooth extraction. It has expressions such as fake tooth and tooth planting among the public. Thanks to implants applied in single or multiple missing teeth, the lost chewing function and aesthetics are restored to the patient with fixed or removable prostheses.

Looking at the historical development of the implant; Dr. Brenemark accidentally noticed the tight adaptation between bone and titanium in the experiments he conducted on the tibias (lower leg bone) of rabbits in the 1950s, and as a result of more detailed studies, he named this connection ‘osseointegration’, laying the foundations for the implant. Later, studies on implant applications continued in the 1960s; especially after the 1980s, it began to spread all over the world. However, in those years, it could be applied at certain rates due to reasons such as their high costs and the low number of trained personnel in this regard. Technological developments in recent years have enabled implants to be produced more easily and their diversity to increase. This situation has enabled implants to be among the routine dental treatments.

Things You Wonder About Implants;

What is the Pain Situation During Implant Treatment?

Since implant treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Since your dentist will completely numb the area to be treated, you can be treated comfortably. Modern implant applications are quite fast, and this shortens the pain duration.

What is the Pain Situation After Implant Surgery?

You may feel mild pain after implant treatment. This pain can usually be controlled with painkillers such as ibuprofen. Everyone’s tolerance to pain is different. The complexity of the procedure can affect the pain. The density and structure of the jawbone can also determine the pain.

What are the Implant Brands? How Can It Affect the Success of Implant Treatment?

Today, there are many implant brands, and most of them show successful results in terms of surface structure. In general, there are productions from many countries such as Turkish, Korean, Swedish, German. In implant selection, the dentist can guide the patient according to the jaw structure, expectations, treatment to be performed, and economic situation. The effective factors here are;

  • Implant surface structure and form, (bone density may not be of sufficient quality. Or the patient may have systemic diseases that affect the bone structure. In this case, having a healthy connection between the jawbone and the implant thanks to its special surface structure and form is the reason for preference.)
  • Offering implant options in sufficient variety of sizes according to the adequacy of the bone structure in the area where the implant will be placed, (having sufficient options in terms of size in insufficient vertical dimension and width bone structure)
  • Having a surgical system that will facilitate the surgery of the implant,
  • Having enough superstructure options in the production of implant-supported prostheses
  • The reliability of the implant company and how long it has been in business
  • The price of the implant
  • International accessibility of the implant (especially important in foreign patients)

Is an Implant Warranty Certificate Required?

Your doctor should give you a warranty certificate after implant surgery. It states when the procedure was performed and what size implant was placed. Since all the information will be written on this paper in case of a problem years later, there will be no difficulty. Because when viewed as a whole, an implant prosthesis is like a jigsaw puzzle with very sensitive connections. Therefore, the inability to supply a small part will make the whole treatment difficult. In addition, dental implants will remain in the mouth for a very long time with correct planning. They are long-lasting treatments. In fact, implant companies give a lifetime warranty for the body part of the implant. They also give a 5-year warranty for its superstructure. If there is any problem beforehand, you should directly go to your dentist and seek a solution.

Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer?

Absolutely not. Because implants are made of titanium, which is a very special substance that does not cause any allergic reactions. Naturally, it will provide a very good fit with the tooth and jaw structure.

How Should You Pay Attention to Nutrition After Implants Are Placed?

Especially after implant surgery, nutrition with COLLAGEN content will ensure that the implant establishes a good connection with the jawbone.

How Should Implant Teeth Be Cared For?

Just like our natural teeth, they should be brushed regularly twice a day. Then, it should be continued with dental floss, an interface brush, and oral showers.