Dental Implant: Treatment for Missing Teeth

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This content was prepared by the dentists of Özel Serdent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic. Our dentists
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A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone to support a prosthesis in the area of a missing tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a crown, bridge or removable prosthesis can be fitted onto it. Whether implant treatment is suitable is determined by the dentist after an intraoral examination and radiographic evaluation of the bone.

Findings evaluated before treatment

  • The height and thickness of the bone in the area where the implant is to be placed
  • Gum health and the level of oral hygiene
  • The bite relationship and any clenching (bruxism) habit
  • General health conditions and medicines being used
  • Smoking, which the dentist takes into account in planning and follow-up

Where the bone is insufficient, procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may be considered. Whether these are required is decided after radiographic evaluation.

How the treatment proceeds

  1. Examination, radiographic evaluation and, where required, tomographic imaging
  2. Sharing the treatment plan, the stages and the number of sessions with the patient
  3. Placement of the implant under local anaesthesia
  4. The healing period, during which the implant integrates with the bone
  5. Impression taking and preparation of the prosthesis
  6. Fitting of the prosthesis and adjustment of the bite
  7. Follow-up appointments at the intervals set by the dentist

The healing period varies from patient to patient according to bone quality and the area treated. Where the dentist considers it appropriate, a temporary prosthesis may be used during this period.

After treatment

Swelling and sensitivity may occur in the days following the procedure. The dentist’s instructions regarding medication, diet and oral hygiene should be followed during this period. In the long term, brushing, cleaning around the implant and attending regular check-ups affect the condition of the surrounding tissues. Gum inflammation around an implant is a condition that requires treatment, so check-up appointments should not be skipped.

When bone volume is not sufficient

An implant needs a certain volume and quality of bone to be placed in a stable position. Where bone has resorbed after long-standing tooth loss, procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may be considered so that the site can support an implant. These steps lengthen the overall timeline, because a grafted area needs its own healing period. Whether they are required is decided after three-dimensional imaging, not from a clinical examination alone.

Single tooth, several teeth and full arch

The number of implants is not always the same as the number of missing teeth. A single gap is usually restored with one implant and one crown. Where several neighbouring teeth are missing, implants may be placed at selected positions and joined by a bridge. In a jaw with no remaining teeth, a smaller number of implants can carry a fixed or removable restoration; the options are described on the implant supported prostheses page. Which pattern applies depends on bone volume, the opposing jaw and the bite relationship.

Imaging and planning

Planning is based on three-dimensional imaging, which shows bone height and width, the position of the nerve canal and the floor of the sinus. The implant position is decided on this data before the surgical stage, and in some cases a guide is prepared so that the planned position is transferred to the mouth. This stage also determines whether a temporary restoration can be fitted during the healing period.

Conditions that affect planning

Gum health is assessed first, because inflammation around the remaining teeth affects the tissue around an implant as well. Smoking is taken into account, as it has been reported to affect healing processes. Systemic conditions such as diabetes, medication affecting bone metabolism and a grinding habit are recorded during planning, since each changes how the case is managed. Sharing a full medical history at the first examination is therefore important.

Long-term care

The tissue around an implant needs the same daily attention as a natural tooth. Brushing is combined with interdental brushes or floss recommended by the dentist, and review appointments are set at intervals the dentist determines. Inflammation around an implant can progress without pain in its early stage, which is why regular review matters rather than waiting for a symptom to appear.

Planning for patients travelling from abroad

Implant treatment is carried out in stages with healing periods in between, so it is not usually completed within a single visit. Examination, imaging and the surgical stage may take place in one period, and the prosthetic stage after the healing interval. Please contact the clinic before travelling so that the schedule, the number of visits and the time needed in Eskisehir can be discussed in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Is the procedure carried out under anaesthesia

Implant placement is generally carried out under local anaesthesia. The anaesthesia method is decided by the dentist according to the patient’s condition and the extent of the procedure.

What happens if there are several missing teeth

Depending on the number and position of the missing teeth, a bridge or a removable prosthesis supported by implants may be planned. Details are given on our page about implant-supported prostheses.

CONTACT

If you have a question about this subject, you can reach our clinic.

How long does the whole process take

The total duration depends on the healing period, on whether an additional bone procedure is required and on the type of prosthesis. The schedule is shared with the patient after the examination.

The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Diagnosis and treatment planning are carried out by the dentist following an intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation.

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CONTACT

You can reach our clinic for information and appointments.

Serdent Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği

Yenibağlar Mah. Fabrikalar Sok. No: 12/A, Tepebaşı / Eskişehir

Every day 09:30 – 20:30

More questions patients ask

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium based screw placed into the jawbone in the position of a missing tooth, onto which a prosthetic tooth is later attached. It is intended to take over the function of the natural tooth root.
Who can be considered for dental implant treatment?
Implant treatment is assessed for people whose jaw development is complete, whose general health condition is suitable and whose oral tissues are appropriate for the procedure. Suitability is determined after a dental examination and radiological assessment.
What should be observed after implant placement?
The medication and care instructions given by the dentist should be followed, hard and very hot foods should be avoided in the first days, oral hygiene should be maintained regularly and the recommended follow up appointments should be attended.
What kind of prosthesis is placed on an implant?
Depending on the number of missing teeth, a single crown, a bridge or a full arch prosthesis may be used. The options are described on the implant supported prostheses page.
Is an implant possible if there is not enough bone?
When bone volume is insufficient, procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may be considered, which extends the overall timeline. Suitability is determined by three-dimensional imaging.
What happens during the healing period?
The implant is left to integrate with the bone. During this period the dentist may fit a temporary restoration. Instructions on medication, diet and oral care should be followed and review appointments attended.
How should an implant be cleaned?
Brushing is combined with interdental brushes or floss recommended by the dentist. The tissue around the implant needs the same care as a natural tooth; neglect can lead to inflammation.
Can smoking affect implant treatment?
Smoking has been reported to affect healing processes. The dentist takes smoking status into account when planning and shares the relevant recommendations.
What if an implant is not possible?
Bridges or removable prostheses may be evaluated instead. Which option is suitable depends on bone volume, gum health and the condition of the neighbouring teeth.
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