Implant treatment and care

How is an implant made?

We often recommend implants to patients as a solution for missing teeth. Implants, typically screw-shaped artificial roots, are used to replace teeth lost due to decay, trauma, gum disease, or other causes.
Tooth loss can lead to a range of issues including changes in appearance, speech difficulties, and challenges with chewing, as well as impacting the overall health of the mouth. If left untreated, missing teeth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time. Therefore, placing an implant after tooth loss is crucial for maintaining oral health.
Implant treatment is highly versatile. It can be used for patients missing a single tooth or for those who have lost all their teeth. A major advantage of implants is that they offer a natural chewing experience and do not damage surrounding teeth during the treatment.
Most implants are crafted from titanium and its alloys. These materials are resistant to oral fluids, durable, and have a long lifespan. Titanium implants, in particular, are known for their excellent compatibility with body tissues.

Implant Treatment

Before beginning the procedure, patients must be over 18 years of age and should have fully developed facial and jaw structure. Additionally, X-rays—and sometimes CT scans—are needed to assess whether the jaw structure is suitable for the implant procedure. Patients with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should inform their physician and stabilize these conditions before treatment. Once these criteria are met, the implant process can begin:

Initial Placement: If the jaw structure is suitable, the implant is placed immediately in the area of the missing tooth. Depending on the patient’s jaw, this initial phase can take up to three months. After this waiting period, an X-ray is taken to ensure the jawbone has healed properly, and measurements of the jawbone and remaining teeth are recorded.
Gum Preparation and Implant Placement: The gum is carefully incised to the correct size, and the implant is positioned in the bone cavity after applying local anesthesia. The implant is then allowed to integrate with the jawbone, which typically takes between one to three months, depending on the individual.
Bone Support and Adjustments: If there is insufficient bone or bone loss occurs during the waiting period, the treatment might need additional time. In such cases, bone augmentation procedures—such as bone grafts or bone powder application—are performed to strengthen the area before proceeding with the implant.
Prosthesis Stage: Once the bone is ready, the gum is reopened, and the artificial tooth root is securely placed. A custom-made prosthesis is then created in the lab based on the patient’s oral measurements and the shade of their natural teeth. After the prosthesis is prepared, it is fitted in the patient’s mouth and adjusted as needed.
Final Stage – Crown Placement: The last step involves placing a crown on the titanium tooth root. This crown can be made from zirconium or porcelain, providing a customized and natural appearance. It is then secured onto the implant either by screwing or bonding.

Implant Aftercare

Maintaining oral hygiene after an implant procedure is essential; otherwise, implants can be lost just like natural teeth. Regular brushing, using mouthwash, and keeping up with dental check-ups are critical to ensure the longevity of the implants.

Feel free to reach out to us for more information about implant treatment methods, or if you have any oral health concerns. You can also schedule an appointment for a consultation.