TOOTH IMPLANT THERAPY

Tooth implant is a treatment method implemented to restore deficient tooth and to regain aesthetic and function of the tooth…

Tooth implants aim to substitute the tooth inside the mandible. This method is preferred in case of loss of one or more teeth. Mandible augmentation may be performed when bone level is not sufficient for implantation. There are therapy options such as tentpoll, box technique, ring technique, sinus lifting. One of the techniques above may be used as needed by the dentist during implant procedure.

Conventional implant therapy requires a waiting period between 3 and 6 months after implant placement. Current technology enables to implant four or six teeth on the maxilla and mandible for complete teeth loss within the same session or in the next day.

The patient may leave the clinic with 4 zygomatic implants including 2 on the right and 2 on the left without grafting (bone powder) to the maxilla in the same day or next day.  Same therapy is performed on the mandible through All on Four technique.

The importance of dental implant is not to regain chewing functions only. Expectations of the dentists and patients are functional, phonetical and aesthetic. Therefore, creation of a natural gingiva and providing a natural aesthetic look are important in prosthesis on the implant. The implants with healthy gingiva may survive life long.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TOOTH IMPLANTATION

What is dental implant and when is it performed?

Dental implants are titanium materials which mimic the tooth root. It is implemented to regain the deficient teeth in case of teeth loss. The prosthesis may be placed in the same day of implantation through developed methods. Intraoral exam and x-ray are utilized to plan the implantation before the procedure.

Is implantation procedure painful?

The implantation site is anaesthetized before. The patient does not feel pain. The implant surgery may be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia for the patients who afraid of the procedure.

How long do implants stand?

Dental implants are guaranteed for lifetime. However, the prosthesis placed on the implant should be regularly checked. Life of the prosthesis is about 8 to 10 years. Then, the veneer should be changed only.

What are the alternatives of implant therapies?

Implant therapy is the most accurate treatment option which preserves the patient’s bone as well as current teeth. If one tooth is deficient, the teeth on the sides may be minimized and bridge may be done. However, this would lead to loss of intact tooth tissue. The therapy may be finished by single implant without damaging current teeth.

Removable dentures may be used as an alternative to implant therapies in the patients with multiple teeth loss. Removable prostheses are designed according to the toothless zones. Prosthesis should be taken off and tissues should be allowed to rest during night. Adaptation is difficult.

What are the alternatives for the patients who have lost or loose all teeth?

The patients who have lost or loose all teeth may have fixed teeth through All on Four method within one session. In this method, 4 implants are done by an operation without need of any extra surgical procedures such as sinus elevation. The prosthesis prepared after implant surgery is fixed inside the mouth. The patient may continue her/his life without living toothless. Hard foods should be avoided for the first 3 months. The patients may use the permanent prosthesis placed after 3 months as their own teeth.

Alternative to implant therapies is palate prostheses for all toothless mandibles. Using palate prostheses is difficult at the beginning. The patient starts to adopt in time.

Should wisdom teeth be removed?

3rd largest grinders are known as wisdom teeth in the public. They usually try to grow during 18 to 20 years of age. If positions of these teeth are normal and there is sufficient area on the jaw bone, they are kept in the mouth. They should be removed because of ingrowing due to position or damaging the adjacent teeth.