Dental implants can be described as "artificial teeth". These medical dental tools, which are placed into the gum, stand out with their functionality and aesthetic overall appearance.
As the use and preference of dental implants increase, questions such as "what is a dental implant" or "what are the advantages of implants" are encountered more frequently. Dental implants used in the treatment of missing teeth consist of screw-shaped material and dental prostheses. Those screws, mostly made of titanium, are placed inside the jawbone. Dental prostheses are placed on these screws.
Types of Dental Implants
Thanks to the developments in dentistry, different options have emerged for people who have faced missing teeth problems. Within the extent of missing tooth treatment, the most ideal method is applied according to the person's expectations and intraoral anatomy.
There are 2 types of implants commonly used: Endosteal and Subperiosteal implants. An endosteal implant is applied if there are 1 or more missing teeth. In the subperiosteal implant, bones are measured, and these implants usually serve the full prosthesis to remain stable and steady. The structure of the jawbone, the condition of the gingiva, and the number of missing teeth determine the choice of prosthesis.
Dental Implant Treatment
Before the dental implant treatment, the patient's intraoral is examined, his/her health condition is evaluated, an x-ray of the mouth is taken, and both the measurement of the jawbone and teeth is taken. What to do is decided and detailed information is provided to the patient. The dental operation can be applied as “one-stage” or “second-stage”. In one-stage implant treatment, a temporary tooth cap is attached after the implant is placed in the jawbone. During the second stage, the dentist waits until the gums heal. After the implant is placed, and the healing period is completed, the prostheses are placed. It is likely to wait between 3 and 6 months on average. Implants are compatible with other teeth in terms of shape and color. So dentures do not look like artificial teeth. The treatment is performed under local or general anesthesia. Thanks to the developments in dentistry, the implant process can be done more easily and quickly.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Missing teeth pose an aesthetic problem and reduce the functionality of the mouth and teeth. Thanks to implants, it is possible to "kill two birds with one stone", so to speak. Because both a more aesthetic tooth alignment is obtained, and the chewing-speaking ability improves. The advantages of having dental implants are:
- They offer a natural-looking tooth appearance.
- Implants are permanent as the screw implant is placed in the bone.
- Loosening does not occur in implant teeth.
- They promise a more comfortable use compared to fixed dentures.
- Adjacent teeth are not damaged during the implant treatment process.
Since anesthesia is applied during dental implant treatment, the patient does not feel any pain. Intense pain is not experienced after the operation too, but it is normal to have mild pain for a certain period of time. It takes about 8 to 10 days for the discomfort to pass and the process of getting used to the new tooth.
Since the dental screw is placed in the jawbone, an intense level of loosening does not occur. Because the teeth are fixed in the relevant area. If the implant is severely shaking, it may also be caused by reasons such as tooth root infection, bone loss, or bad dental work. If this happens, it would be useful to consult your dentist.
Although it is not a very common situation, cracking and breaking of dental implants may occur. In this case, it is necessary to replace the broken implant with a new one. Paying attention to oral hygiene, protecting the intraoral against physical impacts, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements (if necessary) are important in terms of preventing the problem of implant cracking.