Implant Treatment in Detail

Implants are regarded as today's most effective and functional treatment for tooth loss. Commonly known as screw teeth, implants are artificial tooth roots placed into the jawbone to replace teeth lost for various reasons; they are typically made of titanium, though alternative materials like zirconium are also used.

Compared to traditional crowns and dentures, implants offer better speech and chewing function and a more natural appearance. The procedure is performed painlessly under local anesthesia; general anesthesia may be used in some cases. A healthy gum structure and sufficient bone tissue are necessary for the treatment to succeed.

When performed by a specialist team in a sterile environment, implant treatment is a safe and comfortable procedure that includes both a surgical stage and a prosthetic stage. Patients with insufficient bone density may still be treated with a synthetic bone graft. It can be applied to any patient over 18 whose bone development is complete, with no upper age limit.

The advantages of implants include a natural-looking result, improved chewing and speech function, no need to touch adjacent healthy teeth, and increased retention for full dentures. With proper care, implants can generally last a lifetime, with the patient's oral hygiene being the most important factor.

Placing an implant takes about 10 minutes, but 2 to 6 months are needed for it to fuse with the jawbone. Crowns attached to implants can be renewed while the implant itself remains in place. Since smoking and alcohol negatively affect healing, patients are advised to avoid them at least during recovery; normal daily life can typically resume right after the procedure.