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Missing teeth

Dental implant treatment

An artificial tooth root is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth; once the root has fused with the bone, a tooth is made to fit on it. On this page we explain how the treatment proceeds, who it may suit and what to keep in mind.

Book an examination Read about the process
İmplant parçaları: titanyum vida, bağlantı parçası ve kron (temsilî görsel)
On this page
  1. In brief
  2. What is Dental implant treatment?
  3. Who may it suit?
  4. Step-by-step process
  5. Aftercare
  6. Possible risks and precautions
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Dentists who provide this treatment
  9. Related treatments and articles

In brief

Appointments
Usually 3–5
Total time
Usually 2–6 months
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
Back to daily routine
Mostly 1–2 days

Durations are general information and vary from person to person. Your own timeline is written in your treatment plan after the examination.

What is Dental implant treatment?

An implant is a small screw-shaped part that takes the place of the root of a lost tooth. It is usually made of titanium and placed in the jawbone. Over a few months the bone grows around the surface of the implant; this fusion is called osseointegration.

Once fusion is complete, a connecting part (abutment) is placed on the implant and a tooth (crown) is fitted onto it. If more than one tooth is missing, implants can also be used to support a bridge or a denture.

An implant is not the only option for a missing tooth. Bridges and removable dentures are also options. Which one suits you is discussed after the examination and imaging, together with the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Who may it suit?

Usually considered

  • Adults missing one or more teeth
  • People whose jaw development is complete
  • People with enough bone to support the implant, or who are suitable for bone grafting
  • People whose general health allows a minor surgical procedure
  • People who can keep up regular oral care

Further assessment may be needed

  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Previous radiotherapy to the head and neck
  • Some medicines used for osteoporosis
  • Heavy smoking
  • Pregnancy (treatment is usually postponed)

These conditions are not always an obstacle. Simply tell your dentist at the examination about the medicines you take and any illnesses you have had; if needed, your doctor's opinion is requested.

Step-by-step process

  1. Examination and imaging

    An oral examination is carried out. The height and width of the bone and the surrounding structures are assessed with a 3D CT scan.

  2. Treatment plan

    The options, possible risks, number of appointments and timeline are explained to you. Once you decide, the plan is prepared in writing and your consent is obtained.

  3. Placing the implant

    The area is numbed with local anaesthesia and the implant is placed in the bone. If needed, bone grafting can be done in the same session or beforehand.

  4. Healing and fusion

    Fusion of the implant with the bone usually takes a few months. During this time a temporary tooth can be used in visible areas.

  5. Impression

    Once fusion is complete, an impression is taken with a digital intraoral scanner.

  6. Fitting the tooth

    The prepared tooth is fitted on the implant; the bite and appearance are checked.

  7. Check-ups

    The implant and the surrounding gum are monitored with regular check-ups during the first year and afterwards.

Aftercare

The first days

  • In the first hours, applying something cold to the outside of the cheek at intervals helps reduce swelling.
  • Do not eat until the numbness wears off; on the first day choose lukewarm, soft foods.
  • Be gentle when brushing the treated area; if your dentist recommended a mouthwash, start it the next day.
  • Smoking slows healing; take a break if you can.
  • Take any medicines you are given as prescribed.

In the long term

A tooth on an implant needs the same daily care as natural teeth: regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and check-up appointments.

Possible risks and precautions

As with any surgical procedure, implant treatment has risks. These are explained to you individually at the examination.

  • Swelling, bruising, tenderness and slight bleeding may occur in the first days; they usually settle on their own.
  • An infection may develop.
  • Rarely, a nearby nerve may be affected, causing numbness in the lip or chin.
  • Extra precautions may be needed in areas of the upper jaw close to the sinus.
  • The implant may not fuse with the bone; in that case the treatment is re-planned.
  • In the long term, inflammation of the gum around the implant may develop if care is insufficient.

If you have unexpected pain, increasing swelling or a fever, call us during opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel anything during the implant procedure?

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia; usually nothing other than pressure is felt in the numbed area. There may be some tenderness for a few days after the numbness wears off.

How long does an implant last?

This depends on oral care, general health, smoking and regular check-ups. It is not possible to give an exact duration.

Will I be without a tooth during implant treatment?

In visible areas a temporary tooth or denture can often be used. This is discussed in your treatment plan.

Can I have an implant if I don’t have enough bone?

In some cases, space can be created with additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift. Whether this is suitable is assessed with a CT scan.

Can implants be placed at any age?

They are generally not placed in children and teenagers whose jaw development is not complete. In adults, general health matters more than an upper age limit.

Dentists who provide this treatment

Related treatments and articles

Appointment

Let's decide on the right treatment together at your examination

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Appointment request +90 312 269 33 33