Implant Treatments

Among the solutions offered by modern dentistry for individuals experiencing tooth loss, implant treatments provide significant advantages in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. This treatment method, applied to replace teeth lost due to decay, trauma, periodontal diseases, or congenital absence, yields more predictable and successful results thanks to technological advancements.

A dental implant refers to the process of placing a titanium screw into the jawbone, which assumes the role of the missing tooth root. Over time, this titanium screw integrates with the bone tissue and creates a solid foundation for the prosthetic tooth to be placed upon it. Unlike traditional bridge or removable prosthesis applications, implant treatment does not damage adjacent healthy teeth and helps prevent bone loss.

The number of dentists performing implant treatments in Turkey has increased, and it is of great importance for patients to access accurate information about this treatment. Having detailed knowledge about how the treatment process works, the situations in which it can be applied, its risks, and maintenance requirements ensures that the right decision is made.

Basic Principles of Implant Treatment

Dental implants are generally produced from titanium or titanium alloys. Titanium material exhibits biocompatible properties and does not cause allergic reactions. After the implant screw is placed in the jawbone, a process called osseointegration begins. During this process, bone cells attach to the implant surface and secure the implant by surrounding it like a natural tooth root.

The osseointegration period usually varies between 2–6 months. Since bone density is higher in the lower jaw, this period is shorter; it may take longer in the upper jaw. In some suitable cases, a temporary prosthesis can be made immediately after the implant is placed. However, immediate loading is not applied to every patient and is decided upon as a result of clinical evaluation.

Factors affecting implant success include bone quality and quantity, general health status, oral hygiene habits, and smoking. The bone structure is evaluated with a radiological examination before surgery. Thanks to computerized tomography, bone height, width, and density are measured with millimetric precision. The size and position of the implant are planned in line with this data.

Bone Grafting Applications

After tooth loss, the process of resorption begins in the jawbone. When the stimulating effect of chewing forces is eliminated, the bone loses volume over time. In areas that remain toothless for a long time, bone volume may be insufficient for implant placement. In this case, bone grafting procedures are applied.

In bone graft applications, autologous bone (the patient’s own bone), synthetic materials, or bone materials of animal origin are used. Autologous bone grafts have a high success rate. Bone is generally taken from the lower jaw area or suitable areas within the mouth. In cases where extensive augmentation is required, extraoral sources are preferred.

The sinus lifting procedure is applied to patients who have bone insufficiency in the posterior region of the upper jaw. The sinus membrane is gently lifted, and a bone graft is placed underneath. Bone maturation usually takes 4–6 months. In suitable cases, the implant is placed simultaneously.

The split crest technique is applied in narrow bone structures. The bone is expanded in a controlled manner, and the implant is placed in the same session. However, this method is not applied to every bone type.

Procedure Process

Before the implant application, the patient’s general health status is evaluated. Coordination with the relevant physician is ensured for patients using blood thinners. The procedure is mostly performed under local anesthesia.

The gingiva (gum) is opened, the bone surface is exposed, and the implant socket is prepared in the planned position. Cooling is performed to prevent overheating of the bone tissue. After the implant is placed, a healing cap is attached, and the gum is closed.

A single implant application usually takes 30–45 minutes. The duration increases in cases requiring multiple implants or additional surgery. Medication therapy is planned after the surgery, and care recommendations are given to the patient.

Prosthesis Construction Phase

After the osseointegration process is complete, the prosthesis stage begins. First, the healing cap is removed, and an impression part is placed. This process usually does not require anesthesia. An impression is taken and sent to the laboratory. In the laboratory environment, a model is prepared that accurately reflects the position of the implant.

Implant-supported prostheses are applied as screw-retained or cemented. In screw-retained systems, the prosthesis is fixed directly to the implant and can be removed when necessary. This method provides an advantage in terms of maintenance. In cemented systems, an abutment is screwed to the implant, and the prosthesis is glued onto this part.

For single tooth deficiency, ceramic or zirconium crowns are generally preferred. For multiple tooth deficiencies, bridge prostheses are applied. In cases of total edentulism (complete tooth loss), fixed hybrid prostheses or implant-supported removable prostheses are planned. The choice of prosthesis is made in line with the patient’s clinical condition and expectations.

After the prosthesis is placed, the occlusion (bite) relationship is carefully checked. Excessive contact points create harmful forces on the implant. Therefore, occlusion adjustment is performed meticulously.

What are the types of implants?

Dental implant treatments are applied with different techniques according to the patient’s bone structure, the number of missing teeth, and expectations. Today, not only single tooth implants but also advanced systems offering fixed solutions for total edentulism are used. The most frequently applied implant types are explained under separate headings below.

Single Tooth Implant

It is the most conservative solution applied for a single missing tooth.

• Adjacent teeth are not cut/prepped.
• One implant is placed in the jawbone.
• A porcelain or zirconium crown is made on top of it.
• It provides the function and aesthetics closest to a natural tooth.

Multiple Implants (Implant-Supported Bridge)

Instead of placing an implant for every tooth in cases of multiple tooth loss, implants are placed at certain intervals, and a bridge prosthesis is made on top of them.

• Depending on the bone structure, 2–3 implants may be sufficient.
• Offers a fixed solution.
• Eliminates the need for removable prostheses.

All-on-4 Implant System

It is one of the most preferred fixed implant solutions for totally edentulous patients.

• 4 implants are placed in the lower or upper jaw.
• Posterior implants are placed at an angle.
• Temporary fixed teeth can be made on the same day.
• It can offer a solution without requiring bone grafts in patients with limited bone volume. The treatment period is short and provides the advantage of a fixed prosthesis.

All-on-6 Implant System

Similar to the All-on-4 system, but 6 implants are placed in the jaw.

• Provides more support.
• Increases long-term durability.
• Preferred especially for young patients and those with strong chewing forces.

Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis on Implants

A special prosthesis system fixed onto implants in cases of total edentulism.

• Generally applied over 4–6 implants.
• It is a screw-retained system and can be removed by the dentist.
• Aesthetics and function are provided together.

Implant-Supported Removable Prosthesis (Overdenture)

• Applied for patients using removable prostheses but experiencing stability problems.
• 2 or 4 implants are sufficient.
• The prosthesis attaches to the implants.
• It is a removable structure.
• It is an economical and comfortable alternative.

Zygomatic Implant

• Applied to patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
• Placed in the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the standard jawbone.
• Requires advanced surgical experience.
• Can reduce the need for grafts.

Mini Implants

• They have a thinner diameter compared to standard implants.
• Preferred in narrow bone structures.
• Can be used for stabilizing temporary prostheses.
• Requires less surgical intervention.

Immediate Implant

• The implant is placed in the same session as the tooth extraction.
• Applied if the bone structure is suitable.
• The treatment period is shortened.
• Provides an advantage in the aesthetic zone.

Which implant system is more suitable?

The type of implant is determined based on:

• Bone volume
• Number of missing teeth
• General health status
• Aesthetic expectations
• Budget

Treatment planning is always carried out after a clinical examination and radiological evaluation.

What are the possible complications?

Early-stage complications include infection, bleeding, and insufficient implant stability. The risk is minimized with appropriate surgical protocols and hygiene measures.

Work is performed close to the mandibular nerve in the posterior region of the lower jaw. Therefore, tomographic planning is done before surgery and a safe distance is maintained.

At the top of the late-stage complications is peri-implantitis. Poor oral hygiene and smoking increase this risk. Control is ensured with professional cleaning and appropriate treatment in the early stages.

In patients with bruxism (teeth grinding), excessive force places a load on the implant. Therefore, a night guard is recommended.

How is implant application in special patient groups?

Implants are applied in diabetic patients, but blood sugar must be under control. It is important that the HbA1c value is within the appropriate range.

The risk of osteonecrosis is evaluated in patients using bisphosphonates. Medication history is questioned in detail.

Implant success may decrease in patients who have received radiotherapy in the head and neck region. A multidisciplinary evaluation is required.

Implants are not recommended for individuals who have not completed their growth and development. Planning is generally done after the ages of 18–21.

How should implants be maintained? How to extend their lifespan?

Regular oral care is essential to maintain implant success in the long term. Tooth brushing is performed at least twice a day. Interdental cleaning is not neglected.

Dental floss, interdental brushes, or oral irrigator devices can be used. A dentist check-up at least twice a year is recommended.

During professional cleaning, special tools that do not damage the implant surface are used.

Smoking negatively affects implant success. It is advised to stay away from smoking before and after treatment.

What are the 2026 implant prices?

The cost of implant treatment varies according to the implant brand used, the number of implants, the need for bone grafts, and the type of prosthesis.

In simple single-implant cases, the total treatment period usually varies between 3–6 months. In cases requiring grafts, the period can extend up to 1 year.

Written planning is made before the treatment, and all costs are explained to the patient in detail.