The question of how implant surgery is performed is frequently asked by people who want to have dental aesthetics. Implant surgery is a widely preferred treatment method for individuals who are missing teeth. This surgical intervention usually involves the process of placing a dental implant directly into the jawbone.
Implant surgery involves integrating a screw-like implant made of titanium into the jawbone. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the surgeon determines the correct position of the implant using pre-taken radiographic images. Dental implants provide a function and aesthetics similar to natural teeth, improving the patient's oral health and appearance. Another important stage of implant surgery is the healing process to ensure that the implant fuses with the jawbone. This period can usually range from a few weeks to a few months, and the patient may need to wait for a prosthetic tooth to be placed on the implant that has integrated with the bone. During this period, patients support the healing process by following the care instructions given by the doctor and ensure that the implant fuses successfully. Implant surgery offers an effective and long-term solution for individuals who want to regain the function and aesthetics lost due to missing teeth. However, it is important to note that implant surgery is not suitable for every patient. Implants may not be successful in individuals who do not have a healthy jawbone and general health. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals considering implant treatment first undergo a detailed evaluation and consultation process with a dentist.
How is Implant Surgery Performed Step by Step?
Step by step implant surgery is a surgical procedure that helps individuals with missing teeth regain their oral health and aesthetic appearance. Implant surgery is usually performed by a specialist dentist or oral surgeon and involves the placement of a screw-like implant made of titanium into the jawbone. The first step is usually to take radiographic images of the patient and evaluate the suitability of the jawbone. This step is critical for determining the correct position of the implant and making preoperative planning. The second step is the implant placement process. In this surgical intervention, which is usually performed under local anesthesia, the dentist or surgeon determines the correct position of the implant by making an incision in the jawbone. After the titanium implant is placed in the jawbone, the healing process begins. During this process, bone cells grow towards the surface of the implant to create a strong bond between the jawbone and the implant, allowing the implant to fuse with the jawbone. The third step is the placement of a prosthetic tooth or dental bridge over the implant after the healing process is complete. This allows the patient to achieve an appearance and function similar to natural teeth. Step-by-step implant surgery offers a safe and effective treatment option thanks to the technological and surgical advances offered by modern dentistry. However, since every patient is different, a detailed evaluation and consultation process is important before implant surgery.
Local Anesthesia: Blocking the Sensation of Pain
First, local or general anesthesia is used to prevent the patient from feeling pain. After anesthesia is applied, the area where the implant will be placed is cleaned and, if necessary, the existing tooth is extracted. Then, a small incision is made in the gums to reach the area where the implant will be placed in the jawbone. Since the implant is designed to act like the natural root of the tooth, a hole is opened in the jawbone using a special drill. The titanium implant is placed in the created space and screwed tightly. After the implant is placed, a cap is placed over the area where the gum was cut to close the implant and usually 1-2 stitches are placed in this area. These stitches are used to support the healing process and help the implant integrate with the jawbone. These stages of the implant surgery may vary depending on the patient's tooth deficiency and the health of the jawbone. However, in general, implant surgery is considered a very successful and reliable treatment option with the technological advances and surgical skills in modern dentistry.
The Integration Process of Implants Placed in the Jaw
The process of integrating an implant placed in the jaw into the bone usually takes between 2 and 6 months. This integration phase is critical for ensuring post-operative success by creating a solid bond between the implant and the jawbone. During this time, bone cells in the jawbone grow towards the surface of the implant and surround it, providing integration. This biological integration allows the implant to be firmly embedded in the bone and fuse with the jawbone. Completing the integration into the jawbone is critical for restorative procedures such as dentures or dental bridges to be applied. This process creates a strong foundation for the implant in the jawbone, increasing the durability and function of the prosthesis. In most cases, radiographic images and other evaluation methods are used to determine that the implant has successfully integrated with the jawbone. This phase is an important step in ensuring the long-term success of the implant and that the patient achieves a function similar to natural teeth.
Placement of the Abutment
After the jaw has healed successfully and the implant has fully integrated into the bone, an additional surgery can be performed to place the abutment, which is the support on which the crown will be attached to the implant. This surgery is usually performed under anesthesia. In the first stage of the surgery, a small incision is made in the gums to see the implant. The abutment is a connecting element that is attached to the implant and forms the point where the prosthesis will be attached. During this procedure, the abutment is securely attached to the dental implant, then the gums around the implant are closed and stitched. After this surgical stage, a period of 2 weeks is usually waited for the gums to heal. The placement of the abutment is the beginning of restorative procedures such as fixing the prosthesis or fitting an implant-supported dental bridge. This stage is important to ensure that the implant works in harmony with the jawbone and to ensure that the patient achieves aesthetic and functionally satisfactory results. In the post-surgical period, it is also very important for the patient to follow the dentist's instructions and to follow up regularly.
Preparing the New Implant Covering
Once the gums have completely healed, the next step is to prepare a new implant crown with the patient’s dentist. During this step, the dentist takes a mold of the patient’s mouth to ensure proper alignment of the mouth. This mold is used to fabricate a custom-designed implant crown and forms the basis for the fabrication of a prosthetic tooth designed specifically for the patient’s jaw structure. The crown (the crown on top of the implant) is not placed until the jaw is strong enough to support the new tooth. This process involves waiting for the jawbone to fully fuse with the implant and create a solid foundation. The dentist may recommend either a removable denture or a fixed denture, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. This decision is made by considering the patient’s aesthetic expectations, jaw health and overall oral condition. Once the decision has been made, the 5th and final step is to complete the implant surgery. This step results in the implant being successfully placed, integrated with the jawbone and the prosthesis being positioned in a manner that suits the patient’s needs. These steps of implant surgery are planned and implemented specifically for the patient's tooth deficiency, to provide an aesthetic and function similar to natural teeth.
Final Step: Crown Installation Process
The final stage of implant treatment is the placement of a crown on the implant to secure the artificial tooth. During this step, the dentist works to place a specially designed crown on the implant. In some cases, the dentist may perform exercises to check the shape of the crown, paying attention to the position and fit of the replacement tooth in the mouth. Once the final decision is made, the artificial tooth is screwed or glued onto the implant. This means that the implant has been successfully placed and integrated, works harmoniously with the jawbone, and the prosthesis is suitable for the patient's oral structure. After implant surgery, bruising and swelling may occur in the gums and soft tissues due to the procedure. After the procedure, ice can be applied to the surgical area to reduce and relieve swelling in the gums, as recommended by the dentist. The patient is also given care instructions to follow during the recovery period. This step allows the patient to regain aesthetics and function similar to natural teeth, while also ensuring the long-term success of the implant.
Contact Us Now to Get Answers to Your Question on How Implant Surgery is Performed
Implant surgery is a surgical intervention that offers an aesthetic and functional solution for individuals with missing teeth. You can contact us now to learn more about this subject and to create a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. The implant surgery process is meticulously managed by our expert dentists and supported by modern technology and surgical skills. In the initial phase, the implant is placed in the jawbone using local or general anesthesia. Then, a healing process begins to complete the integration of the jawbone and the implant. You can contact us to learn more about the details of implant surgery and the progress of the process, to evaluate your treatment options and to create the most suitable plan for you. Our expert team is ready to guide you to achieve a healthy and aesthetic smile, taking into account your specific situation.
