Implant stages are a topic that every individual who wants to get an implant is curious about. An implant is an artificial tooth root used to replace a lost tooth.

Implant treatment is performed to solve the aesthetic and functional problems caused by tooth loss and is nowadays included in dental treatments frequently performed by dentists.

The implant stages proceed as follows:

1. Initial examination and treatment planning

During the initial examination, implant treatment stages suitable for the patient's health condition are planned. For the implant treatment to progress healthily, the implant to be applied must be specifically selected for the patient's condition.

The dentist performs a comprehensive dental examination and reviews the patient's medical history. In some cases, a digital tomography (CT) scan may be necessary.

After making the necessary examinations, your dentist will provide you with information about implant treatment and prepare your treatment plan.

At this stage, the appropriate implant size, shape, and other characteristics are determined for the area where the implant will be placed.

2. Implant operation

The implant operation, which is one of the implant stages, represents the process of the dentist placing the implant in the lower jaw or upper jaw bone. The implant to be placed is made of titanium and is an artificial tooth root that replaces the natural tooth root.

After the implant is placed, a few months are waited for it to heal and fuse with the jawbone.

Implant treatment is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia ensures the numbing of the area where the implant will be placed and prevents the feeling of pain.

The dentist or dental surgeon accesses the bone where the implant will be placed by cutting the gum. Then, the implant is positioned correctly and fixed to the bone.

For the placement of the implant, a hole of the appropriate size for the implant needs to be drilled. A special drill is used for this procedure. The drill is specifically selected based on the size of the bone where the implant will be placed and the size of the implant.

3. Healing process

For the implant to fuse with the bone, a healing process of approximately 3-6 months is required.

This process continues until the implant fuses with the jawbone. After the implant completely fuses with the jawbone, the dentist places an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the tooth.

4. Placement of the Implant

In the "placement of the implant" procedure, which is the last of the implant stages, the implant to be applied is placed in the drilled hole and fixed to the bone. A special drill or a special hand tool is used to place the implant in the jawbone.

At this stage, after the implant is positioned correctly and its depth is adjusted, the prosthesis is placed.

Thanks to the prosthesis placed on the implant, the teeth look quite natural and healthy.

Things to consider for longer-lasting dental implants:

To ensure that the dental implant is long-lasting and successful, it is very important to perform oral cleaning. At this stage, the patient needs to pay much more attention to oral care. Habits such as regular brushing and using dental floss help maintain the health of surrounding teeth and gums.

• Dental implants are sensitive to impact or injuries. It is important to use protective equipment when playing sports. Also, hard foods should be avoided.
• Smoking damages dental implants. Therefore, the lifespan of implants may be shortened. It is recommended that patients who smoke quit before damaging their dental implants.
• Regular dental check-ups help dental implants last longer. Your dentist can detect and intervene in any problem that may occur by regularly checking your dental implant.
• Teeth grinding can damage dental implants. Patients with grinding problems are recommended to use a mouth guard when going to bed at night.
• Sugary foods and drinks can cause plaque buildup on teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum diseases. This situation also shortens the lifespan of dental implants.

For more information about implants, you can browse our content "What is an Implant? How is an Implant Done?".