How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Missing teeth are a serious health problem that directly affects quality of life, both aesthetically and in terms of chewing function. In modern dentistry today, implant treatment is the most permanent and natural solution, replacing traditional bridges and dentures. So, how are dental implants placed, a procedure frequently performed at our clinic while keeping our patients' comfort at the highest level? In this article, we will go step by step through the entire implant treatment process, from the first examination to the placement of the permanent prosthesis, along with the details people ask about most.

Step 1: Detailed Digital Examination and Planning (Initial Diagnosis)

The secret of successful implant treatment lies in flawless planning. For patients who come to our clinic, the process goes as follows:

• Panoramic X-ray: This allows all the teeth in the jaw to be examined in detail.

• Bone Density Check: The adequacy of the bone tissue in the area where the implant will be placed is assessed. If bone is insufficient, preliminary treatments such as bone grafting or a sinus lift are included in the plan.

• Personalized Treatment Map: The angle and position at which the implants will be placed are simulated digitally.

Step 2: Local Anesthesia and the Surgical Stage (Placing the Implant)

"Will I feel pain while the implant is placed?" is one of our patients' biggest concerns. Thanks to advanced anesthesia techniques, this process is completed entirely without pain.

• Sterilization and Anesthesia: Before the surgical procedure, the area is completely numbed with local anesthesia. For patients with severe dental phobia, sedation or general anesthesia options can also be considered.

• Preparing the Site and Placing the Implant: The gum is gently opened and a precise socket is prepared in the jawbone where the implant (titanium screw) will sit. The titanium screw is then securely placed into the bone.

• Stitching: After the procedure is complete, the gum is stitched. Today, self-dissolving stitches are usually preferred. Placing a single implant takes 10 to 20 minutes on average.

Step 3: Osseointegration (The Bone Fusion Period)

The process by which the implant biologically fuses with the jawbone is called osseointegration. This is the most critical period for implant success.

• Waiting Period: Because titanium is a body-friendly (biocompatible) material, it is easily accepted by the bone. This process usually takes about 3 months on average for the upper jaw and about 2 months for the lower jaw.

• Temporary Prosthesis: Aesthetic temporary prostheses are prepared so that patients are not left without teeth during this period and can continue their social lives.

Step 4: Impressions and Fitting the Permanent Prosthesis (Final Stage)

Now it's time to get your new tooth! In this final stage, aesthetics and function come first:

• Digital Impressions: Instead of traditional impression trays, intraoral scanners (digital impressions) are used to take measurements accurate to the millimeter.

• Abutment Placement: The part called the "abutment", which connects the implant screw to the crown, is screwed in.

• Laboratory and Try-in: Zirconia or Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crowns are prepared to suit the patient's facial features, skin tone and natural tooth structure.

• Permanent Cementing / Screwing: The finished permanent tooth is fixed onto the implant. After the bite and chewing are checked, the process is successfully completed.

What to Pay Attention to After Implant Treatment

For long-lasting use after the implant tooth is placed, here are some basic points patients should keep in mind:

1. Care in the First 24 Hours: On the first day, avoid very hot or cold foods, and do not smoke or drink alcohol.

2. Oral Hygiene: Although implants do not decay, the gums around them can become diseased (peri-implantitis). That is why brushing at least twice a day, flossing and using an interdental brush are vital.

3. Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine check-ups twice a year extend the life of your implant.

Summary: How Many Days Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

The surgical placement of the implant in the jawbone is done on the same day (in a single session). However, the fusion of the implant with the bone and the fitting of permanent porcelain/zirconia teeth span a total of 2 to 4 months. With the smart surgical methods used at our clinic, this process is managed with maximum comfort and minimal pain for our patients.

Dt. Selahattin Kermen

Dentist · Medical Director · İstanbul Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi

This content is for information only; always consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.