Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or titanium alloy, used to replace one or more lost teeth or to correct missing teeth. Dental implants offer a permanent and effective solution to missing teeth or tooth loss.

How Do They Work?
Dental implants are small screws or bolts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants fuse with the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots. This process is called “oseointegration” and ensures that the implant is firmly fused with the jawbone. Once the oseointegration is complete, the implant forms a solid foundation that can support the dental prosthesis (crown, bridge or denture). The prosthesis is fixed on the implant and replaces the lost tooth or teeth.

Advantages:

Dental implants have many advantages, these include:
Similar to Natural Teeth: Implants provide a similar look, feel and function to teeth. Therefore, they offer aesthetically pleasing results.
Permanence: Implants can last for many years with proper care and regular dental checkups. They offer a permanent dental solution.
Does Not Damage Other Teeth: Alternative dental prostheses, such as conventional bridges, require the cutting of adjacent intact teeth, whereas implants do not require such intervention.
Improves Chewing Ability: Implants provide a chewing ability close to natural teeth, which can promote better nutrition and the digestive process.
Speech and Comfort: Implants can provide better speech and comfort compared to other dental prostheses.

Who is it suitable for?
Dental implants are suitable for most people who have good oral health and adequate jawbone volume and quality. However, in some cases, the jawbone may be inadequate and additional procedures such as bone grafting may be required prior to implant surgery.

Dental implants offer a permanent solution to the problems of missing teeth and can improve the quality of life for many people. However, implant surgery is a serious procedure and should be performed under the supervision of a specialist dentist. The long-term success of implants depends on proper care and regular check-ups by the patient.
Dental implants come in different types and designs to suit a variety of needs and treatment plans.

Endosteal Implants: Endosteal implants are one of the most widely used types of implants. These implants come in the form of screws made of titanium and are inserted directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants can be used in a number of different situations, from single missing teeth to complete edentulous treatment.
Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiosteal implants consist of a frame or plate that is placed over the jawbone and does not come into contact with the bone underneath. These implants can be used as an option when the jawbone is not thick enough or when endosteal implants cannot be used for other reasons.
Transosteal Implants (Mandibular Implants): This type of implant consists of a rod placed under the jawbone and rises over the jawbone. Transosteal implants are rarely the preferred option when used for the treatment of missing or edentulous teeth

Mini Implants: Mini implants are implants with smaller dimensions and are usually used temporarily or in certain situations. They are especially preferred for attachment of prostheses. Mini-implants can be useful when the jawbone is insufficient or narrow

All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants: These implant types are specially designed implant systems used in cases of complete edentulism. While they rely on the use of a limited number of implants, which they call “All-on-4” or “All-on-6”, these implants provide sufficient stability to support a fixed dental prosthesis.

Zirconium Implants: Zirconium implants are also available as an alternative to traditional titanium implants. Zirconium is a ceramic material and has an aesthetic advantage because it has a color more similar to tooth color. However, zirconium implants are generally less durable and their applicability is more limited.
Single-Stage and Two-Stage Implants: Single-stage implants are implants that allow the prosthesis to be inserted immediately after it is placed in the jawbone. Two-stage implants, on the other hand, involve a period for implant placement and healing. In the second stage, the prosthesis is manufactured on the implant.

The type and use of dental implants may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs, jawbone structure, and treatment plan. A dentist or implant surgeon will evaluate the patient’s condition and select the most appropriate implant type. Remember that each type of implant has certain advantages and limitations, so it is important to choose the one that suits the patient’s specific needs and treatment goals.