Implant Treatments

Missing teeth go far beyond being merely an aesthetic problem — they can have serious negative effects on chewing function, speech, and overall oral health. In modern dentistry, the most permanent and natural-looking solution to this problem is dental implants. Dt. Sezer Özdem, with his deep expertise in implant treatment and patient-centered approach, creates personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.

What Is an Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconium, surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic the root portion of a lost natural tooth. Titanium is a unique metal that is not recognized as a foreign substance by the body, does not cause allergic reactions, and gradually integrates with the bone over time. This integration process is referred to in medical literature as “osseointegration.”

Implant treatment consists of three core components: the titanium screw placed into the jawbone (implant fixture), the intermediate connector piece mounted on the implant (abutment), and the porcelain or zirconium dental crown secured on top of the abutment that remains visible (prosthetic restoration). As Dt. Sezer Özdem frequently emphasizes, an implant is not merely an aesthetic intervention — it is a functional treatment that stimulates the jawbone, prevents bone resorption, and preserves long-term oral health.

How Is an Implant Placed?

Implant placement is a multi-stage treatment process that requires careful planning. Dt. Sezer Özdem manages this process meticulously for each patient and applies the most up-to-date clinical protocols.

Comprehensive Examination and Imaging: Prior to treatment, panoramic X-rays and three-dimensional computed tomography (CBCT) scans are taken to thoroughly assess the density, height, and width of the jawbone. The patient’s overall health status, medications, and any systemic conditions are also taken into consideration at this stage.
Treatment Planning: Based on the imaging data obtained, preparatory procedures such as sinus lifting or bone grafting are planned if necessary. The prosthetic restoration design is shared with the patient using digital simulation tools.
Surgical Procedure: Under local anesthesia and with a minimally invasive approach, the gum tissue is opened and an implant socket is prepared in the jawbone. The titanium screw is placed into the relevant area using precision surgical drills. Thanks to today’s flapless (sutureless) techniques, this procedure can be performed with great comfort in most cases.
Healing and Osseointegration Process: The fusion of the implant with the bone typically takes 3 to 6 months. A temporary prosthetic restoration may be used during this period. This timeframe may vary depending on bone density, implant size, and the patient’s overall health.
Prosthetic Restoration: Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment is attached and a custom-made zirconium or porcelain crown is secured on top. This restoration, which is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, provides the patient with a functional and aesthetic smile for many years to come.

In Which Cases Is an Implant Applied?

Implant treatment can be successfully applied in a wide range of clinical situations. In the following cases, an implant may be considered by the dentist as the primary treatment option:

Single tooth loss: An implant can be placed solely in the missing area as an alternative to a bridge, which would require cutting down adjacent teeth.
Multiple tooth loss: When several teeth are lost at the same time, a separate implant can be placed in each missing area, or a bridge restoration can be made over several implants.
Complete tooth loss (edentulism): In cases where all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are lost, a fixed solution can be achieved with All-on-4 or All-on-6 systems.
Problems with removable dentures: Implant-supported prostheses offer an effective solution for functional and aesthetic problems caused by conventional full dentures that fail to stay in place.
Adequate bone density and general health: Implant treatment can also be performed under appropriate conditions in individuals with systemic conditions such as controlled diabetes or hypertension.

When determining implant candidates, Dt. Sezer Özdem comprehensively evaluates not only oral health, but also factors such as the patient’s smoking habits, bone density, use of immunosuppressive medications, and age.

What Are the Types of Dental Implants?

Every patient’s bone structure, tooth loss situation, and health conditions differ. For this reason, various types of implants have been developed in dentistry to meet different needs.

1 – Endosteal (In-Bone) Implants

This is the most commonly used type of implant today. Available in screw, cylinder, or blade forms, these implants are placed directly into the jawbone. They remain the first choice for patients with sufficient bone volume. Made from titanium alloy, endosteal implants achieve excellent osseointegration with the bone and offer a high long-term success rate. Dt. Sezer Özdem applies this method as the standard treatment protocol in suitable patients.

2 – Subperiosteal (On-Bone) Implants

Preferred for patients who lack sufficient bone height and density and cannot tolerate bone grafting, this type of implant consists of a metal framework placed on top of the jawbone and beneath the gum tissue. The prosthetic restoration is secured to the metal posts on the framework. Today, subperiosteal implants are custom-manufactured using advanced imaging technologies and 3D printing methods, offering a practical alternative especially for elderly individuals with atrophic jaws.

3 – Zygomatic Implants

Developed for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who are not suitable candidates for conventional implants or sinus lifting, these special implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygoma), which has a denser and more voluminous bone structure than the upper jawbone. These implants are considerably long (35–50 mm) and are designed in small numbers (usually 2 or 4) to support the entire upper jaw. Dt. Sezer Özdem performs zygomatic implant procedures with advanced surgical experience and 3D planning software.

4 – Single Tooth Implant

In cases where only a single tooth is missing in the mouth, a single implant is placed only in the missing area without any intervention to adjacent teeth. A crown restoration is then applied on top to achieve the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Since Dt. Sezer Özdem prioritizes the preservation of neighboring healthy teeth, implant treatment is recommended over bridge prostheses whenever possible in single tooth loss cases.

5 – Multiple Implants and All-on-4 / All-on-6 Systems

Developed for patients who have lost or are about to lose all of their upper or lower jaw teeth, these systems involve strategically placing 4 or 6 implants at key points and securing a full-arch fixed prosthetic restoration on top. This method eliminates the retention problems and bone resorption associated with removable full dentures, and since temporary teeth can be fitted on the same day, it is also known as “same-day teeth.” In the All-on-4 system, the posterior implants are placed at specific angles to avoid the sinus structure in the back of the upper jaw, allowing a wider support area to be created with less bone volume.

What to Consider After Dental Implant Treatment

The success of implant treatment is directly related not only to the quality of the surgical procedure, but also to the care and hygiene habits the patient maintains during the postoperative period. The key guidelines Dt. Sezer Özdem recommends to his patients are as follows:

First 24–48 Hours:

Avoid touching the application area with your tongue or fingers.
Stay away from hard, difficult-to-bite, and hot foods; consume warm and soft foods.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol, as these can disrupt the blood clot.
In case of severe pain, excessive bleeding, or high fever, contact your clinic immediately.

First 1–2 Weeks:

Take the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your dentist regularly.
Rinse twice daily with an antiseptic mouthwash; however, do not gargle over the treated area to avoid irritation.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing the application area and touch it gently.
You may apply light pressure with a moistened gauze pad to control bleeding.

Long-Term Care:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean around the implant with an interdental brush or dental floss.
Do not skip your regular professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) appointments.
If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), use a night guard to protect the implant.
Avoid biting hard foods directly on the implant; be cautious with foods such as crusty bread and hard candy.
Since smoking significantly impairs osseointegration, quitting smoking is strongly recommended to improve implant success.

As Dt. Sezer Özdem emphasizes, implants can function without problems for decades with proper care and regular follow-up. The key to success lies as much in patient compliance as in surgical precision.

How Is Implant Treatment Carried Out?

Implant treatment is a comprehensive process that requires an interdisciplinary approach, advanced technology, and an experienced clinical team. The implant treatment protocol applied at Dt. Sezer Özdem’s clinic is based on the principle of keeping patients informed and as comfortable as possible at every stage of the process.

Stage 1 – Initial Consultation and Diagnosis: A detailed intraoral examination, panoramic X-ray, and CBCT imaging are performed. The patient’s systemic health status is evaluated and expectations are clarified.

Stage 2 – Pre-Treatment Preparation (If Necessary): Active gum disease is treated, decayed teeth are restored or extracted. If bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting or sinus lifting is planned.

Stage 3 – Surgical Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia, the implant is precisely placed at the designated position. With today’s technology, a computer-assisted surgical guide is used to determine the angle and depth of the implant with millimetric precision.

Stage 4 – Healing Process: During the 3 to 6-month osseointegration period, the patient may use a temporary restoration. Regular check-up appointments are held to monitor healing throughout this process.

Stage 5 – Permanent Prosthetic Restoration: Once bone-implant fusion is complete, the abutment is attached and the custom-made permanent crown is secured. Digital design (CAD/CAM) technology is used in the selection of color, shape, and size.

Stage 6 – Periodic Follow-Up: Check-up appointments are scheduled at 6-month intervals to ensure the long-term success of the implant. The prosthetic restoration and the periodontium around the implant are evaluated in detail.

Throughout all these stages, Dt. Sezer Özdem and his team maintain transparent communication with their patients, managing the treatment process in the least stressful and safest way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is dental implant treatment a painful procedure?

No. Since the implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. A mild sense of pressure or soreness may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off; however, this can easily be managed with the painkillers prescribed by your dentist. Dt. Sezer Özdem also offers sedation options when necessary, ensuring a comfortable treatment experience even for patients with high dental anxiety.

2. How long does a dental implant last?

The titanium implant fixture is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The porcelain or zirconium crown on top typically maintains its function for 15 to 20 years; it may need to be replaced in cases of heavy use or trauma. According to Dt. Sezer Özdem, the most critical factors determining the lifespan of an implant are regular oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and routine dental check-ups.

3. Can every patient get a dental implant?

Dental implants can generally be applied to individuals over the age of 18 who have healthy bone structure and gum tissue. Systemic conditions such as controlled diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease do not, in most cases, prevent implant treatment; however, a comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation is mandatory. Active cancer treatment, uncontrolled diabetes, advanced osteoporosis, and the use of bisphosphonate medications are among the conditions that must be carefully assessed. Dt. Sezer Özdem evaluates each patient individually and creates the most appropriate treatment plan.

4. How long does implant treatment take?

The total treatment duration can vary significantly from patient to patient. In standard cases that do not require preparatory procedures, the time between implant placement and permanent restoration is generally 3 to 6 months. In cases requiring bone grafting or sinus lifting, this period can extend to 9 to 12 months. With All-on-4 systems, since temporary restorations can be fitted on the same day, it is possible to have functional teeth much more quickly. Dt. Sezer Özdem shares each patient’s individual treatment timeline in detail from the outset to set realistic expectations.

5. How should an implant be maintained?

Implants should be brushed at least twice a day, just like natural teeth, and the interdental spaces should be cleaned with dental floss or an interdental brush. Plaque buildup around the implant can lead to an inflammation called peri-implantitis, which may result in implant loss. For this reason, professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) at least twice a year is of great importance. Dt. Sezer Özdem creates a personalized oral hygiene protocol for each patient and ensures long-term implant health through regular follow-up appointments.

Don’t Postpone the Smile of Your Dreams!

Making the right choice in dental implant treatment means not just short-term aesthetic gains, but a lifetime of function and confidence. Dt. Sezer Özdem, combining state-of-the-art imaging systems, digital planning software, and years of experience with a patient-centered approach, offers each patient the most suitable, safest, and most aesthetic implant solution.