Oral Surgery

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium or zirconia post placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, then topped with a crown once it fuses with the bone. It suits adults missing one or more teeth who have enough bone to support it.

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At a Glance

Three parts, one tooth

An implant has three parts: the post in the bone, an abutment connector, and the crown on top — replacing a tooth from the root up.

Five or more visits

Consultation, surgical placement, a healing check, an abutment/impression visit and the final crown — five visits is a realistic baseline over several months.

Local anaesthesia

Placement is done under local anaesthesia, so pain isn't felt during the procedure. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is common.

Healing takes months

Osseointegration — the bone fusing to the implant — commonly takes around three to six months before the crown stage begins, varying by patient and jaw.

What a Dental Implant Is

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up, rather than only covering the visible part the way a bridge or denture does. Because it sits in the bone like a natural root, it can help preserve jawbone volume that tends to shrink once a tooth is lost. Implants suit adults who have lost one or more teeth to decay, trauma, or gum disease, and who have, or can be given through grafting, enough healthy bone to support a post. They are not offered until jaw growth is complete.

Implant Types and Crown Fit

Titanium implants

The most widely used implant material, chosen for its long clinical track record and how reliably bone fuses to it over time.

Zirconia implants

A metal-free ceramic alternative, sometimes chosen by patients who prefer to avoid metal in the mouth or who have a titanium sensitivity.

Screw-retained crown

A crown attached with a screw, which the dentist can remove for maintenance or adjustment without disturbing the implant itself.

Cement-retained crown

A crown bonded permanently in place rather than screwed in — generally a more straightforward fit, but not removable for maintenance the way a screw-retained crown is.

How Implant Treatment Works

Consultation and imaging

X-rays or a 3D scan check bone volume, density, and nerve and sinus position before planning where and how the implant will be placed.

Preparation, if needed

If a tooth needs removing first, or there isn't enough bone, extraction and grafting happen before or alongside implant placement.

Placement and healing

The post is inserted into the jawbone under local anaesthesia, then the bone gradually fuses to its surface — a stage that can't be rushed without risking failure.

Abutment and crown fitted

Once healing is confirmed, an abutment connector is attached, an impression taken, and the finished crown checked for fit and bite before final attachment.

Before you decide

Not sure whether this applies to your teeth?

The only way to know is an examination. Ask a question first if you would rather understand the options before booking anything.

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Who Shouldn't Get an Implant

Implants aren’t right for everyone. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, heavy smoking, and insufficient jawbone volume without grafting can all rule an implant out or need addressing first. Certain medications, uncontrolled bruxism, and recent radiotherapy to the jaw can also affect candidacy. This is general guidance — a full medical history review during consultation determines individual suitability.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to get dental implants in Turkey?

Safety depends on the individual practitioner and clinic, not the country as a whole. Look for a dentist who is transparent about their training, uses proper 3D imaging to plan placement, and explains risks honestly rather than promising guaranteed results.

How long does it take for a dental implant to heal?

Osseointegration — the bone fusing to the implant — is generally cited as taking three to six months, though this varies by patient, jaw, and bone quality at placement. Your dentist will confirm healing progress with an exam or X-ray before the restorative stage.

Can I get an implant if I don't have enough jawbone?

Not immediately, but bone grafting can often build up the site first. This adds time and an extra healing phase, but it can make implant placement possible where it otherwise wouldn’t be. A 3D scan during consultation is how bone volume is assessed.

Is getting a dental implant painful?

The placement itself is done under local anaesthesia, so patients generally don’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is common, typically managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief.

What happens if an implant fails to integrate?

Implant failure is uncommon but possible, most often linked to infection, insufficient bone support, or the contraindications above. If integration doesn’t succeed, the implant is removed, the site heals, and placement can often be attempted again once the issue is addressed.

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