FOR
PATIENTS
MORE THAN A SMILE
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is permanently inserted into the jawbone.
Dental implants are usually made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material and is
very well tolerated by the body.
Dental implants can be used to treat all kinds of tooth loss.
After the inserted implant has fused with the bone, the dental prosthesis is placed on top.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants are an optimal solution for your tooth loss and offer numerous benefits:
Longevity and Stability: Implants last for a very long time with proper oral hygiene.
Improved Quality of Life: You can eat, speak, and laugh without limitations.
Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
Prevention of Bone Loss: Implants prevent the loss of jawbone.
Protection of Neighboring Teeth: In comparison to the use of bridges, implants do not
damage the surrounding teeth.
Who is suitable for dental implants?
Dental implants are a good solution for people who have lost one, several or all of their teeth.
Dental implants can be applied to anyone as long as the person is in good health,
the jawbone is no longer growing and the doctor confirms that the person is suitable for
implant treatment. The use of implants can be risky for patients with chronic diseases such
as hemophilia and high blood pressure, so be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations.
Ask your dentist or specialist about the benefits and risks of implant treatment.
In which situation is the implant treatment depending on the doctor's diagnosis?
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Diabetic patients
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Pregnancy
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Young people whose jawbones are still growing
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People who consume excessive amounts of cigarettes
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Alcohol and drug addiction
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Patients with a weakened immune system
Are there any risks?
SLH implants are made of pure titanium, which has the best biocompatibility with the human body. The implants have been found to be 98% successful when used correctly and regularly maintained by the user. As with all surgical operations, there are potential risks. Your doctor will consult you and support you in making the best decision.
How long will the implants last?
Like real teeth and tooth roots, implants are in contact with the bone and gums.
Inflammation that occurs around the teeth due to poor oral hygiene can also occur between
the implant and the gums. This is why good oral hygiene and regular check-ups at the dentist
are important. If proper care is taken, implants usually last a very long time.
There are still patients today who have had implants in their mouths for over 30 years.
An Overview of the Implant Treatment
First, a thorough diagnosis and examination are carried out by the dentist.
This includes checking whether bone augmentation is necessary and determining if there
are any diseases or other issues. Following this, the implantation is planned and performed.
The placement of one or more implants is done through a minor surgical procedure under
local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the gum, and the implant is placed.
After the procedure, the dental implant must fuse with the bone. This can take approximately
3 to 6 months. After the healing phase, impressions are taken and the dental prosthesis is
made. The prosthesis is then attached to the implant.
Proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups are of significant importance after the treatment.
DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS
SINGLE TOOTH OR MULTIPLE TEETH REPLACEMENT
When replacing a single tooth, the implant is inserted into the jawbone at that exact location.
When replacing several teeth, an implant can also be used as a column for a bridge.
After about 3-6 months, the gingiva formers are attached to the implant.
Approximately 10 days later, the connecting piece for attaching the denture is attached to the
implants and the denture.
REPLACEMENT OF ALL TEETH – REMOVABLE OR FIXED DENTURE
Full dentures in a completely toothless mouth can cause osteoporosis and make chewing
more difficult. Additionally, they can cause pain due to pressure on the palate.
Implant-supported removable or fixed dentures, on the other hand, provide a more
effective and functional chewing movement and offer a comfortable and unproblematic solution.
REMOVABLE OPTION
The implants are inserted into the jawbone. After about 3 to 6 months, connecting pieces are
attached to the implants with the dental prothesis. The patient can now insert or remove the
prosthesis whenever they want.
FIXED DENTURE
About three months after the implants are placed in the jawbone, the dental prosthesis is
permanently fixed. The patient now has a fixed dental prosthesis that is non-removable and
hardly distinguishable from natural teeth in terms of function and appearance.
The times given above are general information. Depending on your personal and biological needs,
your doctor may need to change these times.
INFORMATION ABOUT AFTERCARE
POST-SURGICAL CARE
First hour after the treatment:
After treatment, the dressings should remain in the mouth for about an hour. This helps
control bleeding. Remove the dressings only when the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding
continues after 6 hours, please contact your dentist immediately.
Eating and drinking:
Avoid eating or drinking for the first few hours after treatment.
Smoking:
Smoking affects the healing process and should be avoided for at least one week after the procedure.
Medication intake:
Take the medications prescribed by your dentist exactly as instructed.
Avoid taking any other medications without consulting your dentist.
Diabetes:
If you have diabetes, please follow your doctor's recommendations for postoperative care.
Oral hygiene:
Brush the non-treated teeth as usual. In the treated area, be especially cautious and avoid
touching the stitches or gums, according to your dentist's instructions.
About two days after the surgery, we recommend gargling twice daily with a mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
Nutrition:
Try to avoid putting pressure on the surgical area while eating. In the first one to two days,
you should primarily consume soft foods.
Avoidance of heat:
Avoid intense heat immediately after the surgery. Especially after a procedure in the upper jaw, make sure not to tilt your head too far forward and avoid forceful blowing of your nose.
Follow-up appointments:
The stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days. Your dentist will schedule an appointment with you and plan the further treatment based on your recovery progress. Please make sure to attend these appointments.
POST-PROSTHODONTICS CARE
If you do not clean the area around the implants properly with a brush, inflammation around
the implant is inevitable. Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to the loss of your implant.
For this reason, the area where the implant and the gum meet, as well as the interdental
spaces, should be cleaned thoroughly. In addition to a regular toothbrush, use dental floss or
an interdental brush for this purpose.
REMOVABLE OPTION
Remove the prosthesis and clean the inside with a regular soft brush. Clean all visible
parts in the mouth using a regular toothbrush, an interdental brush, and dental floss.
FIXED DENTURE
In the case of fixed dentures, the area between the gums and the prosthesis should be cleaned
with an interdental brush. Your dentist will provide you with more detailed information on how
to clean your prosthesis. Clean your tongue and palate using a toothbrush, tongue scraper,
and mouthwash. Visit your dentist at least once a year for a professional teeth cleaning.
Be sure to attend check-ups at the intervals set by your dentist.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this brochure is for general informational purposes only and does not
replace professional advice from a doctor. Please always consult a specialist if you have
any questions about your health or if you are considering treatment.