About the procedure
An implant consists of a titanium screw placed in the jawbone and a crown fitted on top. The neighboring teeth are left untouched, and chewing force is transmitted to the bone in the way closest to a natural tooth.
The implant takes 2–3 months to fuse with the bone. For this reason, treatment is usually planned over two visits: the implant on the first visit and the permanent crown on the second. In suitable cases, a temporary tooth is fitted the same day.
Implant planning is done with a three-dimensional scan (CBCT) that measures bone volume and neighboring anatomical structures (sinus floor, nerve canal); the diameter, length, and position of the implant are chosen accordingly. Because smoking and uncontrolled diabetes reduce the success of bone integration, these are discussed openly before treatment, and treatment is postponed when necessary. Most patients spend the integration period in their home country; the second visit is planned after a remote evaluation based on photographs and X-rays.
- ✓Neighboring teeth are preserved
- ✓Stops bone loss
- ✓Potential for lifelong use
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Those who have lost one or more teeth and do not want their neighboring teeth reduced for a bridge.
- ✓Patients who struggle to keep a removable denture in place and want a fixed solution.
- ✓Patients with adequate jawbone volume or bone that can be made adequate with grafting.
- ✓Patients with healthy gums who can maintain oral hygiene and attend check-ups.
- ✓Those whose general health is suitable for minor surgery under local anesthesia.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Young people whose jaw development is not complete; implants are generally not planned before age 18.
- —Uncontrolled diabetes, ongoing chemotherapy, a history of radiotherapy to the head and neck, or use of bisphosphonate medications; a physician's evaluation is mandatory.
- —Untreated gum disease; periodontal treatment is completed first.
- —Heavy smoking; quitting is required at least before surgery and during the integration period.
- —Pregnancy; non-essential surgery is postponed until after delivery.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Scan and plan
Bone is measured with a CBCT scan, and the number and position of implants are determined; whether grafting or a sinus lift is needed is clarified.
- 02
Preparation
Scaling and any necessary extractions are done; smoking and medication use are reviewed.
- 03
Implant surgery
Under local anesthesia, the implant is placed in the bone; in suitable cases, a temporary tooth or healing abutment is fitted in the same session.
- 04
Suture check
After 5–7 days the sutures are removed, and wound healing and hygiene are checked; the patient can return home at this stage.
- 05
Integration period
Over 2–3 months the implant fuses with the bone; the patient is followed remotely through photographs and, if needed, a panoramic X-ray.
- 06
Permanent crown
At the second visit, an impression is taken over the implant, and the crown is tried in and fitted; the bite is adjusted and a care plan is given.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Mild swelling, soreness, and some oozing from the gum are possible; cold compresses and the prescribed painkiller are usually sufficient, and the area is not touched.
Days 2–3
Swelling passes through its most noticeable phase; lukewarm, soft foods are preferred, and smoking and alcohol are avoided.
Week 1
The sutures are removed and the swelling largely subsides; gentle brushing and antiseptic mouthwash continue.
Month 1
The gum has healed; the implant may not yet be loaded, so no hard chewing in the area.
Month 3
Once integration is complete, the second visit for the permanent crown is planned.
Year 1
The bone level around the implant is evaluated with a follow-up X-ray; annual check-ups are recommended thereafter.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Implants are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Failure of the implant to integrate with the bone (early loss); smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor hygiene increase this risk. A lost implant can be replaced after healing.
- Inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis); in the long term it can lead to bone loss, and is prevented with regular cleaning and check-ups.
- Numbness of the lip and chin related to nerve proximity in the lower jaw; mostly temporary, rarely permanent.
- Proximity to the sinus cavity in the upper jaw; nosebleeds and sinus inflammation can occur after a sinus lift.
- Mechanical problems such as crown or screw loosening and porcelain chipping; usually repairable.