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Single implants: a step-by-step guide

When a single tooth becomes very decayed, or is damaged by an injury or accident, it is sometimes better for it to be removed and a replacement option found. If there is only one tooth to replace, the treatment can be more straightforward than when there are larger gaps to fill inside your mouth.

One particularly effective option to consider is single implants surgery. This can be a highly successful treatment for people missing one tooth, or with a very small gap. This option is provided in dental clinics in Antalya, Turkey, which offer professional, top-quality treatments at reasonable prices.

Why you should consider single implants

Single implants provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth. If looked after properly, single implants can last a lifetime. They are fixed into the mouth by a titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw and allowed to fuse with the bone. A strong, attractive artificial tooth is then installed on top. This is made to the exact measurement of your mouth and missing tooth.

Results are painless, comfortable and discreet. Single implants are not as difficult to maintain as dentures, which need to be removed and cleaned thoroughly to prevent bacteria from building up. You can treat single implants in the exact same way as your natural teeth.

How does the process begin?

The process starts with an initial consultation. If you are considering booking the surgery in Turkey, this can be done when you get into the country, or in advance, over a video or phone appointment. During this appointment, your dentist will talk you through the process and let you know whether or not you are a good candidate for single implants. Scans, measurements and x-rays will be taken to help the dentist position the titanium screw and create your single implants.

You will need to have all your adult teeth through and have good levels of bone density. You must also be in good overall health, with no underlying oral conditions or immune disorders. Your dentist will speak to you about anything that could preclude single implants surgery from progressing smoothly so that you can make an informed decision.

What are the next stages?

Once you have agreed to proceed with your single implants treatment and have made the arrangements to travel to Turkey etc., you can begin the main part of the procedure. The titanium screw that will hold the single implants in place will be inserted into your jawbone under local anaesthetic or sedation. Thie screw will be made from lightweight, biocompatible materials to give it the best possible chance of fusing correctly into the jawbone.

The process of allowing the screw to fuse with the surrounding bone happens next. This is called osseointegration and can take several weeks or months. Leaving it to fuse for this long helps create a strong, stable bond. A temporary artificial tooth is fitted to the screw to protect it while osseointegration occurs. Once the fusing is complete, the temporary tooth is removed and the permanent replacement fitted into place. This is done permanently, with no need to remove the tooth for cleaning. The permanent crown will have been created to match your natural teeth exactly in terms of colour, size and shape.

Looking after single implants

One huge advantage to having single implants in Turkey is that you can look after them in the same way as your natural teeth. This is, however, only once they have settled down and you have been signed off by the dentist. Before that, you are advised to take over-the-counter pain relief as needed and stick to soft food for the first few days. After that, you can brush, floss and rinse your single implants in the same way as your natural teeth. Avoid smoking to prolong the life of your single implants, as well as protect your overall health.

Your single implants will also be treated in the same way during future dental check-ups, unless you report any problems or concerns. If you are having the surgery done in Turkey, it is a good idea to stay in the area for a couple of days following the surgery in case of any immediate problems. You should also have someone with you to monitor your recovery and help you travel home safely afterwards.