Kahramanmaraş Implant Process
Technological advancements in the field of oral and dental health have made “dental implant” treatment one of the most important solutions in modern medicine for addressing missing teeth. For patients living in the Kahramanmaraş region, implant treatment has ceased to be a complex and unknown journey and has become a systematic process applied within the framework of specific scientific protocols. This journey, which we define as the “Kahramanmaraş implant process,” is a treatment chain that extends from diagnosis to surgery, from the healing period to the delivery of the prosthesis, and each step must be meticulously planned.
1. Stage: Clinical Examination and Radiological Planning
The foundation of every successful treatment is accurate diagnosis. The implant process begins not when the patient sits in the dentist’s chair, but when the radiological images are examined. In modern clinics in Kahramanmaraş, the use of “3D Dental Tomography (CBCT)” is becoming increasingly common, beyond standard panoramic X-rays. At this stage, the following assessments are made:
- Bone Analysis: The height, width, and density (quality) of the jawbone are measured.
- Anatomical Risks: The location of the nerve bundle in the lower jaw and the condition of the sinus cavities in the upper jaw are determined.
- Systemic Health: The patient’s chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease and the medications they use are inquired about.
Stage 2: Surgical Operation
After the planning is complete, the surgical stage, where the implant is placed in the jawbone, begins. This stage is performed in an environment where the sterilization chain is fully maintained. The process follows these steps:
First, strong local anesthetics are applied to the relevant area to ensure complete numbness. The patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Then, the gum is opened (or a sutureless method) and an implant socket is prepared on the bone. The titanium implant is placed in the bone at the determined angle and depth. At the end of the procedure, the gum is closed with sutures. Placing a single implant takes an average of 15-20 minutes.
3. Stage: Biological Waiting (Osseointegration)
After the surgical procedure is completed, a biological process called “osseointegration” begins for the implant to fuse with the bone. This is the most critical phase of the treatment. Before the implant is loaded (by a tooth), bone cells must surround the titanium surface.
The healing time is 2-3 months for the lower jaw and 3-4 months for the upper jaw in standard cases. However, the hard foods in Kahramanmaraş’s diet (hard tarhana, nuts, etc.) can pose a risk during this process. During the osseointegration period, adhering to the soft diet program recommended by your doctor is vital to maintain the stability of the implant within the bone.
4. Stage 5: Healing Abutment and Gum Shaping
Once the waiting period is complete and the implant has fused with the bone, the implant is exposed with a minor procedure and a “healing abutment” (gingiva former) is attached. The purpose of this part is to shape the gum and make the porcelain tooth appear as if it is naturally emerging from the gum. This process takes an average of 7-10 days.
After the gum is shaped, the impression stage begins. Impressions taken with digital scanners or traditional impression materials are sent to the laboratory. In the laboratory, zirconium or metal-supported porcelain teeth are produced in a color and form that matches the patient’s other teeth. After the trials are done, the tooth is screwed or bonded onto the implant, completing the process.
There is no single way in implant treatment; the process may vary depending on the patient’s bone condition. The following table summarizes the different protocols:
cases.
| Procedure Type | Process Details | Who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Delayed) Loading | Implant is placed, wait 3-4 months, then the tooth is fitted. | This is the safest and recommended method for 90% of routine cases. |
| Immediate (Early) Loading | Implant is placed and a temporary tooth is fitted within 24-48 hours. | Special implants with very good bone quality and where the implant is very firmly attached. |
| Those Requiring Advanced Surgery | Bone graft or sinus lifting is performed, 6 months are waited, then implants are placed. | Patients with advanced bone loss. |
Post-Treatment Sustainability
The implant process in Kahramanmaraş does not end with the placement of teeth. The lifelong survival of implants in the mouth depends on preventing the formation of “Peri-implantitis” (gum disease around the implant). This is only possible with regular oral care (dental flossing, mouthwash use) and check-ups with a dentist every 6 months.
