In implant treatment, the result that is actually seen emerges with the prosthesis made on top of the implants. Different prosthesis designs can be planned with the same number of implants, and their comfort, cleaning and cost differ from one another. For this reason, implant-supported prosthesis options are at the center of the treatment decision. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we start the planning not from the implant but from the prosthesis that will go on top of it.
Single Tooth and Limited Tooth Loss
For a single missing tooth, a crown is placed on an implant. There is no need to reduce the neighboring teeth; this is the most important advantage compared to a bridge. In cases where several adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge can be planned; in this case, a separate implant may not be needed for each gap.
Options in Fully Edentulous Jaws
Removable Implant-Supported Denture
The retention of the denture is increased with attachment systems placed on a small number of implants. The denture can still be removed by the patient. Its biggest advantage is ease of cleaning; it is also preferred in cases where lip support needs to be provided. A noticeable increase in comfort is aimed for, especially in patients who complain of looseness in the lower jaw.
Attachment systems may wear over time and need to be replaced; this is a routine maintenance procedure handled at regular check-ups.
Fixed Full-Arch Prosthesis
This is a prosthesis screwed onto a larger number of implants that cannot be removed by the patient. It aims to give the feeling of use closest to natural teeth. On the other hand, cleaning requires more care; the area under the prosthesis needs to be cleaned with special tools.
Implant-Supported Bridges
These are fixed solutions covering one part of the jaw. They are planned by placing implants in areas where bone volume is sufficient.
How Many Implants Are Needed?
There is no single answer to this question, and it is normal for you to hear different numbers from different clinics. What is decisive are bone volume and density, the distribution of the implants in the jaw, the type of prosthesis planned, the condition of the opposing jaw and your chewing forces. If there are fixed teeth in the opposing jaw, the force generated is higher and the plan is designed accordingly. For this reason, it would not be right to state a number without an examination and imaging.
If the Bone Is Insufficient
If bone volume is limited, additional procedures such as grafting or sinus lifting may be considered. In some cases, instead of an additional procedure, a different prosthesis design is preferred by placing implants in areas where the existing bone is sufficient. Three-dimensional imaging forms the basis of this decision.
The Importance of the Opposing Jaw
When the prosthesis is planned, not only the jaw being treated but also the opposing jaw is evaluated. If there are natural teeth or a fixed prosthesis in the opposing jaw, the chewing force generated is significantly higher. When both jaws are fully edentulous, the force is lower. For this reason, in the same case, the condition of the opposing jaw can directly affect the number of implants and the choice of material.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The tissues around an implant are not as resistant as the tissues around a natural tooth. For this reason, care should not be neglected. Interdental brushes, special floss produced for implants and, if your dentist recommends it, a water flosser are used. In removable dentures, both the denture and the attachment areas are cleaned separately. In fixed prostheses, cleaning the underside is critically important.
During regular check-ups, screw tightness, bite contacts and the health of the surrounding tissue are evaluated. One advantage of screw-retained systems is that the prosthesis can be removed for detailed cleaning when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The use of a temporary prosthesis is planned for the healing period; you do not need to take a break from your social life.
It varies according to the case. Cleaning habits, bone condition and your expectations are decisive.
Smoking is an important factor that can negatively affect the health of the tissue around the implant; quitting is recommended.
After the integration of the implants with the bone has been confirmed. The duration varies from person to person.
What is decisive is not age but bone condition and general health. The evaluation is made individually.
In removable systems, worn attachments can be renewed periodically.
In most cases, repair or renewal is possible; if there is a digital record, the process is faster.
In fixed solutions and some removable designs, the palate can be left open; this provides an advantage in terms of taste.
Let us plan the tooth that will go on top from the start.
Let us determine together the implant and prosthesis option suited to your bone structure. Contact us to book an appointment; let us carry out your digitally planned evaluation at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. The number of implants, the type of prosthesis and the process vary from person to person; the decision is made with a dentist’s examination.
