10 Things You Didn’t Know About Dental Implants

Dt Odman Ertekin Linked in pageDt. Odman Ertekin March 10, 2025

A dental implant is an artificial screw that mimics the function of a natural tooth and is compatible with the jawbone, thanks to advanced surgical techniques.

Made of titanium, dental implants are designed in various ways to imitate the tooth’s structure.

Titanium is a biocompatible material, making it the best alternative to natural teeth, especially for those who have lost teeth due to trauma, aging, or gum disease.

1. Can Implants Be Applied at Any Age?

Yes, dental implants can be applied at any age, provided that bone development is complete. In girls, this typically happens around the age of 16-17, and in boys, around 18. There is no upper age limit for adults, and dental implants can be applied to people of all ages, as long as they are in good general health. Elderly individuals, who often experience more tooth loss and jaw bone resorption, can benefit greatly from dental implants.

2. Can Implants Last a Lifetime?

The first patients who received dental implants have been using them successfully for over 30 years. The lifespan of implants depends on various factors, including the patient’s general health and the daily care and cleaning of the implants. Our implants are covered by a lifetime guarantee, as we can re-implant the same area even if the original implant fails.

3. Are All Dental Implants Successful?

Dental implant success rates vary based on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, recovery potential, diagnosis, and proper care and cleaning of the implant. The success rate of implants typically ranges from 90-100%. In case of failure, implants can be removed with a simple intervention, and the procedure can be repeated after the area heals.

4. Can Implants Be Rejected by the Body?

Implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material. As titanium is not an organic substance, it does not trigger antigen-antibody reactions, such as those found in heart or kidney transplantations. Therefore, tissue rejection is not a concern.

5. Is There a Risk of Cancer from Implants?

There are no documented cases in the medical field that suggest dental implants cause cancer. They are safe for use and have been extensively tested.

6. Are Dental Implants Applied for Cosmetic Reasons?

While the primary purpose of dental implants is to replace missing teeth, they can also offer cosmetic benefits by improving the appearance of your smile.

7. Can Guarantees Be Given for Dental Implants?

Research shows that dental implants have a success rate between 90-100%. Our dental implants come with a lifetime guarantee, allowing us to reapply an implant to the same area in case of failure.

8. Are Dental Implants Expensive?

Implant treatments are complex and require a series of procedures, making them more expensive than routine dental services. However, many patients who undergo implant treatment report that they feel the investment is worthwhile and would choose the same treatment again if necessary.

9. Will I Experience Discomfort During and After the Operation?

The implant procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and sedation, ensuring that you feel no pain during the operation. General anesthesia can be used when necessary. After the surgery, you may experience mild pain or swelling, similar to that of a tooth extraction. These symptoms can be alleviated with painkillers and proper aftercare.

10. How Long Does the Implant Placement and Denture Completion Take?

The surgery duration depends on the number of implants to be placed and the patient’s condition, ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours. After the surgery, a waiting period of 8 to 12 weeks is required for the implant to fuse with the bone (osteointegration). Following this period, dentures are placed onto the implants, which may require a few sessions. In some cases, where conditions allow, the dentures can be placed immediately after the surgery.