Dental implants — treatment stages and rehabilitation

A dental implant is a titanium (or zirconia) screw surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root, onto which a prosthetic crown is fixed. The implant system consists of three components: the implant (screw in the bone), the abutment (connector), and the prosthetic crown (the visible part of the tooth). Modern implants are made from medical-grade titanium, which has excellent biocompatibility — the body 'accepts' the implant and bone grows into its surface (osseointegration). Partner clinics in Antalya use renowned implant systems (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and others), guaranteeing the highest quality and longevity.

Implants are suitable for most adults with one or more missing teeth, complete edentulism (All-on-4 or All-on-6 solutions), bone loss after tooth extraction (bone can be rebuilt), and those dissatisfied with traditional removable dentures. However, there are contraindications: uncontrolled diabetes, advanced osteoporosis, smoking (significantly increases failure risk), active periodontal disease (requires treatment first), and pregnancy. Qualification assessment follows detailed diagnostics — panoramic X-ray, CBCT scan, and general health evaluation.

Implantation at partner clinics is a multi-stage process: Stage 1 — Consultation and diagnostics (remote + on-site): The patient sends photos and a panoramic X-ray. The dentist prepares a preliminary plan. On-site in Antalya, a CBCT scan is performed for final qualification. Stage 2 — Implant placement (visit 1, 1–2 hours): Surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. Implants are placed using a surgical guide. The patient receives a temporary restoration. Stage 3 — Osseointegration (3–6 months): Healing period during which bone grows into the implant. The patient returns home under coordinator supervision. Stage 4 — Crown placement (visit 2, 3–6 days): After full integration, the patient returns to Antalya for abutment and final zirconia crown placement. For All-on-4 or All-on-6 solutions, a temporary prosthesis is fitted on the same day as the implants (immediate loading).

The first 48 hours are the most critical: • Apply ice packs (20 minutes on / 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours. • Eat only soft, cool foods — yoghurt, soups, smoothies. • Do not rinse your mouth for the first day. • Do not smoke — nicotine drastically increases the risk of implant rejection. First 2 weeks: gentle hygiene (soft brush, chlorhexidine rinse), avoid physical exertion, sleep with an elevated head. Osseointegration period (3–6 months): normal hygiene, regular check-ups (X-rays), avoid excessive loading on the implant side. After crown placement: standard care — brushing, flossing (special implant floss), check-ups every 6 months.

Patients with complete tooth loss or teeth requiring extraction can benefit from the All-on-4 (4 implants) or All-on-6 (6 implants) method per arch. This technique allows immediate loading — a temporary prosthesis is attached to the implants on the same day. The patient leaves the clinic with a full set of teeth. All-on-4 works even with bone loss, as two lateral implants are placed at an angle, utilising the available bone. All-on-6 provides additional stability and more even force distribution, particularly beneficial for the upper jaw. The final prosthesis (zirconia or hybrid) is placed after osseointegration is complete, requiring a second visit after 3–6 months.

Partner clinics in Antalya offer the same implant systems (Straumann, Nobel Biocare), the same technologies (3D navigation, surgical guides), and qualified specialists — at significantly lower costs than in Western Europe. Comprehensive trip organisation by the coordinator (transfer, hotel, interpreter) allows the patient to focus solely on treatment and recovery. Direct flights from Europe to Antalya take only about 3 hours, and the Mediterranean climate aids post-operative recovery.