What Is Implant Treatment? Process, Duration and Things to Watch

After tooth loss chewing, speech and aesthetic function decline; neighbouring teeth drift into the gap and the jawbone resorbs over time. A dental implant, a titanium root placed in the jawbone and topped with a crown, stops that chain and gives the result closest to a natural tooth. In follow-ups beyond ten years success rates of around 95% are reported in many studies worldwide, but this depends on the person's general health and care.

The implant, stage by stage

1. Examination and planning: bone volume, sinus and nerve path are measured with clinical examination, panoramic X-ray and 3D tomography. You see the plan on screen and get the price in writing.
2. Surgery: under local anaesthesia, a small socket is prepared in the bone for each implant in 20–40 minutes and the titanium root is placed. Most patients describe the procedure as painless.
3. Healing (osseointegration): the implant fuses with the bone, taking about three months in the lower jaw and four to six in the upper. A temporary tooth or denture can be used meanwhile.
4. Crown: when fusion is complete an impression is taken with an intraoral scan, and a zirconia or porcelain crown is made and screwed or cemented on.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Adequate bone volume, healthy gums and controlled systemic disease determine success. Uncontrolled diabetes, use of strong osteoporosis drugs, a history of jaw radiotherapy and heavy smoking raise the risk. If bone is insufficient, the ground can first be prepared with a bone graft or sinus lift. Implants are not placed in young people who have not completed growth (generally under 18).

Aftercare

• Cold packs for the first 48 hours; avoid hot drinks and hard food on the first day
• Take prescribed medication regularly; smoking should stop for at least two weeks
• Clean around the implant with a soft brush and interdental brushes; use a water flosser
• Check-ups every six months and an X-ray once a year

Cost

As of 2026 in Ankara, implant and crown together cost around 19,000–29,000 TRY per tooth; bone graft and sinus lift are extra. The price has three components: implant class, restoration (crown) type and surgical needs. With the price estimator on our site you can see the range for your own scenario.

Frequently asked questions

• Does an implant last a lifetime? The implant itself can last decades with proper care; the crown on top may be renewed after 10–15 years.
• Is it done for older people? Age alone is not a barrier; bone and general health decide. It is successfully done in the seventies too.
• Can a tooth be fitted in one session? If bone is strong enough a temporary tooth can be fitted the same day; the permanent crown is made after healing.

Before deciding we recommend getting opinions from at least two dentists, because a good plan should be written and reasoned specifically for your bone structure. At our clinic your X-ray and tomography images are given to you digitally for a second opinion.

This article is for general information and does not replace an examination; always consult your dentist before deciding on treatment.