Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth and fuses with the jawbone, carrying a permanent crown without touching neighbouring teeth.
- Method Titanium implant + abutment + crown
- Anaesthesia Local (sedation on request)
- Surgery time Usually 20–40 minutes per implant
- Bone integration Usually 2–4 months
- Stay in Istanbul Usually 2 trips, 3–5 + 5–7 days
The method
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium (or ceramic) post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over the following months the bone fuses biologically with the surface of the implant (osseointegration); an abutment and a crown are then fitted on this solid foundation to complete the tooth. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or a full arch.
Unlike a conventional bridge, an implant does not require the neighbouring teeth to be ground down, and by transmitting chewing forces to the bone it slows the bone loss that follows a missing tooth. Being fixed rather than removable, it keeps speaking and chewing as close to a natural tooth as possible.
A full arch does not need one implant per tooth: in concepts such as All-on-4, a fixed prosthesis is carried by four (or six) implants placed at an angle in the jaw. When the bone allows, the implants can be loaded with temporary fixed teeth on the same day (immediate loading); the final prosthesis is made after integration.
The process has two main stages: surgical placement and, after bone integration, the prosthesis. For patients from abroad this usually means two trips: implants are placed in 3–5 days on the first trip, with temporary teeth if needed, and the final crowns are made in 5–7 days on the second trip, 2–4 months later.
Treatment is carried out at licensed partner dental clinics in Istanbul by a dentist and, where needed, an oral surgeon. JSH does not perform treatment; it coordinates the journey planned by the dentist. Suitability and method are the dentist’s decisions.
Structure
Root, Abutment and Crown: a Tooth in Three Parts
The implant itself is the root part that stays inside the bone; it is invisible above the gum. Once integration is complete, an abutment is screwed onto it and the crown is cemented or screwed onto the abutment.
The crown is usually zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal; zirconia is preferred in the front for aesthetics. Shade and shape are matched to the neighbouring teeth at the try-in.
Before placement, a 3D scan (CBCT) measures the width and height of the bone and its distance from the sinus and nerves; the length, diameter and angle of the implant are planned from this scan. If bone is lacking, bone grafting or a sinus lift can be done beforehand or in the same session, which extends the integration time.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease all work against integration; they must be reported at the assessment.
Comparison
Implant or Bridge?
Both can replace a single missing tooth; they differ in their effect on the neighbouring teeth and in long-term outcomes.
Implant
- Neighbouring teeth are left untouched; each tooth stands on its own root
- Stimulates the jawbone and slows bone loss at the site of the missing tooth
- A two-stage process with a 2–4 month wait for integration
- Requires a minor surgical procedure and sufficient bone
- Lasts many years with good care; cleaned like a natural tooth
Bridge
- The healthy teeth on either side of the gap are ground down to carry it
- The bone under the missing tooth is not stimulated and continues to shrink
- Usually completed in a single trip within a few days
- No surgery; may be an option when bone is insufficient
- Depends on the health of the supporting teeth; cleaning under the bridge needs special tools
A Root That Fuses with the Bone
Within months the titanium surface integrates biologically with the jawbone. The permanent tooth is built on this foundation.
Suitability
Who Is It for?
Dental implants are considered for adults whose jaw has finished growing, who are missing one or more teeth, and who are in good general health with adequate oral hygiene. Controlled diabetes and heart conditions are not obstacles; the dentist may ask for a medical opinion where needed.
Suitability is decided solely by the dentist. Active gum disease is treated first; where bone is lacking, grafting or a sinus lift is planned. Implants may be postponed or ruled out in cases of uncontrolled diabetes, ongoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the jaw, certain bone medications and heavy smoking.
Planning
How Does the Two-trip Plan Work?
At the assessment, your panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan and intra-oral photos are sent to the dentist; the number of implants, bone condition, any need for grafting or a sinus lift and the temporary tooth option are decided from them. The plan and the schedule for both trips are sent to you in writing.
The first trip is usually 3–5 days: examination and CBCT scan, placement of the implants under local anaesthesia (with sedation if you prefer), temporary fixed teeth or a temporary denture on the same day if needed, and a check-up on the following days. Stitches are removed after a week in your own country or dissolve by themselves.
Bone integration usually takes 2–4 months, or up to 6 months if a graft was placed. The second trip is 5–7 days: integration is checked, impressions are taken, and the abutments and final crowns are fitted after a try-in. In full-arch plans such as All-on-4, temporary fixed teeth are fitted on the first trip, so you are never without teeth in between.
The process
How Does the Treatment Work?
From your first message to your follow-up, the journey runs through a single coordinator. Treatment is completed in two trips and five stages.
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01
Assessment and CBCT Scan
X-ray and photos are sent to the dentist; at the clinic an examination and 3D scan set the number, length and angle of the implants.
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02
Surgical Placement
Under local anaesthesia (sedation on request) the implants are placed in the bone; bone grafting or a sinus lift is done in the same session if needed. Usually 20–40 minutes per implant.
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03
Temporary Teeth and Early Healing
If the bone allows, temporary fixed teeth are fitted the same day; otherwise a temporary denture. A check-up follows the next day; the first trip takes 3–5 days.
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04
Bone Integration
A wait of 2–4 months (up to 6 with a graft). Check-ups continue remotely with photos, and an X-ray may be requested in your own country.
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05
Final Teeth
On the second trip integration is checked and impressions taken; abutments and final crowns are fitted after a try-in. Aftercare instructions are given in writing.
Where it takes place
At Partner Dental Clinics, Planned by Your Dentist
Treatment is carried out at licensed partner dental clinics in Istanbul by a dentist and, where needed, the relevant specialists (prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery). Suitability, choice of material and the treatment itself are the dentist’s decisions; JSH does not influence them, it organises everything around them.
Our job is the rest of the journey: choosing the clinic and dentist that fit your needs, sending your intra-oral photos and any X-rays to the dentist, fitting the appointments into your length of stay, transfers and accommodation, and remote check-ups after you return home.
We communicate in English, Turkish and Polish. Every step (appointment days, laboratory times, aftercare instructions) is sent to you in writing, and you stay in touch with the same coordinator after you are back home.
Preparation and aftercare
What to Do Before and After Treatment
This list is for guidance only; the written instructions your doctor gives you at the clinic take precedence. Your coordinator is available for any question.
Before the Procedure
- Tell us about blood thinners and bone medication (such as bisphosphonates); a dosing plan is agreed with your doctor if needed.
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and do not smoke during the integration period; smoking is one of the main causes of implant failure.
- Gum disease and decay are treated before implants; have a professional cleaning.
- Send your panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan with your assessment; bone condition is planned from it.
- Tell us about controlled diabetes, heart conditions and regular medication; a medical report may be requested.
After the Procedure
- For the first 24 hours after surgery avoid hot food and drink, rinsing and spitting; apply a cold compress to the cheek from outside.
- Eat soft, lukewarm food for the first week; do not chew on the implant side and keep your tongue and fingers away from the area.
- Take the antibiotics and painkillers you were given regularly; start the recommended mouthwash from the second day.
- Clean the area with a soft brush in the first days without rubbing the stitches; keep up your general oral hygiene.
- Do not smoke during the integration period; if you have a temporary denture, take it out at night and tell the dentist if it presses on the area.
- Once the final teeth are fitted, brush twice a day, use interdental brushes and floss, and have a check-up and cleaning every six months.
Recovery
During and After Treatment
Timings are given for guidance only; recovery varies from person to person and is followed up by your doctor.
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First 3 Days
Mild swelling of the cheek, gum tenderness and occasionally bruising are expected; pain is controlled with medication. Soft food and a cold compress are recommended.
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1–2 Weeks
The gum heals and the stitches are removed or dissolve; swelling subsides. Daily life continues as normal, avoiding chewing on the implant side.
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2–4 Months
Bone integration (osseointegration) takes place; check-ups are done remotely. With a graft, this period can extend to 6 months.
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Final Teeth
On the second trip impressions, a try-in and the final crowns are completed and the bite is balanced. There is a short period of getting used to the new teeth.
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6 Months
First check-up and professional cleaning; the health of the gum around the implant is assessed.
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Years
With regular hygiene and six-monthly check-ups an implant lasts many years. Its lifespan depends on gum health, smoking and keeping up check-ups.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Placement is done under local anaesthesia, with sedation if you prefer. No pain is felt during the procedure; afterwards there is a few days of tenderness similar to a tooth extraction, controlled with medication.
The implant needs 2–4 months to fuse with the bone, and the final tooth is made at the end of that period. On the first trip the implants are placed and temporary teeth fitted if needed; on the second the final crowns are completed.
No. If the bone allows, temporary fixed teeth are fitted the same day; otherwise a temporary denture. In full-arch plans such as All-on-4, temporary fixed teeth are provided on the first trip.
In most cases, yes. The bone can be widened with a graft or, in the upper jaw, a sinus lift can be performed; integration then takes longer. A CBCT scan is needed to plan this.
A fixed prosthesis for a fully edentulous jaw carried by four implants placed at an angle. It restores fixed teeth with fewer implants, and temporary fixed teeth are usually fitted the same day. The dentist decides on suitability from the bone structure.
An implant preserves the neighbouring teeth and stimulates the bone; a bridge requires the neighbouring teeth to be ground down but is finished in one trip. Where bone and general health allow, an implant is usually preferred; the dentist decides.
Yes. Smoking disrupts bone integration and is one of the main causes of implant failure. You are asked to stop before surgery and not to smoke during the integration period.
With correct planning, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, many years. The crown on top may wear and be replaced over time; the root part usually stays in place.
Titanium is biocompatible and allergic rejection is very rare. Occasionally an implant fails to integrate, usually because of smoking, infection or insufficient bone; once the site has healed, it can be planned again.
Two trips: usually 3–5 days for the first (scan, surgery, check-up) and, 2–4 months later, 5–7 days for the second (impressions, try-in, final teeth). The schedule is built around your flights.
Let’s Assess Your Suitability Together
Share your questions and, if you have them, your photos. Our team will complete a preliminary assessment with the partner clinic’s doctor and get back to you.