If you have lost a tooth — or several — you have probably already heard the word implant. But behind that single word sits a treatment with surprising depth: a science that quietly turned dentistry on its head over the last forty years, and a daily routine of careful planning, surgery and craftsmanship inside our Trabzon clinic.

This guide is the version we wish every patient could read before their first consultation. It is the same explanation we give in person — only longer, and without the pressure of a chair and a bright light.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It sits inside the jawbone, hidden under the gum. On top of it goes a connector (the abutment), and on top of that, the visible crown — the part that looks and feels like a tooth.

Together, those three pieces give you back something a bridge or a denture cannot: a tooth that stands on its own, with no support from neighbouring teeth, no slipping, and no bone loss in the area where the missing tooth used to be.

Why Dentomed uses Straumann and Neodent

There are dozens of implant brands on the market and the price gap between them can be enormous. We have made a deliberate choice to work with two systems only:

  • Straumann — Swiss-engineered titanium and Roxolid® alloy. Decades of clinical research, lifetime guarantee on the implant body, and tens of millions of placements worldwide.
  • Neodent — part of the Straumann Group, manufactured in Brazil. Same surface science, lower price point. Ideal when the clinical case allows it.

Neither is "the cheap one" or "the expensive one" — they are different tools for different mouths. Your treatment plan will tell you which makes sense for you, and why.

Are you a candidate?

Most adults are. The classic checks are:

  • Enough healthy bone to anchor the implant (a 3D CBCT scan tells us in five minutes).
  • Healthy gums — active gum disease has to be brought under control first.
  • Stable general health — uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and certain medications need a conversation, not necessarily a "no".

If you are missing bone, that is not a closed door. Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures rebuild the foundation, and we do them routinely.

The implant process, step by step

1. Consultation and 3D planning

We start with a clinical exam, panoramic X-ray, and — almost always — a 3D CBCT scan. Modern implant placement is digitally planned: we know the angle, depth and exact implant model before you ever sit in the chair.

2. Surgery

The placement itself is shorter than most people expect — usually 30 to 60 minutes per implant under local anaesthesia. There are no scalpels in many cases; a small, precise opening is enough. You walk out the same day.

3. Osseointegration

This is the quiet phase. Over the next 8–12 weeks, your bone biologically fuses to the implant surface. This is what makes a dental implant unique — it is not glued or screwed in mechanically, it becomes part of you.

4. Crown delivery

Once the implant is integrated, we take a digital scan, design the crown, and bond it onto the abutment. From your perspective: a tooth appears where there used to be nothing.

Aftercare and longevity

A well-placed implant in a healthy mouth lasts decades. The Swedish Brånemark studies — the original implants from the 1960s — are still functioning in some patients today. The two non-negotiables are:

  • Daily home care — brushing, flossing or interdental brushes around the implant, exactly like a natural tooth.
  • Six-monthly check-ups so we can clean professionally and catch any early gum issues.

What does it cost?

Our pricing is published openly on the Pricing page in EUR with live TRY conversion, so there are no surprises. The total for a single implant typically includes the implant body, abutment and zirconia or porcelain crown — not three separate invoices.

Frequently asked questions

Does the surgery hurt?

The surgery itself is painless under local anaesthesia. Most patients describe the next 24–48 hours as uncomfortable rather than painful — comparable to a tooth extraction.

How long does the whole treatment take?

From the first consultation to the final crown, plan for 3 to 4 months in straightforward cases. If bone grafting is needed, add 3–6 months for the bone to mature.

Will it look like a real tooth?

Yes — and this is where the lab and the clinician matter more than the implant brand. Shade, shape and emergence profile are crafted individually. Patients regularly forget which side the implant is on.

If you are weighing your options, the next step is simple: come in for a consultation, get the scan, and walk out with a written plan. Our team has placed thousands of implants — see the implant treatment page for clinical detail, or send us your questions.