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Plastic surgery may help you improve your appearance, but not everyone does. Learn what to think about before surgery, how to find the right surgeon, and what questions to ask.

Plastic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery that includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures, may seem like an easy way to change your appearance, remove the effects of several years of age or improve your physique.

But there are risks and limitations to plastic surgery. If you’re considering plastic surgery, here’s what you need to know.

Factors to be taken into consideration

Cosmetic surgery alters appearance, by changing or reshaping parts of the body that function normally, but do not look the way the person wants. Before performing plastic surgery, the following should be considered:

• patient expectations. Expect improvement but not perfection. In the event that plastic surgery is expected to transform a person into a movie star shape, it only reaps disappointment. You should not rely on surgery to maintain a difficult relationship, gain a promotion, or improve social life.
• expenses. Most health insurance plans do not include plastic surgery. The cost varies based on the process, and ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also, consider the cost of follow-up care or additional corrective procedures.
• Risks. Dissatisfaction can be felt after any type of plastic surgery. Surgical complications are also possible, which include excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
• recover. After plastic surgery, a person may need days, weeks, or even months to recover. Understand the physical effects that can be part of your recovery, as well as how surgery may affect your personal and professional life.

Also, if the person smokes, the doctor will likely advise that they stop smoking a month before surgery and during recovery; To reduce the risk of complications.

Find a qualified plastic surgeon

If you decide to have plastic surgery, you may have to choose among the surgeons available to you. Choose a doctor who specializes in performing the procedure you want and who is licensed in that specialty by a board-certified American Board of Medical Specialties. Watch out for misleading testimonials from unapproved or self-formed medical boards.

If you’re going to have an operation that requires general anaesthesia, make sure that the facility performing the procedure is accredited by an accrediting body such as The Joint Commission or licensed by the state in which the facility is located.

surgeon interview

When you’ve narrowed down your choices about surgeons, schedule a consultation, or several consultations with different surgeons. The surgeon will evaluate the part of your body that you want to treat, share your medical history and list of medications, and discuss your wishes and expectations. During the initial consultation, ask the surgeon the following questions:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
• Are there suitable treatments other than surgery as good or better for me?
• How many times have you done this procedure? How were the results?
• Can you share with me pictures or diagrams of before and after the procedure; To help me understand the procedure and the expected results?
• Can the desired effect be achieved within one procedure, or do you anticipate several?
• What are the surgical options? What are the pros and cons of each?
• Will the results be permanent?
• What type of anesthetic is used? How will it affect me?
• Will I be staying in the hospital? If the answer is yes, how long will it take?
• What are the possible complications?
• How will you monitor my progress after surgery? What follow-up care will I need? How long can the recovery period be?
• How much will the procedure cost?

The more closely you work with your surgeon to achieve specific, measurable and achievable goals before surgery, the more satisfied you will be with the results.

Remember, though, that even if you do your part and find a surgeon you like at a price you can afford; You are solely responsible for making the decision to seek plastic surgery. Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and are committed to your treatment options.

 

As in all areas of the skin, age-related changes are observed in the eyelids. These changes are in the form of bags under the eyes, excess skin and sagging of the upper eyelid. Therefore, the process of cutting the eyelids is not only a cosmetic method, but may also help improve vision in some cases because it affects the field of vision.

The bags around the eyes and the excess skin are removed through the eyelid surgery under local anesthesia. One eyelid is made within 30 minutes.

 

How is the eyelid surgery performed?

Excess skin on the eyelids is determined.

Anesthesia of the eyelids with local anesthesia

Make a delicate incision in the upper eyelid, at the fold or just below the eyelashes in the lower eyelid.

The fatty tissue that causes the cyst and sagging are removed.

Adjusting the position of the muscle tissue so that the eyelid is taut and the shape of the eye is more youthful.

Do the removal of excess skin.

The incisions are sutured with cosmetic threads.

 

What after eyelid surgery?

An ice pack is placed for the first 24 hours.

In the first five days, the eyelid swells and becomes pink

Be careful not to touch the water on the eyelids for the first week.

Use the medications for the operation, such as drops and ointments, as prescribed by the doctor.

 

Advantages of eyelid surgery

 

No surgical effect in the eye after the operation.

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no need for general anesthesia.

You can be discharged from the hospital on the same day and go about your normal life.

It restores your youthful outlook and increases your self-confidence.

Help you improve vision.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of our time. The incidence of the disease increased significantly, especially due to lack of movement and irregular diet. In this context, those at risk are children, young adults and middle-aged individuals. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children, while type 2 diabetes appears in adults who are overweight and usually over the age of 40.

 

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in our country. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetic patients. It occurs as a result of insensitivity of the body’s cells to the hormone insulin, which determines the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Disruption of insulin secretion and resistance to insulin action in the body are the two most important factors. Most people with this disease may not have symptoms of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed incidentally in such patients. As a result of the silent development of the disease, damage to organs and blood vessels is inevitable. It is common in individuals over the age of 40 who are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle.

 

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed with detailed information from the patient and blood tests. Diagnosis of this disease. If the blood sugar is above 200 mg at any time If the blood sugar is still above 200 mg in the second hour of the glucose load, If the fasting sugar is above 120 mg Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.

 

What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

The treatment that should be applied to a patient with type 2 diabetes varies depending on the course of the disease and how far it has spread. Usually the treatment is as follows; Depending on the diabetes, an appropriate diet and exercise program specific to the patient’s height, weight, lifestyle, and insulin drug therapy are implemented. In cases where medical treatments are insufficient for the patient, surgical treatment is applied.

 

How long is the rerouting process?

Bypass surgery takes an average of two hours. The risks after gastric bypass surgery are very low, as it is performed laparoscopically without damaging the organ, protecting the gastric inlet and outlet, and ensuring continuity in the digestive system.

 

 

 

Who is the appropriate surgical treatment?

Surgical treatment is not appropriate for every diabetic patient. The most suitable people for surgical treatment are patients with type 2 diabetes. However, as a result of the fact that a person has had type 2 diabetes for years, the body’s insulin production may not be enough for surgical treatment. For this reason, the level of insulin in the pancreas must be measured before surgical treatment. The level of insulin is checked by a blood test. On the other hand, the weight of the patients is also very important. In this context, the patient’s BMI should also be appropriate for surgical treatment. To be suitable for surgical treatment, the BMI must be 35 and above. However, patients who do not respond to conventional medical treatment methods and who have a BMI of 30 and above may also be treated with surgery. Another criterion for the appropriateness of surgical treatment is that type 2 diabetes mellitus is not very advanced. In the malignant development of type 2 diabetes, the insulin stores are depleted, as a result of which various damages occur, such as damage to organs and blood vessels. Successful results are obtained with appropriate treatment and surgical procedures by identifying the patient before the insulin reserves run out.

What is the cataract in the eye?

It is a crystalline cataract as a result of the loss of transparency of the lens of the eye, which leads to weak and blurry vision and thus affects the integrity of vision

Cataracts mostly start in a part of the lens and then gradually spread until they cause weakness and blurry vision. In this case, you should consult a doctor and do a cataract operation in the eye. In the other years, this process has become easy and safe, and its results are guaranteed.

Commonly referred to as “cataract” or “curtain over the eye”, it is a disease often associated with age.

 

 

What are the symptoms of white water in the eye?

Decreased quality of far and near vision

double vision

headache around the eye

sensitivity to light

Constant change of eyeglasses sizes

Yellowing and fading of colors (cloudy vision)

 

How is cataract treated?

Cataracts are not treated with medications, but only with surgery. The sooner surgery is performed after a cataract is diagnosed, the more successful it will be because it may take longer for an advanced cataract to heal.

1- FACO cataract process

One of the newest and preferred methods of cataract surgery is the FACO (phacoemulsification) method. Unlike other surgeries, it is a smooth surgical method. During the operation, the lens of the eye affected by cataracts is cleaned with the help of a special device and a lens is placed in the intraocular for life of the patient. The patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day and his eyesight is improving day by day. He can see even the next day after the operation.

2- Femto-laser cataract surgery

It is one of the modern techniques known as the femto- cataract technique, where a femto-laser beam is used to make very narrow openings in the cornea and suction the cataracts from the eye. The femto-laser is used to correct astigmatism during the operation.

 

In both methods, the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day and his eyesight improves day by day. He can see even the next day after the operation and the operation for one eye takes 15 minutes under local anesth

In smart lens implantation, one of the bifocal (bifocal) or trifocal (trifocal) lenses is fitted.

Smart lens surgery and cataract surgery are performed in the same way.

The only difference from cataract surgery is; Is that the smart lens placed in the eye enables far and near vision.

The smart lens is higher quality and more expensive than other lenses.

The lenses are globally approved, have international validity, and a barcode certificate is granted to the patient who underwent surgery for each eye separately.

Smart lens types

Bifocal lenses: In smart lens surgery, it allows both far and near vision. However, the mean distance cannot be seen. Where we need to wear glasses at a medium distance. for example; We need to use glasses to see the computer screen, the car’s speedometer, and the food on the table.

Trifocal lenses: In smart lens surgery, it allows far, medium and near vision, as we get rid of glasses at all distances.

Who are the candidates for smart lens implantation?

The operation can be applied to anyone over the age of 40 who wears near and far glasses. (It can also be applied to those who do not have a problem in the far distance but only have problems in the near distance. However, an interview with the doctor is required to determine the degree of certainty of this).

The operation can also be applied to people over the age of 40 who do not wish to wear glasses.

The operation can also be applied to patients with poor eyesight and under 40 years of age.

It can also be applied to people who have undergone laser vision correction before.

 

Questions that must be answered to know whether the patient is suitable for the operation or not?

If you are outside Turkey, you must submit a detailed report from the ophthalmologist containing the following:

• How old are you?
• What are the eye sizes? Do you use glasses for close or far distances?
• What is the patient’s degree of vision? Do you have lazy eye nerve or double vision?
• Do you have diabetes, blood pressure or a genetic disease? Do you use a blood thinner? Or any other medication?
• Have you ever had any eye surgery? If you have had surgery, what surgery did you have?

 

How is the process of implanting smart lenses?

After seeing the doctor and making the necessary examinations and x-rays, the right type of lens will be selected for you according to the doctor’s vision.

The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. The operation is performed in one eye within 15 minutes under local anesthesia.

The eyelids are opened and a small incision of 2.3 mm is made in the eye.

Entering the eye through this incision, the capsule on our lens is taken in a circular shape.

The lens is sucked out with the tip of the phacoemulsifier.

After absorption, our smart lenses are placed in the eye.

The antibiotic is applied to the eye and the eye is closed.

After the operation, the patient goes to his room and after resting for an hour, he is discharged from the hospital.

The eye subject to the operation is closed, and the next day it is opened under the supervision of the doctor.

 

Post-operative instructions and tips:

 

first week

Avoid sleeping on the stomach.
Avoid getting soap and water into the eyes.
Hair should be washed by a hairdresser with the head tilted back.
Avoid using creams and make-up around the eyes.
Sunglasses must be worn outside.
Avoid swimming and weightlifting.

 

From the second week

It is possible to return to daily life. However, the eyes should not be rubbed vigorously.

What is sleeve gastrectomy (reduction) surgery?

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most widely applied surgical procedures today and is known as “stomach reduction surgery”. Sleeve gastrectomy is the laparoscopic removal of 75-80% of the stomach and shaping it into the shape of a tube or a banana.

 

Who is gastric bypass surgery applied to?

Those with a BMI greater than 40 kg (obese). Those who have a BMI between 35 and 40 and have problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea are considered obese and may need to undergo gastric bypass surgery. In addition, patients with “new” type 2 diabetes associated with obesity, metabolic disorders and a body mass index between 30 and 35 can be operated on by a decision of an obesity doctor. Bariatric surgeries are performed for aesthetic purposes, not to make a person look weaker, but to prevent potential health problems that a person may face now and in the future.

 

How is gastric sleeve surgery applied?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and closed by laparoscopic method. All necessary tests, analyzes and controls are performed before the operation for the patient who decides to undergo surgery. When all results are normal, the patient is taken to the operating room. The surgery is performed by making 4-5 micro punctures according to the patient’s body structure. Since these endoscopic incisions are very small, they do not cause any aesthetic problems on the surface of the skin, and do not leave any traces. In order not to reduce the size of the stomach too much during gastric bypass surgery, a tube is inserted into the stomach entrance the size of the diameter of the esophagus. The medical name for this tube is a titration tube. Thus, the stomach contracts to be a continuation of the esophagus. In this way, negative factors such as gastric stenosis or congestion are prevented. After taking the necessary precautions, the stomach is cut in length. After the completion of the operation, the calibration tube placed on the entrance to the stomach at the beginning of the operation is removed and tested for leaks in any part of the stomach with special techniques. Since general anesthesia is applied during the surgery, the patient does not feel pain or pain. The patient does not feel severe pain after the operation, because gastric surgery is performed closed and laparoscopically, without cutting the abdominal muscles and membranes. On the first day after surgery, there may be slight stomach pain, and pain relief medication may be applied in this case. 4-6 hours after the end of the surgery, the patient begins to walk. On the first day after surgery, there may be slight stomach pain, and pain relief medication may be applied in this case. 4-6 hours after the end of the surgery, the patient begins to walk. On the first day after surgery, there may be slight stomach pain, and pain relief medication may be applied in this case. 4-6 hours after the end of the surgery, the patient begins to walk.

We are distinguished by suturing the stomach twice. After stapling the stomach by means of a stapler (stomach stapler), we sew the stomach again manually in order to control the stapling of the stomach strong and prevent any leakage after the operation and also to prevent an expansion in the size of the stomach in the future.
This method is not available in all Istanbul hospitals. We at Marka Clinic offer you the best, latest and safest methods of operations.

What is the duration of the gastric sleeve operation?

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery takes an average of 1.5 hours. The risks after gastric sleeve operation are very low, as it is performed laparoscopically without damaging the organ, protecting the outlet and entrance of the stomach, and ensuring continuity in the digestive system.

 

What should be considered after gastric sleeve surgery?

In the success of gastric surgery, it is of paramount importance that the patient adopts a new lifestyle, adheres to the diet program that will be given to him, and regularly uses nutritional and vitamin supplements if necessary.

LASIK surgery is a laser vision correction by adjusting the curvature of the cornea to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, which leads to the formation of a clear image on the retina, and permanently dispensing with eyeglasses and contact lenses.

 

What are the defects and problems of sight?

1- Myopia: It is the inability of the eye to see distant objects clearly.

2- Farsightedness: It is the inability of the eye to see near and far objects without eye strain.

3- Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs as a result of irregularity in the surface of the cornea of ​​the eye, which leads to headaches and blurred vision.

 

To whom can the LASIK operation be applied?

It is applied to people aged 18-45.

People who use glasses for far vision or contact lenses.

People with farsightedness and astigmatism up to six degrees.

 

Questions that must be answered to know whether the patient is suitable for LASIK surgery or not?

If you are outside Turkey, you must submit a detailed report from the ophthalmologist containing the following:

• How old are you?
• What are the eye sizes? Do you use glasses for close or far distances?
• What is the patient’s degree of vision? Do you have lazy eye nerve or double vision?
• Do you use contact lenses?
• Send a topographical image of the cornea, if possible.
• Do you have diabetes, blood pressure or a genetic disease? Do you use a blood thinner? Or any other medication?
• Have you ever had any eye surgery? If I had surgery, what surgery did I have?

 

 

 

Tips before undergoing laser vision correction surgery

 

No cosmetics should be used on the eyelids

Not wearing contact lenses for several days before (at least three days)

Avoid using any perfume on the day of the operation, because perfume obstructs the penetration of the laser into the patient’s eye.

 

 

 

What are the tests before laser vision correction operations?

Measuring degrees of vision.

eye pressure measurement

Corneal topographic imaging.

Determining the thickness of the cornea.

Doctor’s examination.

 

What are the LASIK procedures?

On the day of the operation, you must come one hour before the operation.

Before the operation, the patient is examined and a topographical x-ray of the cornea is taken.

The operation is performed on both eyes within 15 minutes under local anesthesia.

The patient is discharged immediately after the operation and comes to see the doctor the next day.

 

What are the types of laser in vision correction operations?

PRK surface laser.
Femto Lasik.
Femto smile (without raising a layer of the cornea).
Conventional LASIK (microtome).
Custom LASIK (detailed LASIK procedure).

The most appropriate method for the operation is determined by the doctor according to the thickness of the cornea, the topographic rays and the doctor’s examination.

 

What are the tips and instructions followed after laser vision correction operations?

Avoid touching and rubbing the eyes or getting water inside the eyes for 48 hours after the operation.

Do not drive immediately after the operation.

You can eat whatever food and drinks you want after the operation.

Coming to the doctor the next day to follow up on the success of the operation.

Do not worry about the presence of light haze in the vision, burning and tears in the eyes for 5 hours after the operation, as it is very normal.

 

 

What is stomach botox?

Gastric Botox is a non-surgical obesity treatment that is applied laparoscopically and aims to slow down stomach movements by injecting Botox at a certain depth in certain areas of the stomach. The goal is to create a feeling of satiety and reduce the feeling of hunger.

 

Who is gastric botox applied to?

Gastric Botox can be applied to anyone who is overweight. However, there are certain criteria that are required to carry out this process. These are:
– The patient’s BMI should be less than 40. The right treatment option for patients with a BMI of 40 and above is bariatric surgery.
The patient must be over 16 years old.
The patient should not be allergic to botox.
The patient should not have neuromuscular disease. Those who suffer from stomach ulcers such as gastritis can do this procedure after treatment.

 

How is gastric botox applied?

Gastric Botox is applied endoscopically. The patient comes to the hospital fasting for 8 hours. In the endoscopy unit, the operation is performed in a state similar to deep sleep, which we call light sedation, accompanied by the anesthesiologist. The patient does not feel any pain, swelling or cramps. After the procedure is over and the patient wakes up, he doesn’t remember anything. The patient can go home about an hour after the procedure ends. After about 4 hours, he is back to his normal life completely.

 

How long is the gastric botox procedure?

Gastric Botox procedure takes 15-20 minutes on average.

 

What should be considered after gastric injection?

You can start taking drinks after stomach botox after two hours.
You should limit the consumption of soda, carbohydrates, juices and alcohol.
You should consume the types of food that the dietitian deems appropriate for you in the required quantity.
Smoking does not have any positive or negative effect on stomach botox, but smoking is not recommended.
It is not recommended to drink coffee in the first 3 days after the operation.
After the operation, you should follow the nutrition program given to you by our nutritionist.

What is the gastric balloon operation?

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical way to lose weight. Placing a balloon in the stomach helps to lose weight by taking up space. This balloon takes up space in the stomach and allows you to get full quickly with less food. It also helps you gain healthy eating habits while feeling full. It is a method that does not cause permanent change in the stomach.

 

To whom is the gastric balloon operation applied?

People who cannot lose weight despite following a diet.
People who cannot exercise for various reasons.
Those who need to lose weight as quickly as possible for medical reasons.
People who do not want to have surgery.
To prepare before bariatric surgery.

 

How is the gastric balloon operation applied?

The gastric balloon is placed under laparoscopic anesthesia. The balloon that is placed in the stomach is inflated with sterile water colored blue to reach the required size. Although this volume is 500 ml on average, it is usually between 400 and 700 ml depending on the capacity of a person’s stomach. It is a quick and painless procedure.

 

How long is the gastric balloon procedure?

The duration of the procedure is on average 15-20 minutes. It is applied on a daily basis and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. The patient is kept under observation for a short time and sent home.

 

What should be considered after the gastric balloon procedure?

• You should not eat and drink at the same time.
• It is necessary to wait at least 30 minutes between food and drink.
• Sugar consumption should be limited.
• Products that are very fatty and very spicy should be eaten as little as possible as they will increase stomach complaints and reflux.

Dental implant surgery is a process by which the roots of the teeth are replaced with metal abutments similar to screws, and the damaged or missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth that closely resembles real teeth in terms of appearance and performance. Dental implant surgery may provide an acceptable alternative to dentures or dental bridges that do not fit as required, and may provide an option when natural tooth roots do not allow dentures or bridge replacements.

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of component being implanted and the condition of the jawbone. Dental implant surgery may include several operations. The main benefit of the implants is to provide a solid support for the new tooth — this process requires complete healing of the bone around the implant. Since this healing takes time, the process may take several months.

Why is this done

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they act as the roots of missing teeth. As a result of the titanium in implants fusing with the bones of your jaw, the implants won’t slide, make noise, or cause bone damage as might happen with a fixed bridge or denture. Nor do the materials decay like your teeth, while a regular supporting bridge can decay.

In general, dental grafts may be suitable for you if:

• You have one or more missing teeth
• You have a fully developed jaw bone
• Have bone suitable for securing grafts or able to accommodate bone graft
• You have healthy oral tissues
• You do not have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• You are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• You want to improve your speech
• You have resolved to devote several months to the operation
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Risks

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. Problems are rare, however, when they do occur they are usually minor and easily treatable. Risks include:

• Inflammation at the transplant site
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as teeth or other blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Sinus problems, when dental implants are placed in the upper jaw, it protrudes into the sinus cavities

How to prepare

The dental implant planning process may involve a variety of specialists, including a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist who specializes in treating structures that support teeth such as gums and bones (periodontist), or a dentist who designs He or she fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist) or sometimes an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist).

Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you should have a thorough evaluation in order to prepare for this surgery, including:

• Comprehensive dental examination. Dental X-rays and 3D images may be taken and models of the teeth and jaw made.
• Review your medical history. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions and any medications you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or have bone implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
• treatment plan. Depending on the situation, this plan takes into account factors such as the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the condition of the jawbone and the remaining teeth.

To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local, sedation or general anesthesia. Talk with your dental professional about the best option for you. Your dental care team will give you instructions about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you have. If you’re going to have sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone drive you home after surgery and plan to rest for the rest of the day.

What you can expect

Dental implant surgery, in many cases, is an outpatient surgery that takes place in stages, with time to heal. The process of placing a dental implant includes several stages, including:

• extract a damaged tooth
• Jawbone preparation (graft), when needed
• Dental implant replacement
• Bone growth and healing
• stent installation
• Installing an artificial tooth

The entire process can take several months from start to finish. Most of the time is devoted to healing and waiting for new bone to grow in the jaw. Depending on your situation, the specific action being taken or the materials being used, sometimes some steps can be combined.

If the jawbone is not thick enough or too soft, you may need a bone graft before having dental implant surgery. This is because vigorously chewing puts too much pressure on the jawbone, and if the bone is not suitable to support the dental implant, surgery is likely to fail. The bone graft can form a more solid base for the dental implant.

There are many bone graft materials that can be used to rebuild the jawbone. Available options include natural bone grafts, such as grafts derived from another site in the body, or artificial bone grafts, such as bone substitute materials that provide support structures for new bone growth. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you.

It may take several months for the implanted bone to grow enough to form new bone to support the dental implant. In some cases, you may need only a small bone graft, which can be done at the same time as the dental implant surgery. The condition of your jawbone determines how much progress you make.

Dental implant placement

During surgery to place a dental graft, the oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gums and expose the bones. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant abutment will be placed. Since the abutment will act as the tooth’s root, it is implanted deep into the bone.

At that point, you will still have a gap where the tooth is not. Temporary dentures may be placed to preserve appearance, if necessary. You can remove the dentures for cleaning and while you sleep.

Waiting for the bone to grow

Once the metal graft wedge is placed in your jawbone, osseointegration begins. During this process, the jawbone grows inward and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months, helps provide a solid base for your new artificial teeth — just as roots do for your natural teeth.

support position

When the bone fusion is complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment — the piece on which the crown will eventually be attached. This minor surgery is usually performed after local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

To place the stent:

• The oral surgeon reopens the gums to expose the dental implant
• The abutment is placed in the dental implant
• Then, the gum tissue heals around the abutment rather than on it

In some cases, the abutment is inserted into the metal dental implant post when the post is implanted. This means that you will not need an additional surgical step. Because the abutment extends past the gum line, it’s nonetheless visible when the mouth is opened — and remains until the dentist completes the replacement dental implant. Some people don’t like this look and prefer to have the stent in a separate surgery.

After the abutment is placed, the gums should heal approximately two weeks before the artificial tooth is placed.

Choosing a new artificial tooth

Once the gums have healed, many of the remaining impressions of the mouth and teeth will be taken. These dental impressions are used to create the crown — an artificial tooth that looks as if it were real. The crown cannot be placed until the jawbone is strong enough to support the use of the new tooth.

You and your dentist can choose removable or fixed artificial teeth, or a combination of the two:

• removable teeth. This type is similar to a traditional removable denture and can be part of a denture, or a complete denture. It contains white artificial teeth surrounded by pink plastic gums. It is attached to a metal frame that is attached to the implant support, and is held firmly in place. It can also be removed easily for restoration or for daily cleaning.
• fixed teeth. In this type, the artificial tooth is secured to always remain in the single implant abutment. You cannot remove the tooth for cleaning or during sleep. In most cases, each crown is fitted to its own dental implant. However, because the implants are so strong, it is possible to replace several teeth with one implant, if those teeth are next to each other.

After the operation

Whether you perform dental implant surgery in one stage or in multiple stages, you may encounter some of the traditional problems associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:

• swollen gums and face
• Bruising of the skin and gums
• Implantation pain
• slight bleeding

You may need to take pain relievers or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. If a tumor, pain, or other problem worsens in the days following surgery, contact your oral surgeon.

After each stage of surgery, you may have to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals. In general, the surgeon will use sutures that dissolve on their own. If the stitches aren’t self-dissolving, your doctor will remove them.

Results

Most dental implants are successful. However, sometimes the bone may not fuse sufficiently into the metallic implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications.

If the bone doesn’t fuse enough, the implant will be removed and the bone cleaned, and you can try the procedure again in about three months.

You can help keep your artificial teeth — and your remaining natural teeth — working so they last longer if you do the following:

• Practice good oral habits. Just as with natural teeth, keep implants, artificial teeth, and gum tissue clean. Specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that glides between teeth, can help clean nooks and crannies around the teeth, gums, and metal wedges.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule dental checkups to ensure the health and safety of the implants and follow the advice of professional cleaning procedures.
• Avoid harmful habits. Don’t chew hard objects such as ice and hard candy, which can break crowns — or your natural teeth. Avoid staining tobacco and caffeinated products. And seek treatment if you feel the teeth clenching.