PATIENT INFORMATION

Important Reminder: The final treatment plan is determined after a doctor's examination, panoramic X-ray, and, if necessary, 3D tomography (CBCT). There may be differences between the preliminary information provided based on photographs and the final plan made at the clinic.

This document has been prepared to summarize, in clear and understandable language, the basic matters our patients need to pay attention to before, during, and after treatment.

1. Things to Consider Before Treatment

It is very important that you share all information about your health status completely before coming in for treatment. The medications you are using, your chronic illnesses, your previous surgeries, your allergies, and any dental problems you have experienced in the past must be reported.

• Conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid, use of blood thinners, or allergies must be reported in advance.
• Any possibility of pregnancy, breastfeeding status, or recent surgical procedures must be reported.
• Care should be taken not to arrive at your appointment tired, hungry, or sleep-deprived.
• Unless your doctor advises otherwise, having a light meal before coming to your appointment is beneficial.
• Alcohol should not be consumed before the operation, and smoking should be reduced as much as possible.

Why is this information important?

Because the medications used, the response to anesthesia, the speed of healing, and the risk of infection are all directly linked to the person's general health condition.

2. Examination and Imaging Phase

One of the most important stages of treatment is accurate assessment. During the clinical examination, not only the appearance of the teeth is examined, but also bone level, gum condition, occlusion, and the overall balance within the mouth.

• The general condition is assessed by panoramic X-ray.
• In necessary cases, bone thickness and implant areas are examined in detail with 3D tomography (CBCT).
• Sometimes whether teeth can be saved becomes clear only during clinical examination.
• Some procedures planned based on photographs may change after the X-ray, or additional procedures may be needed.

3. About Implants, Bone, and Additional Surgical Procedures

If your treatment plan includes implants, the success of the implant is directly related to bone structure and the healing process. The same bone quality may not exist in every area. For this reason, additional procedures may sometimes be required.

• If the bone level is insufficient, a bone graft procedure may be needed.
• Especially in the upper posterior region, a sinus lifting procedure may be planned as needed.
• Membrane use, bone support, and monitoring of healing may be necessary.
• In full-jaw cases, supportive applications such as PMMA temporary fixed teeth or titanium bars may be recommended.

Why can additional procedures be added later?

Because some of these needs only become clear once the true condition of the bone is seen. But the goal is always to make the treatment longer-lasting, more durable, and safer.

4. The First 24–72 Hours After Treatment

Mild to moderate pain, swelling, a sense of pressure, and sensitivity are normal after the procedure. Especially after implant and surgical procedures, since the body initiates the healing process, such symptoms can be expected.

• Hot foods and drinks should be avoided on the first day.
• Spitting, strong gargling, and using a straw are not recommended for the first 24 hours.
• The medications prescribed by your doctor should be used regularly and on time.
• Applying intermittent cold compresses from outside the cheek can help reduce swelling.
• No pressure should be applied to the operation area with the tongue or hands.

Normal conditions

Mild tingling, bruising, difficulty chewing, sensitivity when speaking, and slight bleeding in the first few days can be considered normal.

Situations in which you must contact us

If you experience uncontrolled severe bleeding, high fever, increasing swelling, very severe pain, persistent discomfort despite medications, or an unexpected problem with your prosthesis, you must contact us immediately.

5. Nutrition and Daily Life

Diet during the post-treatment period directly affects healing. Especially in implant and temporary prosthesis applications, incorrect chewing movements in the early period can negatively affect healing.

• Soft and lukewarm foods should be preferred in the first few days.
• Very hard, sticky, hard-shelled foods, or foods that are difficult to break should be avoided.
• Hard items should not be bitten with temporary teeth, and the front area should not be used for tearing.
• Plenty of water intake and regular sleep support healing.
• Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as much as possible because they can slow healing.

6. Temporary Teeth and the Healing Period

In many cases, temporary applications are made before the permanent teeth. These applications are important to preserve the patient's smile and basic function. However, temporary teeth are not as durable as permanent teeth and must be used more carefully.

• A slight feeling of movement or an adjustment period may be experienced with temporary teeth.
• It may take some time for the tongue, lip, and cheek muscles to adapt to the new form.
• Heavy use should be avoided before healing is complete, prior to the permanent prosthesis.
• Due to swelling, the temporary prosthesis may feel different in the first days.

7. Oral Care and Hygiene

No matter how well the treatment is performed, regular oral care is essential for long-term durability. Especially in implant-supported restorations, the habit of cleaning is the foundation of long-term success.

• Teeth and prostheses should be brushed regularly.
• Mouthwashes or special care products recommended by your doctor should be used regularly.
• To prevent food accumulation around implants, interproximal cleaning should not be neglected.
• Follow-up appointments should not be skipped; routine follow-up should continue even in the absence of pain.

8. Possible Complications and Realistic Expectations

Every dental treatment involves a certain healing process and a natural share of risk. The goal here is not to frighten, but to manage the process consciously. With correct planning, correct application, and good patient compliance, these risks can be significantly controlled.

• Temporary swelling, bruising, and sensitivity may occur after surgery.
• Sometimes, due to the bone structure or the body's healing response, there may be changes in the planned course.
• In rare cases, there may be problems with implant integration, and additional intervention may be necessary.
• In temporary prostheses, breakage, loosening, or fit problems may occur.
• In such cases, early reporting allows for a more comfortable resolution.

Why are realistic expectations important?

Because treatment is evaluated not only aesthetically, but also together with function, occlusion, bone compatibility, and long-term durability. Sometimes the best outcome is not the fastest treatment, but the most accurately planned one.

9. Check-ups, Second Visit, and Permanent Teeth

In two-stage implant treatments, there is a healing period between the first visit and the second visit. At the end of this period, the integration of the implants with the bone is checked, and the permanent superstructure phase begins.

• During the second visit, impressions, try-ins, occlusion checks, and aesthetic evaluations are performed.
• Permanent zirconium, e-max, or other planned materials are applied at this stage.
• An adjustment period may also occur after the permanent teeth are placed; this is normal.
• If necessary, minor adjustments and occlusion modifications can be made.

10. What We Expect From the Patient

The success of the treatment depends not only on the clinical application, but also on the patient's compliance with the process. Therefore, it is very important that communication remains open throughout treatment and that the recommendations are followed.

• That you fully apply the prescribed medications and care recommendations.
• That you adhere to follow-up dates and the possible second visit plan.
• That you contact us without delay in case of an unexpected situation.
• That you avoid heavy use and careless eating during the temporary period.

11. Final Note

This file has been prepared so that the patient can go through the process more consciously and comfortably. Every patient is different; therefore, the information here is for general informational purposes only. The final decision is always made after a doctor's examination and clinical evaluation.

Our recommendation

For the process to proceed in the healthiest way, do not hesitate to ask about every detail you have in mind. An informed patient completes the treatment process more comfortably and safely.