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Implant treatment planning for a patient who has been edentulous for a long time
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Dental HealthVerified

Implants for Those Who Have Been Edentulous for a Long Time: It's Not Too Late with Modern Solutions

Uzm. Dt. Aykut Gürel — Ağız, Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi Uzmanı

Ağız, Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi Uzmanı

Çene cerrahisi uzmanı Aykut Gürel, İstanbul Üniversitesi mezunu olup uzmanlık eğitimini Marmara Üniversitesi Ağız, Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı'nda tamamlamıştır. Dental implantoloji, zigomatik implant cerrahisi ve dijital cerrahi planlama alanlarında çalışmaktadır.

Marmara Üniv. UzmanıDental İmplantolojiDijital Cerrahi
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Bu içerik Uzm. Dt. Aykut Gürel tarafından hazırlanmıştır. Yalnızca bilgilendirme amaçlıdır; klinik muayene yerine geçmez.

Son güncelleme: March 18, 2026

March 16, 2026Last updated: March 18, 20268 min
Medical AccuracyExpert ReviewedUp-to-Date

Being edentulous for an extended period causes serious health problems beyond just aesthetic concerns. The jawbone gradually resorbs over time, facial structure changes, and the person begins to look older than their actual age. However, modern dentistry offers effective solutions that can reverse this condition. As Derya Dental Clinic, we tell our patients who have been toothless for years, "Don't think you're too late." Because with today's advanced techniques, regardless of your jawbone condition, you can achieve a healthy smile with implant treatment.

Implants for Those Who Have Been Edentulous for a Long Time: It's Not Too Late with Modern Solutions

Effects of Long-Term Tooth Loss on Oral and Jaw Structure

Our teeth are vitally important not only for chewing but also for maintaining the vitality of our jawbone. Each chewing motion sends stimulation to the jawbone and enables it to renew itself. When tooth loss occurs, this stimulation stops and the bone resorption process begins.

Stages of Bone Resorption

  1. First 6 Months (Critical Period): Bone volume can decrease by up to 25%.
  2. 1-3 Years: Resorption slows, gum tissue begins to collapse.
  3. 5-10+ Years: Advanced bone loss, the jaw ridge flattens.
  4. 10+ Years: Extreme bone loss, facial structure changes significantly.

Attention: Jawbone resorption affects not only oral health but also dramatically alters facial aesthetics. Lips pucker, the chin approaches the nose, and the person begins to look much older than their age. For more information, you can review implants for jawbone resorption.

Problems Caused by Bone Resorption

  • Chewing difficulty and digestive problems
  • Speech disorders (especially s, z, t sounds)
  • Facial collapse and aged appearance
  • Loss of self-confidence and social isolation
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders

Is Implant Treatment Possible for Those Who Have Been Edentulous for a Long Time?

Absolutely yes! Thanks to the advanced techniques offered by modern dentistry, implant treatment for patients who have been toothless for years has now become a routine procedure. No matter how advanced your jawbone condition is, a suitable solution will always be found.

Requirements for Success

  • General health condition suitable for implant surgery
  • Smoking brought under control
  • Determination to maintain oral hygiene
  • Choosing an expert clinician and well-equipped clinic

Modern Implant Techniques: Customized Solutions for Every Situation

Bone Graft (Bone Powder) Application

Bone grafting is a procedure where synthetic or natural bone powder is added to the resorbed jawbone. This technique:

  • Restores bone volume within 6 months.
  • Has a success rate of over 90%.
  • Both synthetic and natural bone materials can be used.
  • Grafts taken from the patient's own bone are the most ideal.

Sinus Lifting: A Special Technique for the Upper Jaw

For those experiencing bone resorption in the upper jaw, sinus lifting surgery is a lifesaver:

FeatureDescription
Duration45-90 minutes
Healing4-6 months
Success Rate95%+
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia

Zygomatic Implants: Not a Last Resort, but a Smart Choice

Zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. This method:

  • Does not require bone grafting.
  • Teeth can be placed the same day.
  • Ideal for cases with extreme bone loss.
  • Offers a long-term solution.

All-on-4/6 Technique: Fast and Effective

The All-on-4 implant system, with a minimally invasive approach:

  • Complete edentulism treatment with 4 implants.
  • Option for same-day fixed teeth.
  • Minimizes the need for bone grafting.
  • Provides a cost advantage.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now! Contact us for more information about modern implant techniques.


Treatment Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Comprehensive Examination and Planning

  • 3D tomography scan
  • Intraoral scanning and impression taking
  • General health evaluation
  • Creating a digital treatment plan. For more information, read our article on digital implant planning.

2. Preparation Phase (If Needed)

  • Bone graft application
  • Sinus lifting operation
  • Healing process (3-6 months)
  • Follow-up examinations

3. Implant Placement

  • Local anesthesia administration
  • Surgical guide utilization
  • Implant placement (30-60 min)
  • Temporary tooth attachment

4. Healing and Integration

  • Osseointegration process (2-6 months)
  • Regular check-ups
  • Oral hygiene education
  • Nutritional recommendations

5. Permanent Prosthesis Phase

  • Final impression taking
  • Prosthesis design
  • Try-in sessions
  • Permanent tooth placement

Tip: Thanks to modern digital implant planning, the treatment process is simulated in advance and patients can see the results.

Benefits of Treatment: How Your Life Will Change

Functional Benefits

  • 100% chewing capacity recovery
  • Clear speech ability
  • Comfortable breathing
  • Resolution of digestive problems

Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits

  • Natural smile aesthetics
  • Facial rejuvenation
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Return to social life

Health Benefits

  • Reduction of jaw joint disorders
  • Improvement of nutritional quality
  • Enhancement of oral health
  • Elevation of overall quality of life

Care and Long-Term Success

For your implants to last a lifetime:

Daily Care Routine

  • Use of special implant toothbrush
  • Water jet cleaning devices
  • Antibacterial mouthwash
  • Interdental cleaning

Regular Check-ups

  • Dental check-up every 6 months
  • Radiographic examination once a year
  • Professional dental cleaning
  • Early intervention opportunity

Important: Being diligent about implant care can extend the lifespan of your implants by 20-30 years.

Success Rates and Reliability

Success rates of modern implant treatment:

ConditionSuccess RateDuration
Normal bone98-99%10+ years
After bone graft95-97%10+ years
Zygomatic implant96-98%10+ years
All-on-4/695-98%10+ years

Factors Affecting Success

  • Clinician's experience and expertise
  • Clinic infrastructure and technology
  • Patient compliance and care discipline
  • Implant quality and brand

For more details, check out our article on factors affecting implant success.


Why Derya Dental Clinic?

At our clinic in Maltepe, we provide a specialized approach for patients who have been edentulous for a long time:

Our Expert Team

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Dr. Aykut Gurel
  • 15+ years of implant experience
  • Thousands of successful cases
  • Continuous education and development

Our Technological Infrastructure

  • Latest model 3D tomography device
  • Digital intraoral scanner
  • Surgical navigation system
  • Sterilization protocols

Patient Satisfaction

  • Personalized treatment plans
  • 24/7 communication support
  • Flexible payment options
  • Warranty system

You can reach us from our contact page and schedule your consultation appointment.

Cost and Payment Options

Implant treatment costs vary depending on the situation. For more information, visit our Maltepe dental implant prices page.

Factors Affecting Price

  • Number and brand of implants
  • Additional procedures (bone graft, sinus lifting)
  • Prosthesis type (fixed/removable)
  • Treatment duration and complexity

Payment Conveniences

  • Cash payment discounts
  • Installment options
  • Credit card options
  • Insurance agreements

Reminder: Implant treatment is an investment. In the long run, it is much more economical than the cost of continuous prosthesis replacements.


Conclusion: Start a New Life

Having been toothless for years does not prevent you from achieving a healthy smile. With modern implant techniques:

  • Treatment is possible at any age.
  • There is a solution for every bone condition.
  • Results can be achieved in a short time.
  • Long-term satisfaction is guaranteed.

Are you ready to change your life? As Derya Dental Clinic, we are by your side on this journey. Take the first step by scheduling an appointment and having your consultation.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for decisions regarding your oral and dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by our specialist

Does being edentulous for a long time cause bone resorption?
Yes, bone volume can decrease by up to 25% in the first 6 months after tooth loss. However, this condition can be reversed with bone grafting and modern implant techniques. Early intervention is always more advantageous.
I am 70 years old, is it too late for implants?
Not at all! Your age is not what matters; it is your general health condition. Successful implant treatments are performed even in people in their 80s. What is important is your cardiovascular health and healing capacity.
My bone resorption is very advanced, can I still get implants?
Yes, even in cases of extreme bone loss, implant treatment is possible with zygomatic implants and advanced bone grafting techniques. Each case is unique and a solution is always found.
Will I get teeth the same day with All-on-4 treatment?
Yes, with the All-on-4 technique, temporary fixed teeth are placed on the day of surgery. After 3-6 months, your permanent porcelain teeth are prepared. You never remain without teeth.
How painful is implant treatment?
Thanks to modern anesthesia techniques, you feel no pain during surgery. Post-surgical mild pain and swelling are normal and easily controlled with painkillers.
I smoke, can I get implants?
Smoking negatively affects implant success but does not completely prevent it. Quitting smoking 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after surgery is strongly recommended. You can get detailed information about the smoking and implant relationship.

Have questions about your treatment?

Consult our specialist doctors. Book an appointment and get a personalized treatment plan.

Expert Team15+ Years ExperienceMaltepe, Istanbul – Easy access, free parking