Introduction
One of the most often used and currently trending restorations to replace missing teeth is the dental implant. Other reasons it is so commonly used are because of long-term stability, durability, and health preservation, among many others.
However, there are many types of dental implants, and each of them fits into different dental needs. If you still have other queries about the different types of dental implants or which one will suit your needs, this guide will be a good starting point to understand all your options with assurance.
Why should one choose dental implants?
Before letting light on the different types of dental implants, it is essential to understand why there has been such a craze for dental implants. Unlike conventional bridges or dentures, implants are more permanent in nature, functions, and the appearance of adjacent natural teeth.
In this instance, there would be a prevention of bone loss, therefore preserving the shape of the face and quality of life given now you can eat, talk, and even smile. Did you know that dental implants have as much as a 98 percent rate of success? making them one of the effective solutions to losing teeth.
different types of dental implants.
There are different types of dental implants, each one of them being suited for a particular reason. The appropriate one may depend on the health condition of the patient, the range in the jaw bone structure, and patient preference. There are three principal types of dental implants.
1. Endosteal Implants
The most commonly used kind is the endosteal which is usually recommended to patients who have healthy, dense jawbones. They are molded into small screws or cylinders made of titanium, and they are inserted straight into the jawbone.
- Procedure: The method takes several months after the placing of an implant in the jaw; during this interval, the said implant gets incorporated into the bone by osseointegration. After the recovery of the patient, a crown is placed on the implant thus finishing the restoration.
- Advantages: Endosteal implants are highly stable and can be applied as support for a single crown, bridges, and even dentures. They last long, up to an entire lifetime, if properly cared for.
2. Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are customarily presented to patients having a compromised vertical height or density of the mandible and are not suitable for a procedure termed bone grafting. It is a kind of implant wherein a metal structure is placed under the gum tissue without penetrating into the bone structure of the jaws.
- Process: The framework encircles the jawbone, and after the gum tissue has healed over the framework, it is stabilized, and artificial teeth are placed on top of the framework.
- Advantages: A subperiosteal implant is minimally invasive in comparison to an endosteal implant. The advantage of subperiosteal implants is that they provide a second chance to such patients who do not qualify for more invasive measures within the spectrum of bone grafts.
Zygomatic Implants
It is employed especially in patients where there is a significant loss of bone in the upper jaw. These are anchored into the cheekbone, instead of being inserted into the jawbone, the cheekbone being comparatively denser, can provide a stable base.
- Procedure: Because these are located in the cheekbone, it’s a more complex procedure requiring specialistic expertise, once placed, prosthetic rehabilitation can be done.
- Advantages: Eliminates the unnecessary surgical procedures of bone grafting, the zygomatic implants can bear the load for full arch prosthetic restorations, which means that they constitute the best option when patients have lost most of their jawbone.
Sometimes implants are also referred to based on their prosthetic option, here are the details of the same
Implant-supported prosthesis options
The high versatility of dental implants enables supporting multiple prosthetic solutions according to your needs
1. Single-tooth dental implants
A single tooth is artificially inserted by placing a single dental implant within the tissue where the tooth was missing, and a crown positioned on top is similar in appearance to the other teeth.
2. Multiple teeth implants
Implants are also greatly advisable when several teeth in a row are missing. Instead of an implant for every missing tooth, which will cost the patient a lot, a dental bridge can be given by using implants.
3. Implant-supported dentures
The patients who have lost almost all their teeth, a more stable option than the traditional removable denture is provided with an implant-supported denture sometimes called a “snap-in” denture. These are attached to two or more implants for even greater stability and comfort.
- Process: After placing the implants, the dentures snap onto them and form an overlapping fit. This shape allows them to be removed easily but ensures much more stability than a conventional denture.
- Advantages: Implant-supported dentures do not suffer from two common issues prevalent in conventional removable dentures. It prevents slippage and resultant irritation of gums therefore ensuring comfort and functionality.
Full arch restoration:
All-on-Four, All on Six and All on 8 Types Of Dental Implants
The All-on-four, All-on-six and All-on-eight treatment concept allows a patient to restore all of their teeth by replacing an entire arch just by using four, six and eight implants respectively. Thus, it will be best used for those patients who require full mouth restorations but do not want multiple implants.
- Procedure: The implants are applied to stabilize a complete prosthetic tooth. The posterior implants are placed at that angle wherein maximum contact with bone can be achieved, and thereby bone grafting procedure can be avoided.
- Advantages: All on implants provide full-arch restorations with fewer implants and recovery time. Thus, it is a rather efficient option for the all-in-one full-mouth tooth replacement. In most circumstances, the stability afforded to an implant increases with the number of implants used. All-on-8 being the most stable option followed by All-on-6 and then All-on-4. Whenever possible, All-on-8 implants are considered the most favorable in terms of support.
types of dental implants pictures At Orthosquare
Factors to be kept in mind while choosing different types of dental implants:
Several factors determine which implant will be best suited for you, few of them include:
1. Jawbone Density:Patients with a good density in the jawbones are very well indicated for endosteal implants. The subperiosteal or zygomatic implant is very much recommended for patients with comparatively less bone density.
2. General Health: Good general and oral health should be achieved by the patient to get a successful implant treatment. Their chronic conditions, such as diabetes, and habits like smoking can surely affect the healing process and implant success.
3. different types of dental implants cost: The different types of dental implants cost, amount of application, and material used vary between different implants. It’s always wise to discuss with your dentist all these costs and the payment options.
4. Smile Goals: Since aesthetic goals for a great smile are related to the appearance of the teeth and gums, this may also guide the choice between an implant and certain prosthetic options.
5. Healing time: Most dental implant procedures vary with the healing times. While others take months to fully recover, others may take shorter periods, such as All-on-Four treatments. However, it is best to select your dental implants after seeking the opinion of your dentist or implant specialist. The selection process is often done in consultation with the inclusion of X-rays as well as the discussion about your overall health and what you want to achieve.
Conclusion
Whether you just need one tooth replaced or need a full restoration in your mouth, life-changing solutions offered by dental implants can help change not only oral health but the quality of your life. Understanding the different types of dental implants and factors that affect your treatment enables you to make an informed decision on your care.
Discuss your needs with our professional team at Orthosquare and set off on the pathway to a brighter, healthier smile.
