Did your dentist break the news that you will need dental implants? Are you now overwhelmed because of all of the choices?
We hope that the information below can make the choice a little easier. Continue reading to learn about the different types of dental implants available and your implant options.
What Are Implants?
Implants are created from pure titanium. They’re quite small and fit into the bone under the gum to act like regular tooth roots.
They can be used for every form of tooth loss and can be personalized to fit whatever you need them for.
Now that you have a better understanding of what they are, let’s go over the different types you will have to choose from.
Types Of Dental Implants
There are three common types of dental implants that you can choose from. They are called Endosteal, Subperiosteal, and Zygomatic. Endosteal is the safest and most common, followed by Subperiosteal, and then Zygomatic being the last and most complex. Zygomatic implants are rarely used.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are suited for most patients but they require a good, healthy jawbone for the post to fuse to.
Endosteal implants are place-holder posts that are shaped like screws. They are inserted into the jaw that the false teeth are fitted onto.
Once the procedure is done it takes a little time to heal. It requires the time to fuse together and create a stronghold. Once it’s healed the false teeth can be placed onto the post to fit in with the surrounding teeth.
If you don’t like the idea of something being placed into your jawbone, you might like the idea of the second most common implant a little more.
Subperiosteal Implants
Another type of dental implant is called subperiosteal implants. This is the main alternative to endosteal implants.
Instead of being fixed into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone but still under the gum.
A metal frame is placed under the gum with a post attached to it. The gum then heals around the frame to hold it in place. The false teeth are secured to the poles that come from the gum.
This procedure is only used if the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone for an implant to be placed or if the person in question just doesn’t want to go through with intensive oral surgery to add bone to the area.
If this applies to you, maybe this next implant will suit you better.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are the least common type of dental implant available to you. It is the most complicated procedure and should only be done if you don’t have enough jawbone for the endosteal implant. The implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
Other Techniques
If complications arise and your jaw cannot support implants and a Zygomatic implant is absolutely out of the question, your dentist may suggest other alternatives (listed below):
Bone Augmentation
Your dentist will restore the bone in your jaw if it can not support implants. It’s possible to use bone additives to fortify the bone. I know that sounds like something out of Star Trek, but it can actually work.
Sinus Lift
This procedure involves adding bone below the sinus if the bone there has managed to deteriorate due to missing upper back teeth.
Ridge Expansion
It is possible that your jaw is simply not wide enough for implants. In this case, your dentist can graft material to be added to a space created along the top of your jaw.
Any three of these techniques can work to make space for implants, however, if your dentist deems these a bad idea not all is lost. There are still a few more techniques your dentist may suggest. Please see below:
3D Imaging
Digital dentistry technology has evolved so much that your dentist is able to see a 3D model of your jaw.
By studying this software, your dentist can plan the best course of an implant procedure for you. This cuts down on money, and recovery time.
Immediate Load Dental Implants
This type of dental implant is much like adding a spare tire on to your car except with teeth.
It allows for the temporary placement of a temporary tooth, the same day as your implant placement.
This might be the option for you if you have enough bone and have an implant secure enough to support the placement and pressure of the temporary tooth.
Mini Dental Implants
These are toothpick sized implants that are extremely narrow. Their primary use is to stabilize a lower denture. They are less innovative than the others, but still a perfectly acceptable option for you to look into.
All-On-4
This is used as an alternative for placing a full set of top or bottom replacement teeth.
Four dental implants are placed in the available bone, this does away with the need of bone grafting. A temporary set of replacement teeth can be placed the same day.
The downside is you will have to follow a special diet while the tissue is still healing and the implants bond with the bone.
After a short 6 months, a permanent set of replacement teeth are placed and you can finally resume your normal diet.
Find Your Perfect Smile
Finding your perfect smile shouldn’t be difficult. There are several different types of dental implants out there for you to choose from. Your dentist will work closely with you to find the perfect match for you.
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