Types of Dental Implants

Everybody wants to have a good smile. In order to have one, you must maintain good oral health to get a complete set of glistening white teeth. However, there are people who are missing a tooth or so due to accidents, bad oral hygiene, and even old age. Missing a tooth and having that blank space when you smile can make you feel awkward and lose confidence in yourself.

Luckily, there are different things that dentists can do to complete that smile. Ordinary bridges and dentures can be used to fill up that missing spot. But, such procedures are often uncomfortable and challenging because of sore gum spots, gagging, or poor ridges.

It is in these cases where dental implants come into play. Instead of wearing dentures or having unstable dental bridges to hide your toothlessness, dental implants offer a more stable, strong, and reliable tooth replacement to complete your beautiful smile. Read on to learn more about the different types of dental implants and implants material, among others.

What are Dental Implants?

Before we dive into the different types of dental implants, let us first learn the purpose of dental implants.

Dental implants are specially designed metal posts or frames that dentists place into the jawbone beneath the gums through surgery. Once in place, the dental brackets are then used to mount replacement teeth firmly on the gums.

Unlike dentures that awkwardly sit on top of the gums, dental implants serve as replacement tooth roots that feel and look like your own teeth. It offers a solid and firm connection as it is installed directly to the jaw bone. Given this, dentists can personalize dental implants to fit every form of tooth loss.

How Can Dental Implants Benefit You?

Generally, dental implant surgery for tooth loss is notably more expensive compared to dental bridges or dentures. But aside from its direct bone-in connection, dental implants have several more benefits and advantages other than tooth loss treatments.

• Dental Implants behave like natural teeth.
  Dental implants are metal frames or posts connected directly to the jaw bone underneath the gums that mimic the tooth’s structure. And while ordinary bridges and dentures sit on top of the gums, dental implants work as a replacement tooth root where the artificial tooth or crown will be attached. With this connection, the replacement tooth would look and feel natural with every movement.
• Dental Implants can last a lifetime.
  The metal frame typically used for dental implant surgery is made from titanium that is known to be strong, durable, and bio-compatible. Unlike bridges and dentures that last for about ten years, integrated dental implants can last for a lifetime if the patient follows proper oral hygiene meticulously.
  
• Dental Implants prevent bone loss.
  One inevitable effect of tooth loss to the body is apparent bone loss or bone deterioration because of the lack of stimuli from the tooth root. Since dental implants imitate the bone structure from the base to the crown, stimulation returns once the ability to chew normally is restored.
• Dental Implants keep adjacent teeth stable.
  Gaps between teeth because of tooth loss can result in instability as the adjacent teeth gravitate towards the gap. Installing dental implants helps restore natural chewing capabilities and keeps your teeth from shifting.
•  Dental Implants can help keep you free of gum disease.
  The gaps between teeth can become an unwanted place for food to be stuck in. Leftover food debris can lead to bacteria build-up and result in gum disease.
  
• Dental Implants can prevent facial sagging and premature ageing.
  The bone structure of the face starts to collapse as a result of bone loss and bone degradation brought about by tooth loss. The gap between teeth and the lack of stimuli can result in physical and facial changes, including wrinkling, thinning lips, as well as a pointed chin. 
  

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implant procedures are more than just placing metal frames underneath the gums. Depending on the person’s oral health condition and bone structure, different types of dental implants would be utilized. Here are the most common types of implants dental professionals use:

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal dental implants are known to be the most common and most straightforward implant procedure. This type of dental implant procedure is used for cases that fit the general requirement of good oral health and ample bone jawbone surface. A screw-like metal post is placed in the jawbone to act as the replacement root. After a few months, the bone will attach to the metal post and hold the replacement root in place. Another less-invasive surgery is required for the dentist to secure the permanent crown onto the implant.

Subperiosteal Implants

Instead of screw-like metal posts, subperiosteal implants use metal frames that would sit on top of the jaw underneath the gums. Once secured to place underneath the gums, this metal frame would serve as a foundation that would stabilize the replacement crown, bridge, or denture and fix it to place firmly.

Zygomatic Implants

Considered the most complex and uncommon dental implant procedure, the zygomatic dental implant is used for cases where there isn’t enough jawbone for an endosteal or subperiosteal implant. For zygomatic dental implants, the metal frame is attached to the cheekbone instead of the jaw.

Different Methods of Dental Implants
Immediate Load Dental Implants	This dental implant method provides you with temporary replacement teeth that leave you with a complete smile after just one procedure. This method is suited primarily for aesthetic purposes and would still require further visits for the permanent teeth to be installed.
All-on-4	All-on-4 or 5 or 6 dental implants are used for people who lost most or all of their teeth because of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or tooth decay. This type of dental implant procedure provides patients with a temporary set of dental implants. These temporary dental implants would later be replaced by permanent ones once the implant bonds with the jawbone firmly.
Single Tooth Implants	Single tooth implants are best suited for those who are only missing a tooth or missing teeth in different spots.
Multiple Implants	This method of dental implant procedure is used for people who are missing several teeth with greater gaps but does not require a full mouth dental replacement. Multiple implants can fill larger gaps and create a seamless look for your teeth.
Two-Stage Dental Implants	Two-stage dental implants are the most common dental implant procedure. The two-stage process involves a primary surgery to insert the implant into the jawbone and another minor surgery to attach the permanent crown on top of the replacement root a couple of months later.
Single-Stage Implants	Single-stage implants remove the need for another surgical procedure by keeping the implant healing cap visible; the abutment is easily accessible without the need for another minor surgery.
Mini Implants	The use of mini implants is a less invasive dental implant technique that uses smaller and narrower metal posts instead of its standard size. This method keeps crowns, bridges, or dentures from floating or shifting while keeping the surgery and healing process at a minimum.

Finding your perfect smile shouldn’t be difficult. Several types of dental implants are available for you to choose from. Book your appointment with Dentistry on 7th Today!

Pro Tip: “To receive dental implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bones to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy.”

Book Your Appointment with Dentistry on 7th Today

As mentioned earlier, good oral hygiene plays a vital role in keeping a full set of teeth for a complete and beautiful smile. However, hope is not lost for those with missing teeth or dealing with gum disease. If you ever miss a tooth due to poor oral hygiene practices, gum disease, accidents, or simply ageing, having dental implants can help you complete your smile and boost your confidence.

Know more about dental implants and other dental procedures by visiting a dentist today. Go to the dental health professionals from Dentistry on 7th. They have the best knowledge and experience to provide you with the proper services you may need.

Find the nearest Dentistry on 7th branch near you and take the first step to find and complete your smile.

FAQs on the Types of Dental Implants

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

Generally, dental implant procedures take about 1 to 2 hours to completely place one metal post or frame to the jaw underneath the gums. The length of the procedure would differ depending on the number of implants to be installed as well as the overall well-being and suitability of the patient.

What is the average lifespan of dental implants?

Considering that dental implants are made using biocompatible metals, dental implants have an average lifespan of 25 years. However, proper, meticulous, and diligent practice of oral hygiene is essential to keep the implant in tip-top condition.

What are the disadvantages of dental implants?

Much like any major surgical procedure, there are risks involved in attaching dental implants to the jawbone. Such risks include possible nerve damage, infection, jaw fractures, delayed bone healing, as well as damage to other healthy teeth.