Are you a patient considering dental implants to replace missing teeth? Choosing the right implant for your situation can be the deciding factor for years of comfortable eating and speaking.
Read on to learn about all the different types of dental implants and what they mean for your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a form of dental restoration that replaces missing teeth or stabilizes a loose denture. All types of dental implants are designed to provide a secure, long-lasting replacement for missing teeth.
This is accomplished by the complete integration of the implant and the surrounding natural tissue and bone, making the implant look and feel just like your own natural teeth.
Dental Implants Benefits
They are a great choice for patients looking to restore the function and esthetics of their smiles. They have multiple benefits, including the following:
- Improved appearance
- Enhanced comfort
- Better oral health
- Improved speech
- Increased confidence
- Long-lasting
- Improved eating and digestion
Dental implants offer a variety of benefits, including increased stability, better chewing efficiency, and a more natural appearance. They can even help to preserve the facial structure and prevent further jawbone recession. With proper maintenance and care, dental implants can potentially last for 25 years or more.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are one of the main types of dental implants. They involve surgically implanting screws and rods into the jawbone to which replacement teeth can be securely attached. This type of implant is a popular choice for permanent replacements and is the most common type of implant procedure performed.
Endosteal implants most often use titanium screws and rods, as titanium has the unique ability to fuse with the living tissue in the jawbone. It depends on the individual patient’s needs and the condition of the jawbone.
Once the implant fuse with the patient’s jawbone, several restorations, including prosthetic crowns, bridges, and dental implants, are fixed onto the implant stem. Endosteal implants are either one-piece or two-piece implants:
One-Piece Implants
They are implanted in the jawbone. They have a protruding post used for the attachment of the restoration.
Two-Piece Implants
They have one implant post that is anchored into the jawbone. They are separated abutment that is used to attach the restoration.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are used when there is not enough bone height in the jaw area or when a patient cannot have osseointegration. Subperiosteal implants are placed directly over the jawbone and under the gums.
When the gums heal, the frame is secure, and the posts extend through the gums. Artificial teeth are then attached to these posts to replace the missing teeth. Subperiosteal implants are more suitable for people who have lost significant amounts of bone mass due to aging, as opposed to people who have lost bone due to gum disease.
They consist of metal frames that are built to fit onto the jawbone. The metal frame sits directly above the jawbone, and small posts are placed into the gum tissue so that the prosthetic teeth can be attached. The metal frames will keep the prosthetic teeth firmly in place.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are similar to endosteal implants but are placed into the cheekbone or zygomatic arch rather than the jawbone. This type of implant is ideal for people with deficient or inadequate amounts of available jawbones to support other types of dental implants.
Zygomatic implants are generally considered to be more complex to install correctly but provide greater holding strength and more stability than the other three types of implants.
The implant is usually composed of two parts: an abutment, which is placed in the cheekbone and attaches to an implant post and dental prosthesis, and a post, which is embedded in the jawbone to provide stability and anchorage. Zygomatic implants are beneficial for patients with a weakened jawbone.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants are a newer and more advanced type of implant that involve the use of four dental implants to support a full arch of teeth. This type of implant provides a long-term and secure solution for replacing complete rows of missing teeth without the need for removable dentures.
All-on-4 can also be used to restore partial dentition, with fewer implants being used. These implants are considered to be a minimally invasive and quick recovery, and patients can start using their implants shortly after the surgery.
It can also be used to restore partial dentition, with fewer implants being used. These implants are considered to be a minimally invasive and quick recovery, and patients can start using their implants shortly after the surgery.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are very small in diameter (2mm-3.5mm) and placed into the bone. These implants are best for those with small jaw bones because the smaller diameter makes them easier to place.
Mini implants are a good choice for patients who may not be able to use traditional implants due to age or other medical factors. They often don’t require as much surgery, or any at all, making them an attractive option for many people.
While mini implants may not provide the same amount of stability as a traditional implant, they are a viable option for many people. You can also read more about dentistry services linked here to know which type of dental implant is right for you!
Learn About the Types of Dental Implants Today
Dental implants are an ideal solution for people looking to replace missing teeth and regain oral functionality. The main types of dental implants are endosteal, subperiosteal, and mini implants.
Depending on the individual situation, your dentist will recommend the best type of dental implant for your case. If you are considering dental implants, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for more information.
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