What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?

If you have missing teeth, bridges and dentures are not the only options. Nowadays, there are various types of dental implants such as endosteal, subperiosteal, zygomatic, mini dental implants (MDIs), and others.

Dental implants are an excellent option with a success rate of more than 90%. You must consult a dentist who may give you recommendations that will help to choose the right dental implant according to your specific needs.

Introduction to Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), dental implant refers to the process in which an artificial root is implanted into the jawbone. It is similar to your natural bone and a connector is used to hold the artificial tooth also known as the crown. 

Understanding the Importance of Dental Implants

Dental implants are essential for the following reasons:

• Improve oral health: Dental implants help restore missing teeth, which improves the capability to speak and chew. It also helps to prevent the jawbone from shrinking which occurs due to bone loss.  

• Preserve natural tooth tissue: By using dental implants, your natural tooth tissue will be preserved as it avoids the need to cut adjacent teeth for any bridge work. 

• Improve quality of life: Dental implants are known for improving quality of life as they restore your smile and confidence.

• More convenient than dentures: A dental implant is one of the most convenient options as it does not require any cleaning techniques or adhesives that are required in dentures.

• Look and feel like natural teeth: A dental implant does not give the feeling of artificial teeth as it looks like natural teeth. 

The Components of a Dental Implant

A dental implant provides a permanent solution that will help you provide a natural-looking tooth and in functioning replacement. There are three fundamental components of a dental implant. 

• Implant fixture: In this component, there is a screw-shaped metal rod that gets inserted into the jawbone which helps in the replacement of tooth roots. The metal rod is made of titanium which is a biocompatible material that combines well with bone. 

• Abutment: An abutment is a small connector that is attached to the implant fixture. It serves as the foundation for the implant crown, and it can be made from zirconia and titanium. 

• Crown: A crown is an artificial tooth that gets attached to the abutment and is made from a combination of porcelain and metal or ceramic.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants provide several benefits in comparison to other tooth replacement options. Some of the reasons why you must choose dental implants are as follows:

• Preserving facial structure: When you begin to lose teeth, it will affect the surrounding bone which will break down with time. The breaking of the bone may transform your facial structure and can also make you look older. Through dental implants, there will be no bone loss and it will also help to preserve the face contours.

• Protect Healthy Teeth: Bridges is one of the tooth replacement techniques that requires cutting down healthy teeth. However, with implants, there is no requirement of any neighboring teeth support. It also will prevent any changes that may take place in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

• Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. While other restorations like bridges may only last 5-7 years, implants provide a durable and permanent replacement for your missing teeth.

• Eat What You Want: Implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods without any restrictions on chewy, hard, and crunchy foods. 

• Boost Self-Esteem: Through implants, there will be no missing teeth problem and you will become healthy. Your smile will also be enhanced which encourages your self-esteem.

Comprehensive Overview of Dental Implant Types

1. Endosteal Implants: The Most Common Type

Endosteal implants are surgically placed into the jawbone that acts as an anchor for artificial teeth. It is one of the types of dental implants that is used to replace missing teeth. Some interesting facts about endosteal implants are:

How do they work?

Endosteal implants are small posts that are like screws made of titanium or zirconia that get inserted into the jawbone through surgery. As the time passes, the implant will fuse with the bone tissue.

Procedure: The dental implant procedure involves a waiting time that may take 4 to 6 weeks required for bones to osseointegrate with the implants. 

Materials: Endosteal implants are made of zirconia or titanium. However, titanium is one of the most commonly used materials as it is durable and strong.

Who might benefit?

For people who have bridges or dentures, may be benefited from endosteal dental implants or if anyone is unable to wear dentures. 

2. Subperiosteal Implants

The Subperiosteal implants are implants in which there is a metal implant framework that provides attachment posts and rests on top of the bone. 

Ideal candidates: Subperiosteal implants are a good option for those who have low jawbone density or volume or people who do not want to go through the bone grafting process such as bone loss, bone density, bone grafting, medical conditions that prevent bone growth, and who are experiencing multiple tooth loss. 

3. Zygomatic Implants

People who are suffering from severe bone loss in the upper jaw may undergo zygomatic implants. These implants are inserted into the zygome bone or cheekbone at some angle. Some of the benefits of zygomatic implants are:

• No bone grafting

• Same-day denture placement

• Shorter treatment

Ideal candidates: Patients who have a partially absence of maxillary bone or may have suffered from failure of bone grafts are the ideal candidates for zygomatic implants.

4. Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

These types of dental implants are generally smaller and may be used to support bridges, dentures, and crowns. They are made from biocompatible material and have various benefits such as:

• Less invasive

• Lower cost

• Can be placed in areas where standard implants don't fit

• Good for those with extensive bone loss

Ideal candidates: Mini Dental Implants are suitable for people who have a higher risk of implant failure, discomfort, or infection. However, the type of implants to be used will depend on the quantity and quality of bone tissue in the jaw.

5. All-on-4 Dental Implants: 

All-on-4 implants, also known as full-mouth dental implants are one of the procedures of cosmetic dentistry that can improve both the functionality and look of a patient’s teeth. The implants are placed in the jaws where there is an availability of bones that prevents the need for sinus lifting and bone grating procedure.

These implants are one of the full arch treatments that will prevent the need for daily dentures and adhesive creams. If there is a need to restrain the tongue to compensate for speech issues, then they must consult the dentist.

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Dental Implant

• Assessment of Jawbone Density and Health: Before you choose dental implants, it is vital to analyze the jawbone density and its health. It can be done by using imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).  Some other factors that you must take into consideration while choosing jawbone health are bone quality, bone density, and longevity.

• Tailoring the Right Type of Implant to Patient Needs: One of the important steps before choosing a dental implant is to consult an experienced dentist. They will suggest which implant to choose by examining jawbone condition, specific requirements, and dental health.

• Understanding the Longevity and Care Requirements: Before you choose a dental implant, you must know about the long-term maintenance and care. Some factors that must be taken into consideration for proper oral hygiene are regular dental check-ups and a healthy lifestyle. 

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

The dental implant process involves various steps discussed as follows:

• Initial consultation: In this step, your dentist will analyze your jawbone health by doing scans and X-rays. Moreover, they will also consider other factors such as medical history, timeline, and treatment goals.

• Placement surgery: In this surgery, the dentist will be placing the implant screw in the precisely drilled holes in the jawbone. After that, the gums are stitched close to the implant. It will give the bone the healing time and then integrate with the surface of the implant.

• Healing time: Dental implants take 3 to 6 months of healing time thereby allowing complete integration into the bone. The temporary replacement teeth may get worn out during the implant healing time.

• Restorative surgery: In this surgery, the dentist will uncover the implants and then attach an abutment with the implant.  

• Crown placement: In this step, the crowns that look real are secured to the implants in your mouth. Your smile has been restored. The realistic-looking crowns are secured to the implants in your mouth. Your smile is now whole again.

The benefits of implants are worth the cost and time even if the process takes a few months from beginning to end. 

Encouragement to Consult with a Dental Implant Specialist

If you want a replacement of your missing teeth, a bridge, or improved chewing ability, a dental implant is the ultimate solution.  For this, an experienced dentist will give you the right suggestions about which type of implants will be suitable for you according to your jawbone density and other specific needs.