Understanding the Different Types of Dental Implants

understanding the different types of dental implants

If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant is an excellent solution. These replacement teeth options can even be used for multiple teeth that are missing, alone or with a bridge.

There are different types of dental implants available. While your dentist will discuss with you the dental implant options that may be right for you, it is helpful to have an understanding the different types of dental implants.

Types of Dental Implants

The type of dental implant that will be right for you will depend on your oral health and individual circumstances, and on whether you need a single tooth implant or multiple teeth replaced.

The types of dental implants vary in the dental implant techniques used, and in which individual cases they may be recommended for. At your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss the dental implant procedures in more detail.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are most commonly placed. These consist of a titanium screw that is surgically inserted into your jaw bone to become the artificial tooth root. An abutment is placed when the post-surgery healing process has finished. The abutment allows the dental crown, which is the artificial replacement tooth, to be attached.

Bone Health Requirements

For this method of dental implant placement, the jawbone and gums need to be healthy. There needs to be enough bone, as implants bond directly to the bone, but without adequate bone mass, the implant post won’t be secure enough. Bone grafting may be required first, to provide this secure base. With an endosteal implant, natural bone or synthetic bone graft material may be placed around the implant.

Subperiosteal Implants

For patients who are unable to have an endosteal implant, or who would prefer an alternative, a subperiosteal implant can be a good option.

Subperiosteal implants are placed in the gum, instead of into the bone, so they rest on top of the bone. An impression of your jawbone will need to be taken with impression putty or CT scan-generated images to ensure the metal structure fits well.

A custom-made, cage-like metal frame is then placed underneath the gum to stabilize the dental implant. The dental implant will sit on the jaw bone arch, so that the bone will gradually bond to the metal. Once the gum tissue has healed, the crown is attached to a metal post that is attached to the cage and sticks out through the gums.

Subperiosteal Implants Uses

Subperiosteal implants may be recommended for patients with a shallower jawbone or those with health conditions that may prevent them from undergoing more invasive dental implant procedures, including conditions that may delay your healing process.

All-on-Four Dental Implants

This technique for replacing several missing teeth enables a complete set of upper or lower teeth to be secured by just four implants. They are a good alternative to traditional dentures since they are more stable and comfortable. They work because the implants are inserted at a 45o angle which makes them stable enough to support a full set of artificial teeth.

All-on-Four Dental Implants Uses

All-on 4 dental implants may be recommended where several missing teeth need to be replaced and where there may be limited bone structure to secure implants, because the angle of implantation makes the most of the bone that is present.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are less common than the other types of dental implants, but may be used if bone augmentation isn’t feasible.  Zygomatic dental implants differ from other implants because they are inserted into the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants, or small-diameter implants, are much thinner than other dental implants. They can be inserted using less-invasive methods. They are usually used to secure an implant retained denture, to avoid loose dentures.

Types of Crowns for the Artificial Tooth

Dental crowns, or the false teeth part of dental implants can come in a variety of materials. You can have metal, usually gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal. There are also ceramic, all porcelain, acrylic, zirconium, and composite resin crowns.

Dental Bridge

For several missing teeth, dental implants can secure a bridge, known as an implant-supported bridge. These are more secure than removable dentures.

Benefits of Having Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants offer a range of benefits. They look and function more like natural teeth compared to other replacement tooth options. They help keep the surrounding teeth in place, and are long lasting.

Because of the post simulating the actions of a tooth root, and stimulating the bone, implants help prevent bone loss. This in turn helps maintain your bone structure and facial features, and reduces the risks of more teeth falling out.

In addition, they are easy to care for, only needing regular brushing and flossing.

Are You Ready to Replace Missing Teeth?

Wonsch Dental offers implant dentistry services, and can consult with you about which of these types of dental implants you might be a good candidate for.

If you have a missing tooth, or know you may be needing a tooth extraction in the near future, now is a good time to consider options for replacement teeth.

Key Takeaways: Understanding the Different Types of Dental Implants

  • Dental Implants for Missing Teeth: Dental implants are effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or multiple teeth.
  • Variety of Implant Types: There are several types of dental implants available, each catering to specific oral health and individual needs.
  • Endosteal Implants: These are commonly used implants where a titanium screw is placed into the jawbone, serving as an artificial tooth root. An abutment and dental crown are added after healing.
  • Bone Health Requirements: Successful endosteal implants require healthy jawbones and gums. If there’s inadequate bone, bone grafting might be necessary.
  • Subperiosteal Implants: An alternative for those who can’t have endosteal implants, these sit on top of the bone under the gum and are suitable for patients with shallow jawbones or health conditions.
  • All-on-Four Dental Implants: This technique secures a complete set of teeth with just four implants at a 45-degree angle, offering stability and comfort.
  • Zygomatic Implants: Less common, these are inserted into the cheekbone when bone augmentation isn’t feasible.
  • Mini Dental Implants: Thinner and less invasive, these are used for implant-retained dentures.
  • Types of Dental Crowns: Crowns for dental implants come in various materials, including metal, ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, zirconium, and composite resin.
  • Implant-Supported Bridges: Dental implants can secure a bridge for multiple missing teeth, providing greater stability than removable dentures.
  • Benefits of Dental Implants: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, prevent bone loss, maintain bone structure, facial features, and oral health, and are easy to care for.
  • Consultation for Implants: Wonsch Dental offers implant dentistry services and can help determine which type of dental implant suits your needs.

FAQs: Understanding the Different Types of Dental Implants

1. What are dental implants, and why are they used?

Dental implants are replacement teeth options used to address missing teeth. They can be used for single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth with or without a bridge. Dental implants provide a stable, natural-looking solution that helps maintain oral health and aesthetics.

2. What are the different types of dental implants?

There are several types of dental implants:

  • Endosteal Implants: These are the most common implants, involving a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, serving as an artificial tooth root. An abutment and dental crown are attached after healing.
  • Subperiosteal Implants: Placed on top of the jawbone under the gum, these are suitable for patients with shallow jawbones or health conditions limiting invasive procedures.
  • All-on-Four Dental Implants: This technique secures a full set of upper or lower teeth using four implants, providing stability for dentures.
  • Zygomatic Implants: Inserted into the cheekbone when jawbone augmentation isn’t feasible.
  • Mini Dental Implants: Thinner implants used to secure implant-retained dentures with minimal invasiveness.

3. How does the placement of dental implants work?

The specific procedure varies based on the type of implant. Endosteal implants involve a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone. All-on-Four implants use four angled implants to support a full set of teeth. Zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone, and mini dental implants are thinner and less invasive.

4. What are the benefits of dental implant surgery?

Dental implants offer numerous benefits:

  • Natural appearance and function compared to other replacements.
  • Help maintain adjacent teeth by preventing shifting.
  • Prevent bone loss by simulating tooth root action.
  • Long-lasting and durable solution.
  • Minimal maintenance with regular brushing and flossing.

5. How are dental crowns chosen for the artificial tooth?

Dental crowns for implants come in various materials including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, all porcelain, acrylic, zirconium, and composite resin. The choice depends on factors such as aesthetics, durability, and your dentist’s recommendation.

6. What is an implant-supported bridge?

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to secure a bridge for multiple missing teeth. This option provides greater stability compared to removable dentures.

7. How can I determine which type of dental implant is right for me?

Your dentist will assess your oral health and individual circumstances to recommend the suitable type of dental implant. Factors such as bone health, bone structure, and your overall health will play a role in the decision-making process.

8. Is the consultation for dental implants available at Wonsch Dental?

Yes, Wonsch Dental offers implant dentistry services. They can guide you through the options and help you determine which type of dental implant might be the best fit for your needs.

9. When should I consider replacing missing teeth with dental implants?

If you have a missing tooth or anticipate a tooth extraction, it’s a good time to consider replacement options like dental implants. They offer a durable and natural-looking solution for restoring your smile and maintaining oral health.

Contact Us For Any Concerns About Different Types of Dental Implants

Wonsch Dental are caring professionals who will answer all of your questions. We offer a range of general and comprehensive dental services in Windsor, including oral surgery services and Dental Implants, so you can have all your care in one place that knows you. Visit us at 3090 Dougall Ave Suite 306, Windsor, ON N9E 1S4, Canada or call us at (226) 782-3691.