Wondering about dental implants? Read on to learn more. If you have experienced tooth loss and are exploring potential replacement options, then you have probably heard about dental implants. Dentists and patients are turning to tooth implants because it is provenly effective for replacing missing teeth. However, there are different implants, each of which is developed to suit each patient’s requirements and anatomical considerations.
Types of dental implants
When patients visit the general dentist, they will undergo a dental examination to know what options would work for them. Some of the different types of implants include:
Endosteal implants
The endosteal implant is probably the most commonly used implant type. They are screw-shaped posts made of titanium and placed directly in the jawbone. After healing, the implants support the prosthetic teeth, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture. This option has a high success rate and is usable for most patients with a strong and healthy jawbone structure.
Subperiosteal implants
Patients without enough healthy jaw bone and who would rather not undergo extensive bone grafting may consider subperiosteal implants instead. Subperiosteal implants, unlike endosteal implants which are placed into the bone, sit on the surface of the jawbone, just beneath the gums. The procedure is minimally invasive and has a faster healing rate, compared to a regular implant.
Mini dental implants
Mini dental implants have smaller diameters than conventional implants and are used primarily to stabilize lower arch dentures. They are minimally invasive and offer a quick and low-cost option for patients seeking immediate results. For patients with medical issues that make surgical procedures risky, these mini implants can be a more effective alternative.
Zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants can be a practical solution in cases of significant loss of jawbone where bone grafting is not enough. These long implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the maxilla (upper jaw). This alternative method allows the dentist to attach prosthetic teeth when conventional implants are not feasible.
Implant-supported prostheses
This treatment is generally recommended when most or all of the teeth are lost on the arch. The dental professional will use four strategically placed implants to support a complete arch of artificial teeth. The speed of this procedure is perhaps its biggest advantage. Since only four implants are required, patients can even leave the dental office with a brand-new smile on the same day. Due to the positioning of the implants to optimize available bone struggle, bone grafting is hardly necessary.
The overall benefits
There may be different implant options, but their fundamental benefits are similar. They improve chewing function, prevent bone deterioration, and have a more natural appearance than traditional options. Dental implants also promote oral health because they keep teeth in place and prevent adjacent teeth from moving.
In summary
Before now, the only way a patient could get dental implants was to have sufficient jawbone density. With options like zygomatic implants and mini implants, previously ineligible patients can now enjoy all the benefits of dental implants. If you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, you can get a minimally invasive option to restore your smile. Talk to a general dentist for more information.
Request an appointment or call Dental Studio Colleyville at 817-885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.
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