Exploring Different Types of Dental Implants and Their Benefits

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.