What are the different Types of Dental Implants?
Sept 06, 2022
Do you have a missing tooth? If yes, you must have come across the word ‘Dental Implants’ when discussing the treatment options with your dentist. Over the last few years, Implants have come up as an increasingly popular and preferred treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth due to their multiple benefits over the conventional options available like the bridge or dentures. Lets discuss the different types of dental implants.
If you have been planning to get dental implants, it is normal to have a ton of questions regarding the procedure and implant itself. In this article, we will walk you through the basics of implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental Implants are small screw-like structures that are surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace the missing tooth roots. The implant will then serve as an anchor or foundation for artificial teeth like crowns or dentures. The crown is placed on the implant using a connector called the abutment.
What are the types of Implants?
The types of implants differ according to the criteria of classification. There are two basic types of dental implants based on their placement in the jaw bone:
- Endosteal Implants:
These are the most commonly used type of Implants that are placed within the jaw bone to hold one or more replacement or prosthetic teeth.
- This type of implant requires good and healthy bone for the fusion of the implant body to the bone.
- Subperiosteal Implants:
The Subperiosteal implants rest over the jaw bone with the help of a metal framework that is placed under the gums.
- Your doctor may suggest these types of implants if you do not have enough bone available for the endosteal implants or if you are simply opposed to the idea of something placed in your jaw bone.
- Another type of implant is the Zygomatic implant that is placed into the cheekbone. These are uncommon because of the complicated placement procedure and longer healing times.
They are only used when there is not enough jaw bone present for the endosteal or Subperiosteal implants and the patient is not willing for Bone Augmentation procedures like Sinus Lift and Ridge Expansion.
Types of Implant Materials:
There are two types of implants based on the material:
- Titanium Implants:
Most of the implants that are currently used are made up of titanium and its alloys due to the biocompatible properties of titanium and its ability to allow bone formation around it. The process is known as OSSEOINTEGRATION.
- Zirconia or ceramic Implants:
These implants have been becoming popular due to patients’ concerns regarding metal-free dentistry. Zirconia is an excellent material for implants owing to its strength and comparable bone fusion properties.
- The Implant surface also affects the process of osseointegration. The surface can be Grit blasted, Acid etched, plasma sprayed, or coated with hydroxyapatite to increase the chances of bone formation and prevent implant failures.
- The selection of the type of abutment or connectors is also important and will be made by your dentist considering your preference and the desired smile projection.
Benefits of Implants:
The implants have become the state-of-art tooth replacement solution due to the following advantages over other treatment options:
- The looks and feel of implants are just like natural teeth.
- It helps in restoring the chewing ability of patients.
- The implants can last for a lifetime as opposed to bridges and dentures.
- The average bone resorption is almost 25% in the first year after tooth loss. This bone deterioration is caused by a lack of stimulation provided by natural tooth roots. However, implants can help in preventing this bone loss by mimicking the stimulation of natural roots.
- It maintains the positions of other teeth in the arch and prevents them to drift or tilt into the empty tooth space.
- It avoids facial sagging caused by bone loss.
- Restores the ideal function and esthetics.
What are the chances of Implant Failures?
Like every surgical procedure, Dental Implants still have a 5% to 10% chance of failure despite the high success rates. There can be several reasons for the failure of an implant but the most common is infection and bone loss around the implant body.
However, if proper techniques and protocols are followed, the chances of failure can be reduced considerably.
What to expect?
The exact implant procedure differs according to the implant system used. The basic outline of the treatment steps is as follows:
- Patient evaluation and imaging
- Preparation of implant site and bone grafting, if needed.
- Placement of dental implant
- Healing and bone growth.
- Abutment or connector placement
- Final prosthesis or artificial tooth placement
The entire procedure can take up to 6 months. The duration is reduced in newer implant systems like SLA-active implants that integrate with the bone quickly.
How much do dental Implants cost?
The cost of any medical or surgical procedure is an important aspect of treatment planning. No doubt, the implants are expensive. The cost varies from patient to patient according to the type and number of implants needed and the individual patient factors like bone health.
However, considering the advantages and durability of implants, it is certainly cost-efficient and worth investing in.
Where to get the best and most affordable Dental Implants in Washington?
If you are based in Tumwater, Lacey, or Olympia in Washington, we have great news for you. At Affordable Family Dental, we aim to provide the best dental treatments at an affordable rate while maintaining the quality of patient care.
The skilled and compassionate team is dedicated to providing excellent services using the latest dental technology to create a beautiful and confident smile for you.
For further information, please feel free to book an appointment or call us at 360-995-1994.
Dr Dhanoa