Type Of Dental Implants? Which One Is Best For You?

Type Of Dental Implants? Which One Is Best For You?

Did you know dental implants are the missing tooth alternative for over 156 million Americans?

Dental implants are a permanent teeth replacement solution to fix your smile. They are a great option if you have one or more missing teeth. 

In this blog, we take a closer look at: 

  • What Are Implants?
  • Do I Need Dental Implants? 
  • Type Of Dental Implants?
  • What Does The Invisalign Procedure Looks Like?
  • Which Implant Is Best For Me?

Let’s understand more about these implants in the following sections. 

Introduction:

Dental implants are an excellent alternative for missing or lost teeth. 

Wonder what are implants for teeth?

These artificial structures comprise a screw-like device the surgeon inserts strategically into the jawbone. Once done, your dental implants will look and feel like natural teeth. 

However, not everybody is a potential client for dental implants. Let’s look into the different aspects of the treatment in this article. 

Do I Need Dental Implants?

While most individuals need an implant, most have no idea about it. The best way to know whether to explore different dental implant options is to visit a periodontist or an oral surgeon. 

Or, you could also check out some warning signs that suggest it’s time to opt for crowns or implants shortly. They are:

  • Missing teeth
  • Loose teeth, bridges, or dentures
  • A badly cracked tooth.
  • Severe pain or toothache
  • Difficulty when chewing or biting
  • A severe infection in one or more teeth

Remember, these effects can go away in a few days. However, if they persist, consult with your nearest dentist. 

Type Of Dental Implants?

Once your dentist confirms that you need implants, it’s time to check out your missing teeth options. Commonly, there are three types of dental implants that you can choose from. 

  • Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most prevalent form of dental implant. They are appropriate for patients with a strong, healthy jawbone. Talking of the implants, they’re like placeholder posts that come in the shape of screws. 

They insert the jaw into which the fake teeth are inserted. Once healed, the fake teeth can be fitted to the post to match the neighboring teeth.

  • Subperiosteal Implants

Next, we have subperiosteal implants, another alternative to endosteal implants. These implants are generally preferred for individuals who don’t have enough jawbone for an implant. Or if a patient doesn’t want to undergo intensive surgery in their cavity. 

The subperiosteal implant comprises a metal frame with a post inserted beneath the gum. These implants lay on the bone instead of being fixed to the jawbone. Once done, the gum heals around the frame, securing it, and the fake teeth are attached to the gum-derived poles. 

  • Zygomatic Implants

Next, we have zygomatic implants, one of the best replacement teeth options for individuals who don’t have enough jawbone to opt for either of the treatments mentioned above. 

These implants are placed on the patient’s cheekbones rather than the gum or jaw. This complicated procedure best replaces almost every tooth missing in an arch. 

Now that we know the three types of implants let’s learn about the implant techniques in the following sections.

What Does The Implant Procedure Looks Like?

Dental Implant Procedure

Once your dentist determines that you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants, they’ll start creating a custom treatment plan for you. The treatment generally starts with anesthesia at the dentist’s table. 

While unconscious, the post will be surgically implanted into your jawbone. This process should be painless and take 3 to 4 months for your post to merge with your bone.

Once healed, the abutment connects your customized crown to the post. After the process, your dental implants will look and feel like your lost natural teeth as the appliance will replace everything from root to crown. 

Normally, a single-tooth dental implant can be a great option for you if you have multiple missing front teeth or missing teeth that are not adjacent to each other. 

Which Implant Is Best For Me?

Based on how implants are done, your chosen method, and your oral conditions, there are different implants to restore your smile. 

Here’s an overview of the different implants and what would work best for you: 

  • For a Single Tooth:

You require a single implant with one post and crown for a lost tooth. Your dental surgeon will insert the post into your jawbone during this process. The procedure is painless and can take up to four months to complete. Once your jawbone heals, your dentist will connect the crown to your tooth structure.

  • Implant-Supported Bridge for Multiple Teeth:

Next, we have an implant-supported bridge, the best option for multiple lost teeth. In this process, a bridge of crowns is connected in a series of dental implants. However, if your mouth has more significant gaps between fixed teeth, you might need the next option. 

  • Implant-retained Denture for All Teeth:

Implant-retained dentures are a great option if you want fixed, permanent dentures. These dentures are custom-designed to fit your jaw and gums. The appliance is designed to fit precise aesthetics and is perfect if you wear removable dentures.

Takeaway

  • Dental implants are the missing tooth alternative for over 156 million Americans.
  • Implants are artificial structures comprising a screw-like device.
  • A single-tooth dental implant can be a great option if you have multiple missing front teeth.
  • Based on how implants are done, your chosen method, and your oral conditions, there are different implants to restore your smile.