🦷 What Are the 3 Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have changed the game in modern dentistry by providing a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement solution. Not only do they make it possible to eat and talk comfortably and naturally, but they also serve as the key to jawbone preservation and facial esthetics recovery. However, not every type of dental implant is suitable for everyone. Depending on your bone condition, oral health, and aesthetic needs, you can either be advised by a dentist to get one type of dental implant or another. This article will introduce you to the three most common types of dental implants, the professionals native to such procedures, as well as the best tips on picking one tailored to your specific smile.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of implant divided according to their location and the way they are positioned in the jaw. Here are the three main types:
1. Endosteal Implants – The Most Common Option
Endosteal implants are the most frequently used type of implant and are embedded directly into the jawbone. These implants are typically shaped like screws, cylinders, or blades and are made of titanium, which is biocompatible and fuses well with the bone.
Who’s it for? Patients with sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw are ideal candidates. If bone loss is present, a bone graft may be needed before placement.
Benefits:
- High long-term success rate (above 95%)
- Stable and long-lasting
- Suitable for single or multiple missing teeth
Used For: Crowns, bridges, as well as full dental implant-supported dentures, such as the All-on-4 systems, are just a few examples of these restorations.
2. Subperiosteal Implants – For Shallow Jawbones
The difference between subperiosteal and endosteal implants lies in the fact that the latter ones go through the cortex of the bone but not into it, whereas the former ones are placed on the top of the gum and below the jawbone. A metal framework secures the replacement teeth, which is then fixed on the bone surface as opposed to being implanted within the bone.
Who’s it for?
People who have a very shallow bone and cannot undergo bone grafting.
Benefits:
- They involve minimal surgical interference compared to endosteal implants.
- It is a perfect solution for patients with poor jawbones.
- The time for healing and the implant placement is dramatically shortened for the patient.
Used For:
Patients with only one arch of their dentition to be replaced and are not suitable for the surgical implant of the bone.
3. Zygomatic Implants – For Severe Bone Loss
Zygomatic implants are a rare type of implant but also the most complicated. They are simply placed into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the upper jawbone; hence, they are perfect to be used only on patients who have lost the bone from their upper jaw to a greater extent.
Who’s it for?
Zygomatic implants are a great solution for patients who are not comfortable participating in bone grafting or sinus lift surgeries and those who do not have much bone in the upper jaw.
Benefits:
- The most common type of zygomatic implant bypasses the need for bone grafting
- In many cases, the technology behind the zygomatic implant enables a quick recovery
- The largest number of full-arch restoration options is due to the strongest anchorage
Used For:
Patients most often seen in the office are those with significant bone resorption in the upper jaw, specifically those who are better off with full-mouth rehabilitation solutions.
What Type of Dentist Does Dental Implants?
Different dental practices are multi-step and demand a laser-like focus on each step, as well as the best professional performer of it. Consequently, the involvement of the doctors of dental surgery, dental office, technician and or a dental laboratory can be fluctuating at different times and for various reasons.
1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
They are very sophisticated in the surgery of the mouth and face, which involves simple extractions to the most complex reconstructions of the face and mouth.
2. Periodontists
Periodontists are dental professionals who are specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, osteyleft.” They identify the problem and perform a little root surface smoothing to the curing of periodontal problems and healing of tissues. They are also the experts on patient education and oral care, antibiotics, and antimicrobial therapy.
3. Prosthodontists
Though prosthodontists are the most qualified to repair the dental problems of the patients, they will require the use of other doctors to carry out some functions. However, the prosthodontist leads the experts in developing a treatment plan for the patient’s needs and the construction of prostheses suitable for aesthetic and functional purposes.
In Lema Dental’s Istanbul facility, a group of professionals from different fields of dentistry mainly takes care of dental implants, which leads to the guarantee that each action, starting from the placement to the final restoration, is carefully done and carries the features of sculpture.
What Is the Best Type of Dental Implant?
If you wanted to opt for just one implant, it would have to be an endosteal implant. These implants are the best, and here are the reasons:
- Longevity: Most of them are expected to go the distance of 15+ years and even a lifespan if maintained properly.
- Natural Feel and Unnoticeable Look: They can be felt and seen just like natural teeth and they support an almost invisible smile.
- Multipurpose: They can be used in the replacement of both single or multi-tooth, and they serve for full arch reconstruction, as well.
Be that as it may, dentistry does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to have a professional consultation to understand what type of implant will be right for your specific anatomy and goals.
Dental implants not only save your oral health but also enhance your self-esteem to the roof. Any reason for tooth loss should not be a problem, as implants are the perfect solution for the toothless patient. You can smile, speak, and eat as you wish without any problems anymore. However, selecting the most appropriate type of implant is multifaceted, and this is an individual approach, making it not only “the best” but “the best for you” as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Dental Implants:
There are mainly the endosteal (inside the jawbone), the subperiosteal (on the bone under the gum), and the zygomatic (in the cheekbone) types of implant. The choice of type depends on your bone structure and, in some respects, the patient’s needs.
Regular dental insurance plans typically do not cover implants, but certain premium or international policies may provide some financial support. If the implant is part of the treatment, it can be covered by medical insurance.
Most standard dental insurance doesn’t cover implants, but some premium or international plans may offer partial coverage. Medical insurance might help if the implant is medically necessary.
The two main types are indeed the subperiosteal and the endosteal implants. Third zygomatic implants are an advanced alternative for complicated situations.
Oral surgeons, periodontists, or prosthodontists are the main groups of doctors who perform dental implant procedures. Each of these specialists has a different role during the process of implantation.
There are dental implants made from Grade 4 pure titanium and Grade 5 titanium alloy. They are both equally strong, biocorrosive, and safe for long-term use in the human body.
