Types of Dental Implants: All You Need to Know

Dental implants are a form of dental prosthesis. That is, they serve as an artificial replacement for your tooth roots and are the most commonly utilized tooth replacement procedure.

There are several different types of dental implants. Figuring out which ones are the best for you is a tough decision. So, it’s best to discuss it with a professional. You can also visit our website to get more information. But, without further ado, let’s get into differentiating the various dental implants types and see what Dentist usually opt for to replace missing teeth.

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Dental Implants Materials

When it comes to types of dental implants materials, there are two common competitors, titanium dioxide (and its alloys) and zirconium dioxide.

Since its debut in the 1960s, titanium has been the standard material for dental implants. Nowadays, titanium and its alloy Ti-6Al-4V are the most commonly used materials for teeth implants. This popularity is largely due to titanium’s biocompatible nature, which means it can easily fuse with human bones.

Zirconia or zirconium dioxide isn’t only good for making inexpensive jewelry — it’s also the second most common material used when making tooth implants. In contrast to titanium, it’s a more recent invention in the world of dental implants. However, zirconia implants have been rising in popularity in recent years.

Titanium vs. Zirconia

As we’ve mentioned, titanium and zirconia are the go-to materials for dental implants. But, which one should you opt for?

Well, while they’re both good, titanium has certain advantages that zirconia lacks. Again, titanium is extremely biocompatible. With that remarkable fusing ability, it’s no wonder that titanium has been the standard for many decades.

Another perk of titanium dental implants is that they’re produced in a two-piece system. The top piece sits on the implant while the other is implanted surgically into the jawbone. Zirconia implants, on the other hand, are always made as a single piece.

That sounds like mere semantics, but there is a reason that the two-piece system is considered superior. Namely, along with a two-piece system comes the ability for a customizable implant. This can solve the problem of low bone deficiency, which allows you to still keep your smile, despite battling bone loss. So, all things considered, titanium implants are the best type of dental implants.

Three Types of Dental Implants Systems

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you should know that there are three different types you can opt for.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants reign as the most popular type of dental implant. They are the safest option and are the best choice for most patients. The only requirement for this type of implant is a healthy jawbone. This is because the screw-shaped posts need a healthy base to fuse to. After they’re fused, the artificial teeth are fitted onto them.

Subperiosteal Implants

The second most common type of implant is a subperiosteal implant. Subperiosteal implants are the perfect alternative if you’re squeamish at the thought of screws in your jawbone.

In contrast to endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants aren’t fused into the bone. Instead, they simply rest on top of the bone while still remaining under the gums. They’re fixated by a metal frame placed beneath the gum, to which a post is attached to. Then, when the gum is healed, the frame will remain in place, and the artificial teeth will be fitted onto the poles coming out of the gums.

Subperiosteal implants also don’t require a specific amount of jawbone as endosteal ones do. They’re usually the go-to alternative for patients that don’t qualify for endosteal implants.

Zygomatic Implants

The third and final type of implant is the zygomatic one. Zygomatic implants are the least common ones, and there’s a good reason for that. Namely, this type of implant involves a complicated installation procedure. Essentially, it’s only done when a patient doesn’t have a good and healthy jawbone required for endosteal implants.

Unlike the previous two types, zygomatic implants aren’t placed into the jawbone. Instead, the zygomatic implant is placed into the cheekbone.

Other Procedures

However, if you don’t qualify for endosteal or subperiosteal implants and don’t want the zygomatic ones, there are still alternatives available to you.

Bone Augmentation

Your dentist might suggest this procedure if you don’t have the required amount of healthy jawbone. By restoring and regenerating your jawbone, this procedure will help your jaw support implants.

Ridge Expansion

A ridge expansion is done by grafting material and adding it to the space on the top of your jaw. If your jaw happens to be too narrow for implants, a professional will probably suggest this procedure.

Sinus Lift

The upper back area of your jaw is notoriously a difficult place for implants. It’s mostly because many patients don’t have enough bone in this area. By doing a sinus lift, more space can be made, and bone can be added to hold your dental implants.

Immediate load Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants, along with temporary teeth, are usually placed during a single appointment. It’s a viable option for people who have enough jawbone and a secure implant that supports the pressure and the placement of the non-permanent teeth.

All-On-4

This procedure is usually meant as a substitute for placing a full set of bottom or top replacement teeth. It involves placing four implants into the bones, and a non-permanent set of replacement teeth can all be placed during the same appointment.

The only catch is that you’ll have to stick to a special diet during the healing process. During this time, the implants will bond with the jawbone. After half a year, permanent replacement teeth will be placed in, and you will be able to resume your usual diet.

Mini Dental Implants

There are a few different types of mini dental implants. What they are differentiated by is size. The sizes tend to range from 1.8 to 3.3 mm. This sets them apart from usual dental implants, whose sizes begin at 3.4 and usually go up to 5.8 mm.

Another notable difference is the fact that with mini implants, a new tooth is made up of two pieces. At the same time, a regular tooth is constructed of three pieces. And, just like the majority of regular implants, mini dental implants are made up of titanium and its alloys.

Mini dental implants also don’t require invasive techniques as most other implants do. They also cost less compared to regular dental implants. A dentist will usually suggest these if you have a limited amount of jawbone or if your dentures are loose.

How to Choose Your Ideal Dental Implants?

Lastly, the best way to choose your ideal type of dental implant is to discuss the available options with a professional. They will be able to help you choose from the various dental implant types, depending on your jawbone health and monetary and personal preference.