Dental implants are crafted from pure biocompatible titanium. Titanium has an excellent ability to fuse to the jawbone without causing any side effects. Implants are unique and different from other restoration techniques such as dental bridges and dentures which are typically anchored in place using adhesives or by bonding supportive dental crowns to the teeth. Most dental implants are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone, as the bones heals they grasp the implant securely by fusing to its surface.
Implants, unlike traditional dentures or false teeth, are more convenient and easier to manage in cosmetic dentistry because you don’t have to deal with messy adhesives or ugly clasps. Once a dental implant is used to replace a missing natural tooth, it helps preserve your jaw bone and prevent further deterioration, especially in the back teeth.
Who can have a dental implant?
Unlike many other available tooth restoration procedures, not every patient is eligible for conventional implants. An implant can only be placed if you have enough jawbone structure. Luckily, if your jawbone is too thin or insufficient, there are techniques that can rebuild your bone and provide a sturdy foundation for endosteal implants.
In addition, dental implants are suitable for every form of tooth loss, including missing teeth. They come in different sizes, heights, and types, making them versatile and customizable. Titanium implants are safe and harmless, as they can fit into the bone and under the gum without causing any side effects. This makes them an excellent alternative to traditional dentures and dental bridges for preserving the natural teeth.
However, if your jawbone can’t support dental implants for your denture, back teeth, or anterior teeth, your dentist can try any of the following techniques to make your bone fit for implant placement. Additionally, if you’re considering a hybrid prosthesis, these techniques can also be used to ensure successful implant placement.
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Bone Augmentation: This technique involves restoring or regenerating bone in your jaw using bone additives. During the procedure, the dentist uses bone additives and growth factors to fortify the bone making it strong enough to support implants.
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Ridge expansion: if it turns out that your jaw isn’t simply wide enough to support dental implants, your jaw can still be expended using the ridge expansion technique. During the procedure, bone graft material will be added to a small ridge, or space, created along the top of your jaw.
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Sinus lift: the sinus elevation technique involves adding bone below the sinus in cases where natural bone has deteriorated due to missing upper back teeth.
Types of dental implants
There are two main types of dental implants, denture and prosthesis, which can be removable or fixed permanently. Within these main types, there are other subtypes. So, when choosing between denture and prosthesis, you should consult with a dental implant expert to determine the best option for your teeth and gum disease.
1. Endosteal
These special type of dental implants, also known as dentures or prostheses, can be screwed in or inserted using a cone or blade that mimic the tooth’s natural root structure. Typically, endosteal implants made of titanium and shaped like small screws provide a more secure and permanent structure for teeth, especially zirconia teeth, since they are fixed right in the jawbone.
2. Subperiosteal
These zirconia dental implants are mostly used as the base for denture implants. They sit on the bone under the gum but above the jawbone. Subperiosteal is usually recommended for patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild their teeth. The implant is surgically placed into the mouth reaching all the way to the jaw bone, but not into it. The metal frame is only placed under the gum with a post attached to it.
3. Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants is among the latest types of dental implants that are now available, although it is not very popular as of now. The whole procedure is more complicated and complex when compared to endosteal and subperiosteal. However, it must be done if you don’t have enough jawbone for an endosteal implant. (1) Instead of placing the implant on the jawbone, the implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone.
Types of dental implant surgery
Since denture and teeth, the two main types of dental implants, are unique, their placement surgery for crowns treatment is different. Here are some of the ways to place a dental implant.
Single-Stage Dental Implants
This particular implant placement surgery is suitable for subperiosteal implants. They are mostly used in placements where the implant is meant to sit on the bone. Although, this type of implant is typically more expensive because it needs to be custom fitted due to lack of viable jaw bone space. (2)
During the surgery, the dentist will place a long dental implant base into the gum reaching all the way to the jaw bone, but not into it. After securing the implant base right above the jawbone, the surrounding gums are then stitched shut, ensuring that only the head of the implant and the surrounding teeth are exposed. So, if your natural jawbone is not healthy enough to support a dental implant, single-stage dental implants is really a great option for you.
Two-Stage Implants
This type of dental surgery provides a more secure, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for patients with damaged teeth. Before the procedure, your dentist will assess the strength of your bone. If necessary, regenerative treatments may be offered to grow enough bone and soft tissue to support the porcelain crowns. Endosteal implants are commonly used with the two-stage method, where implants are inserted into the jawbone. This procedure is cost-effective but may not be suitable for everyone due to specific requirements.
Alternative Dental Implant Techniques
The health of your jawbone and your specific needs can determine the best course of a dental implant procedure for you. Depending on these factors, your dental implant dentist may suggest some alternative treatment options, such as conventional implants, day implants, or endosteal implants, to replace missing teeth.
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Immediate Load Dental Implants: This might be a great option for you if you have enough bone and have an implant secure enough to support the placement and pressure of a temporary tooth. Immediate load dental implants is much more easier and faster than most other alternatives, it can be completed within a day. The procedure involves placement of a temporary tooth during the same appointment as your dental implant placement.
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Mini dental implants: this implant are less innovative than the other available alternatives. They are generally known to have extremely narrow diameter. They are placed through less-invasive techniques and are used primarily to stabilize a lower denture.
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All-on-4: All-on-4 is a great alternative that is used widely for placing a full set of top or bottom replacement teeth. During the procedure, four dental implants are placed in the available bone, this method is very effective as it avoids the need for bone grafting. Special abutments are used so that a temporary set of replacement teeth can be placed the same day. (3) Well, the only thing that most people hate about this procedure is that you will need to follow a special diet while the gum tissues heal and as the implants bond with the bone.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a missing tooth and finding your perfect smile is not hard this days. Dental implants is really a great option when it comes to tooth replacement. In dentistry as of now, there are several different types of dental implants available for you to chose from. It’s really up to you and your dentist to find the right type of Implant for you. Endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic are the three common types of dental implants that you can choose from.
Also, implants are made with safe materials and can be used for every form of tooth loss and can even be personalized to fit wherever you need them. However, dental implants are very expensive, it cost between $3,000 to $4,500 to replace just a single tooth with a dental implant.