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What Are The Types Of Dental Implants?
What are the dental implant types? Which type of dental implant tooth is right for you? Answering that question is fairly difficult because dental implants come in numerous forms. The types of dental implants can vary based on size, location of implantation, the number of teeth they replace, the material of choice, and the type of restoration they support. If you’re getting permanent teeth implants or partial implants, or full dental implants, you must have a strong understanding of your dental implant tooth options.
Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the types of dental implants available.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of implants. They’re shaped like cylinders or screws and drilled into the jawbone underneath the empty socket of the missing tooth. Once the endosteal implant is drilled into the jawbone, it eventually becomes a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy, offering a stable base for the dental restoration, such as the crown or bridge. Endosteal implants are the most stable and strong type of implants in terms of placement.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are the type of implants placed above the jawbone. Instead of drilling the implant into the jawbone, the dental implant specialist places it just above the jawbone but under the gumline. This implant is generally recommended for an endosteal implant for patients with insufficient jawbone tissues. However, most dentists offer bone grafting procedures before the implant procedure to rebuild the jawbone tissues and offer endosteal implants, so subperiosteal implants are rarely used.
Single-Tooth Implants
If you’re missing one tooth, you can proceed with single-tooth implants. The dental implant specialist attaches one implant under the missing tooth’s socket to support a dental crown. This type of implant can replace one individual tooth.
Multiple-Tooth Implants
You can get multiple-tooth implants if you’re missing several teeth from your mouth. The dental implant specialist will drill an implant into the sockets of only some of the missing teeth, following which they will support a partial denture or bridge. This procedure allows you to replace numerous teeth with fewer implants.
Full-Mouth Implants
You can opt for full-mouth implants if you’re missing all the teeth from the upper arch, lower arch, or both. The dental implant specialist may attach implants in some of the strategic locations of your mouth to support a complete denture or severe bridges. This procedure can replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium dental implants are made of titanium, a highly biocompatible and durable metal. Titanium has been the gold standard for dental implants for decades because it’s extremely strong, stable, and firm.
Ceramic Dental Implants
Ceramic dental implants are made of zirconium oxide, a hypoallergenic and biocompatible material that looks like a natural tooth root. Ceramic dental implants are relatively new, but studies show they offer similar success rates to titanium dental implants.
Immediate-Load Implants
In most cases, after placing dental implants, your dentist must wait several months before placing the dental restoration. Placing dental restoration on the implant too early may sacrifice the results and lead to implant failure. But if all conditions are optimal, the dental implant dentist can also provide immediate-load implants, which involves placing temporary crowns on the implants the same day as your dental implant surgery, so you don’t have to go without teeth.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 dental implants have transformed the ability of dentists to replace a complete arch of missing teeth. If you’re missing all of the teeth from the upper or lower jaw, the dental implant specialist can attach four strategically placed implants on the jawbone to support a complete denture. This procedure allows us to replace all your missing teeth using only four implants.
Why Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants?
The benefits of dental implants make them the ideal solution for teeth replacement. Replacing teeth with implants allows you to restore complete bite force and functionality and get a second chance with perfect teeth. Since dental implants fuse with your natural jawbone, they become the ideal replacements for your natural tooth roots. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Furthermore, dental implants last a lifetime, so they’re a worthwhile long-term investment in your health and quality of life.
What Are The Advantages Of Implant-Supported Full Bridges And Implant-Supported Dentures Over Conventional Dentures?
Conventional dentures can never offer the same appearance, stability, or functionality as natural teeth. Conventional dentures are usually attached to the gums using dental adhesives, so they may become unstable and slip out of place during inopportune moments, leading to embarrassment. They also prevent you from eating certain food and necessitate special maintenance.
But implant-supported full bridges and implant-supported dentures are fixed to implants, which act as replacements for the roots of your teeth, so they are completely stable. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about them slipping or sliding out of place. Furthermore, implant-supported restorations support your natural jawbone tissues and prevent facial sagging.
Is It Possible To Have Dental Implants Even If My Teeth Have Been Missing For A Long Time?
Yes. You can get dental implants even if your teeth have been missing for weeks, months, or years. However, if you have insufficient jawbone because of gradual jawbone resorption, your dental implant specialist may recommend a jawbone augmentation procedure before your dental implant surgery.
Schedule An Appointment For Your Dental Implant Tooth At Our Dental Spa On Mid Ln
URBN Dental is one of the leading dental clinics specializing in full-mouth dental implants, titanium dental implants, endosteal dental implants, ceramic dental implants, and other dental implants. Our dental implant specialists use cutting-edge techniques to replace your missing teeth for life. You can find our dental implant clinic in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, or Montrose in Houston, TX. Please schedule an appointment at our dental implant center to explore your dental implant tooth options.