Understanding the Types of Dental Implants A Complete Guide
Dental implants are small posts surgically attached to your jaw and serve as the roots of missing teeth.
Losing a tooth is about more than just a gap in your smile. It can affect the way you eat, speak, and even your jawbone over time. Many people lose their confidence and avoid smiling in public or in photos, as well as avoiding certain foods. This is where dental implants step in. In the past few decades, dental implants transformed from a specialist procedure into one of the most trusted and easy solutions. However, there is no single type of dental implant that works for everyone. There are many variations, each with its own advantages, limitations, and best-use scenarios.
Understanding the types of dental implants helps you choose the right one for you. Mint Dental Centre provides a wide selection of dental implant options for people in London. Our highly trained team ensures your implant will look no different from your natural teeth. Keep reading, or give a call to learn more about our dental implant options.
Why Are Dental Implants Considered the Gold Standard?
Before implants, missing teeth were usually replaced with bridges or removable dentures. These options can still work well in certain cases. But they have a drawback, like filing down healthy teeth for a bridge or dealing with a denture that shifts during meals. On the other hand, a dental implant is anchored directly into the jawbone. It is a small, strong artificial root that holds a new tooth securely in place. Because it is fixed, it functions more like a natural tooth. But there is more that makes it the best solution for tooth loss, such as:
Long-lasting durability: With proper care, dental implants can last for years or a lifetime.
Look and feel natural: They perfectly blend with other teeth so that most people can’t tell the difference.
Protects bone health: The implant stimulates your jawbone and helps prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss.
Boost confidence: No slipping, clicking, or avoiding certain foods, you can eat, talk, and smile freely.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most people are good candidates for dental implants, but many factors can affect the procedure results. People with good oral health, adequate bone density to anchor the implant, and healthy gums are ideal candidates. However, people with bone density issues or gum disease may not be ideal candidates for this procedure.
Single Implants vs. Multiple Implants
A single implant replaces only one tooth, while a full set of implants replaces all of the teeth in your mouth. The type of implant used varies based on what is best for the patient. A dentist may recommend replacing each tooth with a single implant. This is the most expensive and surgically intensive option. Some patients may receive implant-secured dentures, also called an implant-supported bridge. Implant-secured dentures consist of a row of false teeth secured with four implants set on the upper or lower jawline.
Types of Dental Implants
The basic concept remains the same: a post placed in or on the jaw to support a replacement tooth; the design and placement method can vary.
Endosteal Implants
This is the most common type of dental implant. It is made of titanium or zirconia and shaped like a small screw or blade. Placed directly into the jawbone, and one or more replacement teeth (called prosthetic teeth). Your doctor may recommend it if you already have dentures or bridges. The bone fuses to the implant over time, a process known as osseointegration. Once it has healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached.
Pros:
- Feels more like a real tooth.
- Durable and stable.
Cons:
- Requires enough bone density.
- Long healing time.
Subperiosteal Implants
Sometimes, a jawbone is not strong enough for an endosteal implant. That’s when subperiosteal implants come into play. The implant is placed on or above your jawbone, beneath the gum tissue, to hold the replacement teeth. It is best for people with moderate to severe bone loss who cannot wear regular dentures. Or those need a long-term solution without bone grafting surgery.
Pros:
- Avoid bone grafting.
- Short treatment process.
Cons:
- It may not last as long as endosteal implants in some cases.
- Low success rate for long-term results.
Zygomatic Implants
These are the least common and are a specialised type of implant used when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw for traditional implants. Zygomatic implants are placed into the cheekbone (zygoma), rather than anchoring into the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for artificial teeth. It is best for people with severe upper jaw bone loss who want a permanent solution without bone grafting.
Pros:
- Prevents bone grafting.
- Can support a whole upper teeth set.
Cons:
- Need a highly skilled implant specialist.
- Healing and adjustment time may be longer.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 implants are the best solution for adults missing their top or bottom teeth who want to avoid dentures. Four small titanium screw are placed into your jaw to support dentures. Once it has healed, a crown is connected for a real-looking and functional tooth.
Pros
- Restores a full arch of teeth without bone grafting.
- Provides same-day results.
Cons
- More expensive than removable dentures.
- Not suitable for those people who have severe bone loss or certain health conditions.
Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)
Mini implants are small in size, like a toothpick or the lead of a pencil. Made of titanium or a titanium alloy, they consist of a single-piece screw with a ball-shaped end. The ball end connects to a socket in the replacement tooth or denture. Mini implants are the best for people with loose or unstable dentures or less bone density.
Pros
- Less invasive method.
- Little healing time.
Cons
- Less long-lasting than full-size implants.
- Not suitable for full arch replacement.
Immediate-Load Dental Implants
These are often called teeth in a day or same-day implants. The implants and temporary teeth are placed in the same appointment. The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone, then attaches a temporary tooth or teeth.
Pros
- Look and feel more like real teeth.
- Fast treatment procedure.
Cons
- Requires good bone density.
- High risk of implant failure if too much pressure is placed on the implant before full healing.
Implant Overdentures
These are good alternatives to traditional dentures. Two to six implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. Overdentures are placed on top of implants and add extra stability and comfort.
Pros
- Easy chewing foods, improved speech, and less discomfort.
- Remove for cleaning.
Cons
- More expensive than regular dentures.
- Requires a healing period.
Implant-Supported Bridges
It is a good option when more teeth are missing in a row. Two or more implants are placed in the jawbone, and a custom-made bridge is attached to them.
Pros
- Replacing multiple teeth.
- Prevent bone loss.
Cons
- More expensive and lengthy procedure.
- Requires sufficient bone density.
What to Expect After a Dental Implant Surgery?
You may feel discomfort, bleeding, swelling and bruising after a dental implant procedure for a few days. Dentists commonly prescribe pain medication and antibiotics after a dental implant surgery. A healing may take many months while the implant bonds with bone. Practise good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid damaging habits such as chewing hard candy or ice. Implants can last for decades with proper care.
Book your visit today at Mint Dental Centre if you are considering implants. We help you with the right solution if you are considering implants.