What Are The 2 Main Types Of Dental Implants Today?
When it comes to dental implants, you have several options. Dental implants come in numerous shapes, sizes, materials, and styles. While it’s good to understand the types of dental implants available, you should realize that most decision-making will rest in your dental implant surgeon’s hands. The dental implant procedure is highly personalized and must be curated after a thorough evaluation of your specific needs and condition. Your dentist will decide the ideal implant type and help you understand your options.
Below, we describe the 2 main types of dental implants today.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are cylindrical or screw-shaped dental implants. They are surgically drilled into the jawbone underneath the empty socket of your missing teeth. Once they’re drilled into the jawbone, your body initiates the osseointegration process wherein the jawbone tissues fuse with the implant surface, making the implant a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy. Endosteal implants fuse with your anatomy and replace the root structures of your missing teeth, making them stable and durable. That’s why endosteal implants are the primary implants used for most patients.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are rarely used, but it’s still worth understanding why. Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissues but above the jawbone. Instead of drilling them into the jawbone, the dental implant dentist places them just above the jawbone. Your gum tissues heal around the implants to hold them in place, but they don’t replace the root structures of your teeth. Subperiosteal implants can also replace missing teeth, but they’re not nearly as durable or effective as endosteal implants, so they’re rarely used.
Now, you might wonder, if subperiosteal implants aren’t as stable as endosteal implants, why are they even used? Dentists previously offered subperiosteal implants to patients with insufficient jawbone tissues. To receive endosteal implants, you need to have enough jawbone to fasten the implant. But if a patient didn’t have enough jawbone, they received subperiosteal implants. These days, however, dentists recommend a bone augmentation procedure to help your body generate new jawbone tissues, following which endosteal implants can be placed.
What Are Some Of The Other Considerations When Getting Dental Implants?
Single-Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants can replace individual teeth. One dental implant can only support one dental crown, making it suitable for patients missing one tooth.
Multiple-Tooth Implants
Multiple-tooth implants can replace multiple teeth at once. If you’re missing several teeth, the dentist can attach one or two implants to support a dental bridge or denture. The dentist can replace multiple teeth using only one or two implants.
Full Teeth Implants
Full teeth implants are suitable for edentulous patients, i.e., those missing all of their teeth. The dentist attaches a few strategic implants on the empty jaw to support a complete denture or multiple dental bridges.
Titanium Implants
Titanium implants are made of a titanium alloy that ensures optimal durability. Titanium has been the material of choice for dental implants for decades because of its excellent durability and stellar track record.
Ceramic Implants
Ceramic implants are made of zirconium oxide, a special component that looks like a natural tooth root. Ceramic is a hypoallergenic material, so it can’t trigger inflammation or allergic reactions, but it’s also a fairly new material in dental Implantology.
Immediate-Loading Implants
Immediate-loading implants, also known as same-day dental implants, allow you to walk out of the dental clinic with a complete smile. Instead of waiting several months for the final dental implant restoration, the dental implant specialist can immediately load the dental implant with a temporary crown or bridge, so you never have to go without teeth.
How To Choose The Best Dental Implants?
You don’t have to choose the best dental implants on your own. Your dentist will discuss all of your possible options and recommend the ideal dental implant placement style, technique, and material. After a thorough evaluation, the dental implant dentist will determine your ideal dental implants to ensure safe and lifelong restoration.
What Is The Latest Technology In Dental Implants?
All-on-4 is one of the latest dental implant techniques. All-on-4 is a groundbreaking dental implant technique that allows dentists to replace all your missing teeth using only four strategic implants. If you’re an edentulous patient, the dentist can attach four implants strategically on the jawbone to support a complete denture.
What Are The Best Teeth Implants?
There’s no such thing as the best teeth implants. Everyone is unique and needs unique dental implants based on their specific goals and conditions. Your dental implant dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and select the best dental implants for your specific needs.
Are Immediate Dental Implants Safe?
Immediate dental implants are safe, provided they’ve been offered after thorough evaluation. Same-day dental implants are only suitable in very specific situations. You need optimal oral health and adequate jawbone tissues to qualify for the treatment.
What Is The Cost Of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants depends on numerous factors, including the type of dental implant, the location and size of dental implants, the number of dental implants used, and the type of dental implant restoration. Your dental implant dentist will offer an accurate dental implant quote before your procedure begins.
Schedule An Appointment For Your Dental Implant Procedure In Houston, Tx
Emergency Dentist is a state-of-the-art dental clinic specializing in cutting-edge dental implant procedures. Our dental implant dentists carefully examine your teeth and oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and offer personalized treatment plans. You can find our dental clinic in Uptown Houston (2400 Mid Ln. #350, Houston), Midtown Houston (3510 Main St. Ste E, Houston), or Montrose (3201 Allen Pkwy, Houston). Please schedule an appointment for your dental implant procedure in Houston, TX.
