Dental Implant Types: The Correct Way To Decide Between Options
By Dr. Bhumit Shah
22nd November 2022
9 mins read
If you are like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to your teeth until something goes wrong. At that point, all of a sudden, you become interested in every option and treatment available.
Dental implants are becoming a more popular choice for those who are missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or other artificial replacements, they are embedded in the jawbone, making them very stable. Dental implants have a high success rate of about 90-95% success. It provides natural-looking replacement teeth that are much better than removable dentures. They are also made from long-lasting material resistant to tooth decay.
With several types of implants available, it’s tough to decide which one is right for you. But don’t worry – this blog post will help explain the differences between each type of implant. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which option is suited for you. So keep reading!
Contents
What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are classified based on their position in the mouth.
- Endosteal Implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are embedded in the jawbone and form a foundation for artificial teeth. The implants are usually made of ceramic or titanium and are placed in the jawbone through a surgical procedure.
- Subperiosteal Implants are an alternative to traditional implant screws. It is indicated for patients who don’t have enough jawbone to hold implants. A metal implant framework is placed directly underneath the gums and on top of the jawbone.
- Zygomatic Dental Implants are used to replace an entire arch of teeth. The implants are placed in the cheekbone for a secure foundation. Zygomatic implants may be an option for patients who lose all their teeth due to periodontal disease or trauma.
Depending on what you need, various types of implants have various benefits.
- Single Tooth Implants
A single-tooth implant is a fixed, freestanding tooth replacement surgically implanted into the jawbone. The advantage of a single-tooth implant over alternatives such as removable dentures is that it looks and feels like a natural tooth and is very stable and secure. The only downside is that it might cost more than other options for tooth replacement. - Implant Bridges
Implant bridges are the most secure and long-lasting type of dental bridge. They’re supported by titanium posts embedded in your jaw, so they don’t rely on remaining natural teeth like traditional bridges. Because they use implants, they can be more expensive, but implant bridges will last much longer than traditional ones. - Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures may be a good option if you’re missing several teeth. An overdenture is fastened to the implant through screws to join them together. This keeps the denture from moving around in your mouth. Implant-supported dentures have several advantages. They are more stable than traditional dentures and can improve your eating and speaking ability. However, implant-supported dentures are more expensive than regular dentures and require surgery to place the implants. - All-on-4 Dental Implants
An All-on-4 dental implant involves four dental implants to hold an upper or lower denture in place. This is less invasive than traditional dental implants since it uses fewer implants and is recommended for patients with bone loss. All-on-4 dental implants are placed in the jawbone using a minimally invasive surgical technique. This treatment option has many advantages, including improved chewing function, greater comfort, and increased self-confidence. However, there are also some disadvantages to this treatment option, including the need for regular maintenance and the possibility of implant failure.
Cost Comparison For Dental Implant Types
Several things will affect the cost of your dental implants, such as how many teeth need to be replaced and if you need a bone graft or sinus lift. Here is a cost comparison for most dental implant procedures.
- A single-tooth implant can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000.
- Implant bridges can range from $7,000 to $12,000.
- Implant-supported dentures can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $18,000.
- All-on-four dental implants can range from $21,000 to $35,000.
For a more accurate estimate of the cost of implants, it is recommended that you contact Dentalcare of Forrestfield for a consultation.
Which Dental Implant Type Is Right For Me?
The type of implant that is right for you depends on various factors, including your oral health and the condition and density of your jawbone. If you’re missing one or two teeth, you may choose single implants. Three or more teeth may be replaced with implant bridges. If you’re missing more or all your teeth, you can have implant-supported dentures or All-on-4 implants, depending on your bone level. A consultation with our dental clinic can help determine your treatment options. Set an appointment with Dentalcare of Forrestfield to learn more about dental implants and how they can benefit you.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant treatments are a great option for those looking to improve their smile. There are many different types of implants available. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are not just for aesthetic purposes. It also has numerous functional purposes. It helps improve the way you speak and make it easier for you to eat. If you have more questions about dental implants, we recommend consulting the oral surgeon at Dentalcare of Forrestfield.
A beautiful, healthy smile is priceless–and at Dentalcare of Forrestfield, we understand this. We offer a wide range of dental implant services to achieve your unique needs and goals. Plus, we are passionate about proper oral hygiene and regularly scheduled follow-ups. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what our dental implant services can do for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth and are a long-lasting solution to tooth loss. There are several benefits to getting dental implants, and why many people choose this method to replace their teeth.
- Improve your appearance and smile:
It can give you a more natural-looking smile and can improve your appearance. - Help to keep your teeth healthy:
It will help preserve your remaining natural teeth by providing support for bridges or dentures. - Help you to eat and speak more easily:
Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak more easily than with dentures. - Prevent bone loss:
It can help prevent bone loss in the jaw by providing stimulation to the bone.
Dental implants consist of three main components:
- The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as a base and replacement for the root portion of a natural tooth.
- The abutment is a connector piece that attaches a prosthesis to the implant post.
- A prosthesis, also known as the false tooth, is custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth in shape and colour. It can be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
The first step in implant placement is to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your jawbone to determine if you have sufficient bone to support an implant. If bone grafting is necessary, your oral surgeon will use bone graft materials to compensate for bone loss. Once your jaw bone has healed, you will return to the oral surgeon for the next step of the procedure. The healing process will depend on your overall health and the type of implant treatment you choose.
Next, a small incision will be made in your gum line, and a metal post will be placed in your jawbone. Once the post has been placed, your gum tissue will be stitched closed. Enough time will be given to allow your implant to fuse with your bone. This may take at least three months. Afterwards, a connector called an abutment would be placed over the implant. The final step of the procedure is to attach a prosthesis to the abutment on top of the metal post.
After the treatment, you will have a brand-new tooth that looks and feels just like your natural tooth. With implants, you’ll be able to go back to eating your favourite foods and smiling without any hesitations.
Dental implant surgery has a few potential risks or complications, such as sinus trouble, infection, and damage to nearby structures and nerves. In rare cases, your jawbone and the implant might not fuse properly — leading to overall implant failure. It is important to consult Dentalcare of Forrestfield to see if you are a good candidate for implants and to discuss the possible risks of this treatment before deciding to get dental implants.
