Types of Dental Implants: Everything You Need to Know

Dental implants are a magical method to enhance the smiles of patients who are dealing with the consequences of missing teeth and looking for a restorative option to improve their smile as well as their confidence. However, patients should consider that choosing the right type of dental implant plays a crucial role in achieving a successful outcome and maintaining oral health. Dental implants are offered in various types, and if you want to undergo this procedure, you need to consult with your dentist or implant specialist first. So, they can assess your dental conditions and recommend the type of implant which perfectly matches your needs and preferences. Today, we’re going to give you all the information and details you might need about different types of dental implants. If you are interested in this topic, stay with us until the end.

What Are Dental Implants?

If you are considering getting dental implants, it’s important to be more informed about what they are, their benefits and disadvantages, and their different types. Let’s take a closer look at them together:

Dental implants are prosthetic structures that are designed to help patients with the natural functions of their teeth, like chewing and biting. They also significantly affect the appearance of the smile and the patient’s confidence. A dentist or implant specialist places them into the jawbone and beneath the gums during surgery. Dental implants consist of several parts, including the titanium-based implant, abutment(connector), and the crown. The procedure of getting implants may take a few months to be completed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can be an advantageous option for you if you are dealing with tooth loss. They can improve your oral and overall health, enhancing your mental health by boosting your confidence. Here are other advantages.

• The robust and long-lasting structure: Dental implants are a favorite option for many people because they have a long lifespan. They can last more than ten years. So, you don’t need to replace them anytime soon.
• Natural-looking appearance: They are designed to look as natural as your real teeth. So, they will be in perfect visual harmony with your other teeth, and no one will realize that these teeth are not yours.
• Improved oral functions: Missing teeth usually cause difficulties while you speak or chew foods. Dental implants are a perfect solution for these issues. They restore the chewing ability and help you speak naturally again.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are classified into different types. Each type has its pros and cons, matching different dental needs. Initially, you should book a consultation appointment with your dentist. So, they can thoroughly evaluate your oral conditions and recommend the type of implant which is more helpful and efficient for you. Eager to know more about these different types? Let’s check them out!

1. Endosteal Implants

This type of dental implant is the most common one due to its strength and durability. The dentist places them in your jawbone during surgery, and after the fusion phase, the connector and artificial tooth are applied.

The Pros of Endosteal Dental Implants

Endosteal dental implants are a perfect type for the following reasons:

• They have a long lifespan: This type of dental implant is very robust and long-lasting, which means they don’t need to be replaced frequently. So, you can enjoy them for years and resume your daily activities without any problem.
• Their appearance is similar to your natural teeth: Enfosteal implants look very natural, making a harmonious combination with your teeth.
• Endosteal implants can protect your jawbone: People with missing teeth are more prone to jawbone issues or deformation. Endosteal implants can preserve your jawbone perfectly and keep your facial structure.

What Makes You a Good Candidate for Endosteal Implants?

If you want to get endosteal implants, you should first have a consultation visit with your dentist to make sure they are appropriate for you. Generally, endosteal implants are suitable for people with the following conditions:

• Individuals who take oral hygiene practices seriously
• Those who have healthy gums
• The patients who are not dealing with serious health issues or special diseases.
• Those with adequate jawbone density

2. Subperiosteal Dental Implants

If your jawbone is small and doesn’t have enough room to get endosteal dental implants within your gums, don’t worry; dental implants can still help you achieve a healthy smile. Subperiosteal dental implants are designed for people with inadequate jawbone density. This type of implant can be placed on top of your jawbone, beneath the gums. Offering a stable foundation for the crown.

The Advantages of Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants have key benefits to offer to patients. Let’s review:

• You will not require bone grafting anymore: If your jawbone doesn’t have enough room, bone grafting is not the only solution left. You can get a subperiosteal implant as an alternative.
• The treatment is quicker than the traditional type: Subperiosteal implants can be performed more quickly because your dentist doesn’t need to spend much time preparing your jawbone.

Are Subperiosteal Implants Right for You? 

Before getting subperiosteal implants, your jawbone conditions must be assessed by your dentist. You are considered as a suitable person for getting subperiosteal implants if:

• Your jawbone doesn’t have enough room to get endosteal dental implants
• You don’t smoke, or you want to quit smoking from now on
• You don’t want to undergo the bone grafting procedure and are looking for a simpler and more efficient method.

3. Zygomatic Implants

If you are dealing with severe bone loss in your upper jaw, don’t be disappointed; dental implants can still work for you! There is another type of dental implant, which is known as a Zygomatic implant, and as its name implies, the implant is anchored to the zygomatic bone or cheekbone and makes a sturdy foundation for the artificial tooth.

What Makes the Zygomatic Implants a Good Solution?

People with severe bone loss should consider Zygomatic dental implants for several reasons, including:

• Minimizing the need for bone grafting: The cheekbone or zygomatic bone is usually considered more strong than the jawbone. So, if you are dealing with bone loss and bone grafting is not your choice, Zygomatic implants are perfect for you.
• Shorter placement process: Despite traditional implants that usually need several weeks or months to be completed, with zygomatic implants, you can achieve a full and healthy smile on the same day of undergoing surgery.
• Enhancing oral, physical, and mental health: It’s hard to imagine having a healthy smile for people who are suffering severe bone loss. However, Zygomatic implants are game changers, restoring their oral functions and boosting their confidence.

Are You Qualified to Get Zygomatic Implants?

Considering getting zygomatic implants? We need to check some factors first to ensure it is your proper solution! Zygomatic implants match your needs if:

• Your jawbone issues are at a severe stage
• You prefer to avoid sinus lifting or bone grafting
• You want to have a healthy and beautiful smile in the shortest time possible.

4. Mini Dental Implants

Need a small and more budget-friendly dental implant? Mini dental implants are the type you are looking for. If your jawbone doesn’t have enough room to get traditional dental implants, your dentist may suggest mini implants. This is because they are thinner, and the procedure of getting them is less invasive and can be completed in a shorter time.

Want to Know About the Advantages of Mini Dental Implants?

There are several factors that make mini dental implants a proper option for many patients. These factors are:

• Cost-effectiveness: Many patients prefer to get mini dental implants, because they are more affordable, compared to traditional implants.
• Shorter time for recovery: Mini dental implants are placed beneath your gums during a quick and less invasive dental procedure. You will pass a faster healing process and can resume your daily activities in a short time.

Are You a Good Candidate?

A consultation appointment with your dentist is required to determine if mini dental implants are right for you. Generally, most cases with the following conditions are considered a good candidate to get mini dental implants: 

• People with inadequate jawbone density
• Those who prefer to avoid bone grafting
• Patients who want to resume their routine activities as soon as possible.
• Individuals who are looking for a less expensive option

All in All

Dental implants offer a reliable and effective solution for individuals dealing with tooth loss, significantly improving both oral function and aesthetic appeal. With various types available, it’s essential to consult with your dentist or an implant specialist to determine the best option for your unique dental needs. Proper assessment and personalized recommendations can ensure a successful outcome, leading to restored confidence and a healthier smile.

Our expert team and caring staff are here at Leslie North Dental to help you achieve the smile of your dreams by offering top-quality dental implants. All types of dental implants are available. Therefore, whether you need traditional implants, mini implants, or All-on-4 dental implants, you can count on us. Contact our team today and experience a comfortable and stress-free treatment.

We are eagerly awaiting you!

FAQs

1. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last 15-25 years or even longer with good care, like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.

2. Are Dental Implants Painful?

Most people feel minimal pain during the procedure, thanks to local anesthesia. Afterward, mild soreness can be managed with pain relievers.

3. What Is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

Recovery usually takes a few days to a week, but full healing around the implant may take several months.

4. What Are the Differences Between Endosteal and Subperiosteal Implants?

Endosteal implants go directly into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone, under the gum. Endosteal is more common, while subperiosteal is often for those with less bone.

5. What Are the Success Rates for Different Types of Dental Implants?

Success rates for implants are high: endosteal implants are around 95-98% successful, while subperiosteal implants can vary slightly depending on bone health.