Posted December 17, 2024 in Dental Implant
While most people probably know what dental implants are and how they can benefit dental health, they may wonder if they’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. Several factors may influence whether dental implants are a good option for you. However, you may not be aware that there are actually three types of dental implants that can restore both the appearance and function of your teeth. In this blog, you’ll learn about the three types of dental implants, their advantages, and whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
5 Min Read:
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are permanently placed in the mouth and can restore a single tooth or multiple teeth, or they can serve as a support for bridges or dentures.
Dental implants are made up of the following components:
- Post: A post, usually made of titanium, is implanted into your jawbone, serving as the base of your dental implant.
- Abutment: Once the post fuses to your jawbone, a small metal abutment is placed on top to connect the post and the crown.
- Crown: The crown is the final portion of the dental implant, and it is typically made of ceramic or porcelain. It attaches to the abutment and looks like your natural tooth.
If you need to replace more than one tooth, you may have several implant posts placed with dentures or a bridge affixed to the top.
While most people can undergo a traditional dental implant procedure, others may require a different type of implant to achieve optimal results.
3 Types of Dental Implants
Below, we explore the three types of dental implants.
1. Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are most commonly used and are what most people consider “traditional” dental implants. These implants use a titanium post surgically implanted directly into your jawbone, which acts as the “root” of your replacement tooth. Once placed, it takes three to six months for the implant to fuse to your bone, a process known as “osseointegration.” After the implant is securely rooted into the jaw, the implant abutment is placed, followed by a custom crown, bridge, or dentures.
Candidates for Endosteal Implants
Ideal candidates for endosteal dental implants must have sufficient bone density at the implant site to support the implant. If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting is often performed to ensure your dental implant has a solid and secure foundation.
Advantages of Endosteal Implants:
- Stability: Endosteal implants are ideal for single crown replacement and are also an excellent option when considering partial or complete bridges and dentures. They provide a firmly rooted foundation for your dental work and don’t rely on the placement or stability of your surrounding natural teeth.
- Durability: Because endosteal dental implants are made of strong materials, they can last for many years. However, even though your endosteal implant is made of artificial materials, you still need to care for it as you would your natural teeth to ensure its longevity.
- Appearance: Endosteal implants are designed to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. That allows you to smile, eat, and speak naturally and comfortably, just as you would with your own teeth.
2. Subperiosteal Implants
Sometimes, you may not have enough bone density to support endosteal dental implants and may not be a good candidate for bone grafting. Subperiosteal dental implants solve this problem by placing a metal framework on the surface of your jawbone, anchoring it under your gums. Once your gum tissue has healed, the implant framework remains securely in place. Replacement teeth are then mounted onto the framework, completing the procedure.
Candidates for Subperiosteal Implants
Ideal candidates for subperiosteal dental implants are those with moderate to severe jaw bone loss who are unable or unwilling to undergo bone grafting or the surgical procedures required for endosteal implants. For individuals with health conditions that make traditional implants unsuitable, subperiosteal implants offer a less invasive alternative.
Advantages of Subperiosteal Implants
- No Bone Grafting Necessary: When you lose teeth, the area of your jaw where the tooth once was loses bone density. Left untreated, the jawbone can weaken; over time, even the shape of your face can change. Endosteal implants require bone grafting to support the titanium implant posts, while subperiosteal implants do not.
- Expedited Recovery: Because subperiosteal implants are less invasive and require fewer steps than endosteal implants, recovery time is shorter.
3. Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic dental implants are less common than endosteal and subperiosteal implants but are perfect for people with significant bone loss in their upper jaw. These implants anchor in the zygomatic (cheek) bone rather than the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for prosthetic teeth without requiring bone grafting. Once the implant is secured in the zygomatic bone, the replacement tooth or teeth are attached, restoring the appearance and function of your mouth.
Candidates for Zygomatic Implants
Ideal candidates for zygomatic dental implants have severe upper jaw bone loss or have been advised that traditional endosteal implants are not an option.
Advantages of Zygomatic Implants
- No Bone Grafts Required: Like subperiosteal implants, zygomatic implants eliminate the need for bone grafting in patients who have bone loss in the jaw. They also make sinus lifts, another potentially painful and costly procedure, unnecessary.
- Reliability: Zygomatic implants are a safe and effective solution for dental implant patients whose needs are more complex than a straightforward endosteal implant.
- Immediate Results: While zygomatic implants still require healing time to integrate with the bone, a temporary bridge can often be placed immediately, allowing you to smile and eat comfortably during your recovery.
Learn More About the Types of Dental Implants in Las Cruces, NM
If missing one or more teeth makes you hesitant to smile or engage socially or affects your ability to chew or speak, dental implants from Gentle Care Dentistry can help. To learn more about which type of dental implant is best for you, contact our Las Cruces, NM, office today at 575-524-3722 or complete our online contact form.