Implantology is a type of surgery used to replace one or more missing teeth by placing dental implants. These implants act like artificial roots and support a crown or other dental prosthesis.
The implant connects the jawbone to the new tooth and takes over the role of the natural root. It can support either fixed or removable teeth.
There are many types of dental implants available. This means they can be adapted to fit different needs — whether you need to replace just one tooth or several, and whether the missing teeth are in the front or back of your mouth.
Single or multiple tooth implant
When it comes to dental implants, patients have a variety of options to meet their specific needs, whether replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth. The versatility of dental implants allows for customized solutions, ensuring both functional and aesthetic restoration. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, it is essential to understand the differences between single-tooth and multiple-tooth implants so you can make informed decisions about your dental health.
The single implant
In cases where you need a dental implant to replace a single tooth, your dentist will typically recommend a single-unit implant procedure. This involves the placement of a dental implant to serve as an artificial tooth root, followed by the attachment of a replacement tooth or crown. By tailoring the solution to your specific needs, this approach offers a targeted and effective solution to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.
The complete dental implant
If a patient has lost all of their teeth, their dentist may recommend a full-mouth dental implant or full-arch procedure. This comprehensive approach involves placing multiple dental implants in the jawbone to support a full set of replacement teeth. By recreating a complete arch, full-mouth dental implants offer remarkable functional and aesthetic benefits, allowing patients to bite, chew, and speak naturally while restoring the natural appearance of their smile.
Dental implant on several teeth
In cases where multiple teeth are missing, your dentist may recommend a multi-tooth dental implant procedure. This approach involves the strategic placement of dental implants to support multiple custom-made replacement teeth, specifically designed to fit perfectly with your existing natural teeth. Multiple dental implants provide a functional and aesthetic solution that allows you to regain the ability to bite, chew, and speak comfortably while restoring the appearance of a full, harmonious smile.
Dental implant 0ptions
Patients have several options to choose from depending on their specific dental implant needs and situation. The three most common options are mini dental implants, immediate-loading dental implants, and the All-on-4 implant technique.
Mini dental implants
Mini dental implants, which are about the size of a toothpick or pencil lead, offer a narrower alternative to traditional implants. These implants are commonly used to stabilize lower dentures and can be inserted using minimally invasive techniques. If you have significant bone loss or limited jawbone structure, your dentist may recommend mini dental implants, as they are designed to accommodate this type of situation. Additionally, if your denture is loose, mini dental implants can stabilize it, preventing discomfort or embarrassment by minimizing slippage while eating or speaking.
Immediate loading of implants
Same-day implants, also known as immediate-load dental implants, offer a convenient and effective solution that allows your dentist to place both implants and temporary teeth during a single appointment. This approach is suitable when you have sufficient natural bone and a secure implant that can support the immediate placement of a new temporary tooth.
All-on 4 implants
If you need a full set of replacement teeth for your upper or lower jaw, your dentist may offer the all-on-4 dental implant technique. This approach involves placing four implants in the available bone, followed by the attachment of special abutments capable of supporting temporary replacement teeth on the same day. After all-on-4 implant placement, there is a healing period of approximately 6 months, during which the gum tissue heals and the implants fuse with the natural bone. The permanent replacement teeth are placed by the dentist.
What type of dental implant should you choose?
Dental implants come in several basic types, each addressing different needs and situations. Understanding the main types of dental implants is essential to exploring the options available to restore your smile and oral functionality. We provide an overview of the main types of dental implants, including endosseous, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. Familiarizing yourself with these different dental implants will provide you with valuable information about the possibilities and potential benefits of each.
Titanium implant
This is currently the most widely used type of implant in dental implantology.
- Its advantages: it has perfect biocompatibility, which makes it particularly suitable for dental implantology. It is also very strong and reliable.
- Its disadvantages: it is quite rare, but some patients have allergies to titanium.
- Its price: it depends on the exact nature of the work that the dentist has planned.
- Lifespan: If you practice good oral hygiene, the titanium implant has an unlimited lifespan.
Zirconia implant
Also belonging to biomaterials, zirconia has been used for some time for the manufacture of dental implants and is becoming an alternative to titanium implants.
- Its advantages: Zirconia offers the same properties as titanium. Zirconia implants are, however, more aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, because zirconia is white, even when the gums recede, no gray line appears at the base of the crown.
- Its disadvantages: There is less experience with the use of zirconia compared to titanium. Its price is also higher.
- Its price: The price of a zirconia implant depends on many criteria. However, it is generally more expensive than a titanium implant.
- Lifespan: If good oral hygiene is maintained, it can stay in place for a lifetime.
Endosseous implant
This type of implant is placed directly into the bone tissue after the dentist has prepared the socket. They come in the form of a screw, blade, or cylinder, and their coating is more or less smooth so that they adhere well to the bone.
- Its advantages: it allows for all types of dental restorations. As it is integrated into the bone, it stimulates the bone structure, which has the effect of preventing premature wear of other teeth and gums. It performs all the functions of a natural root.
- Its disadvantages: it takes a relatively long time to install, as you have to wait 4 to 6 months before fitting it with a prosthesis.
- Its price: it depends on the number of teeth to be replaced, their position, the type of prosthesis chosen, the extent of the work, etc.
- Lifespan: If properly maintained, an endosseous implant can last a lifetime.
Juxta-osseous implant (subperiosteal)
The subperiosteal or subperiosteal implant is installed in the gum; it rests on the jawbone via a system of metal plates and anchoring pillars.
- Its advantages: It allows teeth to be replaced when bone volume is insufficient. It is also used in the restoration of all the teeth in an arch. This type of implant can also allow immediate loading, which allows the patient to better tolerate the treatment.
- Its disadvantages: Juxta-osseous implants are not osseointegrated, which can lead to a number of long-term complications. They are used less and less by dental implant specialists.
- Its price: it depends essentially on the scale of the work to be carried out.
- Lifespan: It depends on the level of oral hygiene maintained by the patient, the quality of the materials, and the work provided by the specialist.
Related: How long do dental implants take to heal
Alternatives to dental implants
There are several alternatives to dental implants. Here are the four best ones:
Dental bridges
A dental bridge is a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, supported by crowns. It stays securely in place, allowing for comfortable eating and speaking.
Dentures
Dentures are an alternative to dental implants. They are removable, natural-looking tooth replacements. Options include full or partial dentures, depending on the number of teeth to be restored.
Resin-bonded bridges
If you’re looking for an alternative to dental implants, resin-bonded bridges function like natural teeth but use resin instead of adjacent teeth for attachment.
The Flipper
The Flipper is another alternative to dental implants. The term refers to a temporary, natural-looking partial denture that attaches to the sides of a missing tooth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting. This comfortable denture does not require metal clasps and is easy to wear. However, it is not a permanent solution and is less expensive.
Are you ready to restore your smile with dental implants?
Exploring the different types of dental implants is a crucial step in restoring both the beauty and function of your smile. Whenever you need a dental implant, Coronado Canyon Dentistree in Henderson, Nevada, is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our team offers advanced options, including titanium and zirconia implants, and innovative techniques like All-on-4 and immediate-load implants, tailored to your unique dental implants needs.
Don’t wait to regain your confidence and oral health. Schedule your consultation today with Coronado Canyon Dentistree and discover which type of dental implant is perfect for you. Your journey to a stronger, healthier smile starts here!