WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

There are two main types of dental implants, the first is endosteal, these are implants that are placed into the jaw bone. This is a slightly more invasive type of implant where screws are placed directly into the jaw bone and the teeth are then fixed to the screws. The other type are subperiosteal implants, with this type of implant the implant is under the gum but not in the jaw bone. Endosteal implants are the most common when the person that is having the implant has a strong jaw bone that can support the screw and the implant. For those that do not have a strong enough jaw bone, the subperiosteal implant is the most common and preferred method.  

Dental implants are a must for some people and do offer an alternative to dentures that are a bit more permanent. Dental implants are something that have come a long way in the past few decades and there are now more types of implants than ever before.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

There are two main types of dental implants. The first type of implant is Endosteal, an implant that is placed into the jaw bone. This is a slightly more invasive type of implant where screws are placed directly into the jaw bone and the teeth are then fixed to the screws. Endosteal implants are the most common when the person that is having the implant has a strong jaw bone that can support the screw and the implant.

The other type of implant is Subperiosteal implants. This implant is under the gum but not in the jaw bone. For those that do not have a strong enough jaw bone, the Subperiosteal implant is the most common and preferred method.  

In some cases, when the bone is not strong enough to support the implant, there are other options to help create a solid foundation for the implant. Bone augmentation is a way to help restore the bone and create bone growth to help make a platform of sorts for the implant. You may also have to have ridge expansion where bone grafts are used to help make the jaw stronger and larger to support implants.

ALTERNATIVE IMPLANTS

There are other methods for implanting that might be helpful as well. Those that need a tooth to be immediately installed may have an immediate load dental implant. A temporary tooth is placed on an implant site until the permanent tooth is installed.

There are also mini dental implants that are smaller than a traditional implant and are often used to help stabilize dentures. This is an implant that is thinner and that be placed with less invasive techniques than traditional methods.

Another method is the All-on-4 method where four dental implants are placed in the bone then temporary teeth are placed. After the gums heal and the implant site is ready, permanent teeth are attached to the four implant sites.

Still another possible implant is when you have more than one tooth missing are implant supported bridges. Bridges are a set of two or more teeth, generally three at a time. Two implant sites are created and the gums are allowed to heal. After they heal, a set of three teeth, two being implants and the center being a stand-alone tooth without an implant, are installed.

For those that have badly damaged or missing teeth, you may need to have a dental implant of some dental work to help restore or replace teeth. Our dedicated and experienced team can help you to find the implant type that works best for you and your individual needs as well as what you are comfortable with.