Dental implants present a permanent way to replace teeth lost to damage or decay. Since 1965, the types and sizes of dental implants have been diversified and improved, leading to a highly successful and predictable clinical outcome in eligible patients. When you get a consultation at your local dental clinic, your dentist will compile a treatment plan that includes the stages to be followed and the type of dental implant used. In this article, we will highlight the main types of dental implants in use today and how they can improve your oral health.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A tooth implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in your mouth when you are missing a tooth. After it has been placed, it is not visible to the naked eye until a dental crown has been placed on top of it.
Tooth implants can prevent bone resorption or loss in the jaw, as the artificial tooth roots stimulate the jaw to make more bone. They also do the important job of stopping the remaining natural teeth from drifting, loosening, and, ultimately, falling out.
Single Vs Multiple Implants
A dental implant can be used to replace one tooth, or an entire arch can be supported using just two implants.
What Types Of Dental Implants Are Available?
Endosteal and subperiosteal implants are used most commonly. These types of implants refer to where they are placed in your mouth.
Endosteal or endosseus implants
Endosteal implants are used most frequently to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium or zirconia and shaped like small screws. They are surgically placed in your jaw during dental implant surgery. Your dentist will make an incision in your jaw to access the jaw underneath. Small holes are drilled into your jaw, and the dental implants are screwed into place.
If your jaw is not thick enough for endosteal implants, your dentist will recommend a bone graft procedure.
If there is a reason why bone grafting can’t be done, your dental practitioner may suggest subperiosteal implants as an alternative.
Endosteal implants are placed in a process that’s called “two-stage dental implants”. As its name suggests, this surgery is performed in two stages. The first stage is the placement of the dental implant (the metal post), and the second stage is the attachment of the abutment (connecting piece) and dental crown.
Subperiosteal implants
Although they are not used as often, subperiosteal implants may be recommended if your jaw is thin and you can’t have a bone graft. These types of dental implants are placed above or on top of your jaw and penetrate through the gum.
Subperiosteal dental implants are used in single-stage dental implant procedures. Because the implant post sticks out through the gum, a second surgery isn’t required to reopen the surgical site, and the abutment and dental restoration can be placed as the head of the dental implant are already accessible.
Once you have visited a dentist that offers consultation and had x-rays taken, your dentist will compile a treatment plan that incorporates the best dental implant type for the condition of your jaw.
Dental Implant Sizes
Dental implants can also be categorised according to their sizes. Also known as the platform, the size of the dental implant used depends on the spacing of the teeth and the amount of jaw that is available. The length and width of the implant need to be taken into account when planning the surgery for your dental implants.
Standard platform
standard platform sizes are typically used to replace teeth closer to the front of the mouth.
Wide platform
wide platform sizes are used more toward the back of the mouth.
Mini implants
if a patient doesn’t have enough bone volume in the jaw, mini implants may be used. This type of implant is also used to provide additional support during osseointegration.
Other ways that implants can be used
Implant-supported bridge
In addition to single and multiple implants, these prostheses can also be used to hold dental bridgework in place. Instead of supporting a dental crown, the implant can be an anchor for a bridge of artificial teeth.
All-on-4 implants
If you are missing lots of teeth, or an entire arch, it is possible to restore function by using one implant. The position and angle of the implants give the artificial teeth enough support without the need to place multiple implants.
The Importance Of Treating Tooth Loss
Teeth are vital for our ability to eat comfortably and speak with confidence. They are also intrinsically connected to our self-confidence. Your teeth are instrumental in maintaining facial harmony too.
Replacing missing teeth is also essential for the health of any remaining teeth because when there are gaps, the other teeth will drift out of place.
To find out more about how the different types of dental implants can restore form and function to your mouth, book a dental consultation near you as soon as possible. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (03) 9626 9581.
REFERENCES
Types of Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/types-dental-implants
Dental Implants
https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm
