Understanding the Different Types of Dental Implants

Get up to speed on the different kinds of dental implants available today. This article simplifies the various dental implants and offers an overview of their functions.

Dental implants are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to replace lost or damaged teeth. From one-tooth implants to full arch replacements, various implant systems are available that provide a secure, comfortable solution for restoring your smile.
Find out more about several dental implants and how they can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

Types of Dental Implants And Uses

·         Endosteal Implants

Endosteal or endosseous implants are the most common dental implants designed to fit directly into the jawbone, acting like your natural tooth root.
Dentists use Endosteal implants to replace single or multiple teeth with enough healthy bone tissue left in the jaw to anchor them securely.
In some cases, endosteal implants may need to be secured with additional anchors, such as screws or metal plates, to maintain stability.

To qualify for an endosteal implant, your jawbone and gums must be healthy and in good condition.
This implant requires way less time than other implants for the gums to fuse to the post and form a stable foundation. In some situations, a bone graft may be necessary to build a healthy and robust foundation for the implant to be effectively implanted.

·         Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants are an alternative to endosteal implants, particularly when there is not enough healthy bone tissue in the jaw.

Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants do not need to be surgically implanted into the jawbone. They may therefore be considered a more suitable option for those who cannot undergo surgery due to medical conditions or lack of healthy bone tissue.
They involve a metal frame placed on top of the jawbone and underneath the gum tissue. The frame holds several posts securely in place, which the dentist can later use for attaching artificial teeth.

·         Transosteal Implants

Transosteal dental implants are an advanced option for those seeking a long-term solution to missing teeth.
Unlike endosteal and subperiosteal implants, transosteal implants involve the placement of screws into the jawbone. These screws then serve as anchors and posts that firmly attach the artificial teeth. As such, transosteal implants can last for many years with minimal maintenance and are therefore considered a more lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.

·         Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are transosteal dental implants used in the case of a severely damaged or inadequate jawbone. A single titanium screw is surgically implanted into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). It connects to a metal abutment supporting one or more artificial teeth.
This type of procedure does require an oral surgeon with special training. It is often seen as the last option for those whose other options for replacing missing teeth have failed.

·         All-On-4 Implant Supported Dentures

All-On-4 implants are a form of removable dentures that are secured in place using four titanium screws attached to the jawbone.
This implant allows the patient to maintain an active lifestyle while having strong, secure fit dentures with no slipping or sliding.
All-On-4 implants can also help preserve the remaining teeth and maintains jawbone structure.

Closing Thoughts

Getting dental implants requires a significant financial and time investment. Suppose you smoke and have a previous medical condition (such as diabetes or cancer). In that case, the healing process on your implant will be slow, increasing the chances of failure.

However, finding your perfect smile should be simple if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition. There are numerous types of dental implants available for you to choose from. Your dentist will collaborate with you to identify the best match for you.