What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

If you’re struggling with missing teeth, dental implants are an effective way to restore both the look and health of your smile! Unlike other tooth replacements out there, dental implants also replace the tooth root and stimulate the jawbone every time you chew. This prevents bone mass loss, a common side effect of missing teeth.

But did you know there are several types of dental implants out there? Check out this blog post to discover your options! 

Dental Implant Types: Placement Process

Dental implants come in three different formats when it comes to how they’re placed:

• Endosteal: This is the most common type of implant, which also supports jaw health. It involves having a titanium post inserted into the jaw to replace the root, then getting an abutment and dental crown attached on top;

• Subperiosteal implants: Instead of a metal post, these implants use a metal frame placed under the gum to support the implant. They are a good option when the patient doesn’t have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant.

• Zygomatic implants: These are placed in the patient’s cheekbones, not the jawbone. They are also the least common type of implant.

Most commonly, dentists will recommend endosteal implants because they mimic the natural tooth as much as possible. 

Even if you do not have enough healthy jawbone to get one initially, other procedures can fix this:

• Sinus lift: If you need an implant on your upper arch, a sinus lift can reveal more healthy jawbone to support the implant;

• A bone graft: This procedure involves taking a piece of healthy bone from another area and attaching it to the portion that needs restoration;

• Mini dental implants: These types of implants have a much smaller titanium post than traditional implants, which may allow you to still get a missing tooth replaced.

 Dental Implant Types: Restoration

 Dental implants can also provide different levels of smile restorations:

• Single implants: These are used to replace one missing tooth or teeth that are further apart on the arch;

• All-on-four implants: This option is for patients with severe dental disease and tooth loss. It involves placing four titanium posts throughout the jaw bone and attaching a denture to them to restore the entire arch. Sometimes, this method can also be used to replace the partial arch.

With either option, you can enjoy a fully functional and natural-looking smile. Both single implants and all-on-four implants are custom-made to suit each patient. 

Interested in Dental Implants? Find Out If They’re Right for You

Our Mauldin dentist can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and which type is best for you. Discover your best options to restore your smile by requesting a visit to Indigo Dental today. Have more questions about dental implants or our other services? Then call us at (864) 565-8684 now for a short chat.

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