What Are the Main Types of Dental Implants?

Posted May 3, 2023 by in Health + Fitness

Have you recently lost a tooth and started wondering whether dental implants are worth it?

This procedure is a great option if you’re missing one or more teeth. Basically, a dentist places an implant beneath your gum, then attaches a tooth to this implant. You can eat and speak as if nothing ever happened.

But there are countless implant types, so which is best for you? Let’s find out what they are and what they mean to you.

Endosteal Implants

They are usually made from titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone, forming a strong and durable foundation for artificial teeth. They are considered to be the traditional type and are made of various shapes, such as cylinders, blades, screws, and plates.

Endosteal Implants will last a lifetime if properly taken care of, as they fuse with the jawbone. This helps to form a stable base for the artificial teeth that will be placed over them. Endosteal Implants can be utilized for those with a single, multiple, or even all of their teeth missing.

Dental Crown Implants

Dental crown implants are one of the main types of dental implants used to restore and improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. They are designed to look like natural teeth and are custom-made for each patient.

They are also used for bridges and dentures when several teeth are missing. Crowns provide aesthetic benefits along with a strong replacement for missing teeth, as well as help preserve the health of the surrounding teeth. Click for dental implant crowns to consult if this is the right option for you.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are used when the jawbone is not strong enough for osseointegration of other types of implants or if there is not enough bone height. The implant does not have to be completely surrounded by the jawbone and instead sits on the top of the jawbone.

This implant consists of a metal frame that is custom-fitted to the patient’s jawbone and is made out of a biocompatible alloy for safe integration with the jawbone. The frame is then placed onto the jawbone, and little metal posts are extended through the gumline to make an aesthetic connection to the structure of the teeth.

Implant Overdentures 

Implant overdentures are a type of dental implant treatment used to replace multiple teeth or an entire arch of teeth when traditional methods are not suitable. They are composed of several surgically placed titanium implants, from which prosthetic dentures can be secured, improving the patient’s chewing ability, speech, and the look of their smile.

The main types of implant overdentures are bar-retained and ball-retained overdentures. Bar-retained implant overdentures are the most popular option, utilizing a thin metal bar with clips where the denture attaches to the best dental implants. Ball-retained implant overdentures, on the other hand, attach the dentures to individual balls instead of a bar structure.

Implant Supported Bridges 

Implant-supported bridges are a type of dental implant option that relies on the placement of two dental implants, one at the side of the missing tooth or teeth and the other directly behind them. The dental implant placed at the side provides an anchor point for a bridge-like framework that is attached to the implant.

This bridge replaces the missing tooth and spans the surrounding gap to provide a seamless, aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement. Implant-supported bridges are popular because they result in a stronger, more durable fit and look more natural than traditional bridges or dentures and rely on just two implants for each replaced tooth problem to maximize implant longevity.

One-Stage Implants

On-Stage implants are a type of dental implant used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, and full arch restorations. The implant is surgically placed, and then the crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant underneath the gums.

This one-time procedure is minimally invasive and has a higher success rate than traditional two-stage implants. One Stage™ implants can help restore the natural aesthetics and function of a patient’s teeth and jaw — ultimately allowing them to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. The implant is made of titanium and is durable and long-lasting.

Two-Stage Implants

Two-stage implants are one of the main types of dental implants available today. They provide a long-term, natural-looking solution to tooth loss. Two-stage implants involve the placement of two metal screws into the jawbone that acts as a base and anchors for the dental implant.

The first stage involves the placement of the base or anchor screw, which is then followed by the placement of an abutment or post. These fulfill several important functions, from providing a solid foundation for the false teeth to allowing for a precise fit and secure anchorage.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

Allon4 Dental Implants are a revolutionary breakthrough in dental implantology. Allon4 Dental Implants are a form of implant that replace natural teeth with four titanium screws placed into the jawbone. The Allon4 Dental Implants provide stability, greater strength, and more predictable aesthetic results than traditional implants.

The implants are placed along the curve of the jawbone, making for efficient use of space and minimizing the need for additional surgeries. It is a single-step surgery, and healing time is reduced, with little disruption to quality of life. The Allon4 Dental Implants also have wide-ranging benefits to the patient, such as improved attractiveness and speech, better diet, and improved confidence.

Types of dental implants are not only a great option for replacing missing teeth but also for permanent success in maintaining a healthy and attractive smile.

With the variety of options available, it is important to explore all options to determine the best type of implant for one’s individual needs.