The Different Types Of Dental Implants

Dental implants are made of titanium and are small enough to fit into the jawbone under your gums to replace missing or damaged teeth. They can be personalized to cater to the different bone structure of each patient and what they are to be used for afterwards.

Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants in the market today that patients can choose from. They range from endosteal, zygomatic, and subperiosteal with endosteal being the most common and safest, then comes subperiosteal, and zygomatic that is the most complex and rarely chosen.

Endosteal

This type of dental implant is suitable for most patients with a healthy jawbone for it to be carefully fixed onto. It looks like a screw that is implanted onto the jaw where false teeth are to be inserted. After the implant process, healing that ensue would require time to create a strong foundation. This would enable false teeth to be fixed easily to complement adjacent teeth.

Subperiosteal

This dental implant is suitable for patients who prefer not to have an object being inserted into their jawbone. This implant simply rests on top of the jawbone below the gums that is attached to a metal frame. The gums would then heal around the metal frame so it will remain in place before false teeth are secured. This dental implant is a good alternative for patients without sufficient jawbone or for those who do not wish to have an intensive dental surgery performed on their jawbone.

Zygomatic

This is the least common dental implant which patients rarely choose. It involves a really complex process to cater to patients without sufficient jawbone that is required for the Endosteal implant. Zygomatic implant is inserted onto the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.

Bone Augmentation

The dentist would have to restore the jawbone if it is unable to support dental implants. Bone additives would be required to reinforce the jawbone to make it work.

Sinus Lift

This process also involves bone additives which are added underneath the sinus if any deterioration of the bone is observed as a result of missing upper back teeth.

Ridge Expansion

Some patients may have a narrow jaw for an implant to be inserted, hence the dentist would need to graft material which is then added onto the hollow space on top of your jaw.

Bone augmentation, sinus lift, and ridge expansion are able to make implants work for you but only if you gain approval from your dentist after a thorough dental exam. If none of them is deemed as suitable for your dental condition, then other alternatives are also available, including 3D imaging, immediate load of implants, and mini implants.

With so many different options available for you to choose from, do not hesitate to get back that beautiful smile you once had. If you are looking for an experienced dentist to assess your suitability for dental implants, visit Guerrino Dentistry for top-notch dental services. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.