Different Types of Dental Implants Explained: Find the Best Option for You

International Clinics
389
28 December 2024

Table of content

Dental implant procedure
- Titanium Implants
- Zirconia Implants
Dental implant procedures step-by-step
Dental implant recovery
The principle adopted in dental implant options
best 5 Types of dental implants
Dental Implants for Specific Conditions
cost of dental implants

Are you worried about the appearance of your unhealthy teeth? No need to worry!

There are now advanced techniques in dental implant types aimed at correcting the appearance of teeth or replacing damaged teeth with healthy ones. All you need to do is consult the physician about which type of dental implant is best for your condition.

This article explains dental implants, the different kinds of dental implants, implant materials, and dental restoration methods. Continue reading for more.

Dental implant procedure

Dental implants are small posts fixed in the jaw in place of tooth roots and fused with the replacement teeth to improve the appearance of damaged teeth.

According to the patients medical condition, the number of missing teeth, and the overall oral health, the treating doctor may recommend undergoing some additional surgical procedures to ensure the stability of the teeth and increase their support, including:

Bone augmentation: The doctor recommends a bone augmentation procedure if the person does not have enough healthy bone, which hinders the proper placement of dental implants.
Sinus lift: The upper back jaw is the most difficult area to place dental implants, so the doctor resorts to sinus augmentation to create bone that allows for the placement of dental implants.
Bone grafting for implants: If the jaw is too narrow to support the implants, your doctor may recommend bone grafting (the upper part of the jaw) or modifying it. This includes adding bone graft material to the ridges. Also, in case of deformities in the lower or upper jaw, the doctor recommends modifying the edge to improve the chances of the implants success and enhance the appearance of the jaw.

Note that most dental implants are made of titanium and zirconia, and a simple comparison between titanium and zirconia dental implants is as follows:

Titanium Implants:

The metal is biocompatible and promotes osseointegration, which means bone bonding.
Stronger, more flexible, and suitable for the majority of patients.
Classic two-part design can be customized but might be visible under very thin gums.

Zirconia Implants:

It is completely metal-free and a great solution for people with allergies or other sensitivities to metals.
Cosmetically more advantageous, resembling the color of natural teeth; better for visible teeth. A one-piece design limits flexibility but reduces bacterial buildup.

Dental implant procedures step-by-step

Here is the step-by-step overview of the dental implant procedure:

Consultation & Examination: The dentist examines your oral health, takes X-rays, and prepares a treatment plan.
2. Tooth Extraction Required: If needed, any teeth that are broken or damaged are removed.
Bone Grafting Required: Any teeth that could be severely decayed or damaged beyond repair are removed, and bone grafting is executed if the jawbone density needs protection.
Implant Placement: A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone.
5. Osseointegration (Healing Period): The implant integrates with the bone in 3-6 months.
Abutment Placement: A connector, also called an abutment, is attached to the implant.
Attachment of Crown: After making a crown, it is fixed onto the abutment, thereby completing the restoration.

Aftercare is highly essential for post-surgery recovery and long-term success.

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Dental implant recovery

Key points of dental implant recovery include:

Initial healing: Days afterward will include common swelling, minor discomfort, and bruising.
Pain Management: The postoperative discomfort can be mostly mitigated with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
Dietary Adjustments: Soft foods are recommended in the early stages of the healing process.
Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene must be observed; however, the area around the surgical site should be avoided.
Follow-up: Regular check-ups ensure proper healing and integration of the implant.
Osseointegration: Complete healing or osseointegration usually takes 3-6 months, depending on the case.

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The principle adopted in dental implant options

The principle behind dental implant options depends on the persons desires or needs. Some people require single-tooth implants, while others need multiple-tooth implants. We will explain the difference between single implants and multiple implants.

Single implants: Dental implants replace a single tooth with a single replacement tooth or crown.
Multiple implants: If a few teeth are missing, the doctor will place multiple custom-made dental implants, while if no teeth are missing at all, the person may need a full oral surgery implant.

If you ask "how to choose between types of dental implants," we want to note that choosing the dental implant path is determined at the phase of dental implant consultation. The treating doctor advises you to choose the implant that is suitable for you.

best 5 Types of dental implants

Here are the main types of dental implants:

Endosteal implants are the most common type, placed directly into the jawbone and mostly made of titanium. Your doctor may recommend an endosteal implant if you already have dentures or bridges.
Subperiosteal implants: These are placed above the jawbone but beneath the gum; this type of implant is most commonly used when patients lack enough bone height.
Zygomatic implants: These are used in rare conditions where there is insufficient jawbone; these are secured into the cheekbone.
All-on-4 dental implants: A technique used by four implants that support a full arch of teeth and is used most often for full-mouth reconstructions.
Mini dental implants: the technique that is best for patients with minimal space or bone support.

Dental Implants for Specific Conditions

Your doctor can help you determine which dental implant is best for you, such as:

Mini dental implants (MDIs). These small implants are the size of a toothpick or the lead of a pencil. Theyre narrower than most implants. Mini dental implants can be placed using less invasive techniques than other dental implants. Your doctor may choose this in these conditions:

If you need to stabilize a lower denture
If there is a lot of bone loss with limited availability of the jawbone.
For people who have loose dentures. They can stabilize them so that they dont slip when one is eating or talking.

Immediate-load dental implants: These are considered to be temporary dental implants. Your doctor can insert your implants and your temporary teeth in the same appointment. You may also hear this called same-day implants or teeth in a day.

Your doctor may choose this for you If you have healthy bone and if your implant is solid enough to serve as an immediate foundation for a new temporary tooth, same-day implants could be an option for you.

All-on-4: If you need a full set or a full arch of top or bottom replacement teeth, your doctor may recommend this alternative.

Its worth noting. Some medical conditions require care before and after dental implant surgery, including:

Diabetes Patients: These patients can undergo implants, but their recovery process might be very slow because of their undesirable blood sugar control. It is important to check the blood sugar level at both pre- and post-procedural stages to avoid infection and enhance recovery.
Osteoporosis Patients: The zygomatic implant is the best type of dental implant for patients with bone loss, as too-low-density bones might not be suitable to keep the dental implants in their place.

cost of dental implants

The prices of dental implants vary from place to place according to the medical condition and the technique used. In our international clinics, we offer the lowest price for dental implant procedures as well as the best possible quality under the supervision of a large number of skilled surgeons. The prices of dental implants range between 500 and 2800 US dollars.

Understanding the different types of dental implants helps in selecting the right option for the individual needs. Whether one chooses endosteal, subperiosteal, or zygomatic implants, unique benefits are entailed depending on bone density, oral health, and aesthetic goals. Ongoing advances in dental implant technology, from the materials of titanium and zirconia, help to further improve patient outcomes. All the patients would be prescribed the best implant type that could suit their needs by a dental professional about comfortability and long-term oral success.