Dental implants come in handy whenever you have missed a tooth. They have been designed in order for you to recapture the look and feel of natural teeth permanently. Do you know that they come in different heights, types, and sizes? There are different types of dental implants. Read on to find out which one is most suitable to your situation, according to your needs.
The Two Main Types of Implants
Implants are mainly categorized into two different types. One is the endosteal, or an oral surgery where implants are placed in the jawbone. This type is made out of small screw-shaped titanium, and is known as the most commonly used among all types of implants.
When implants are placed under the gum and on or above the jawbone, then that is the subperiosteal implant. This treatment is recommended when the patient does not have enough healthy natural jawbone or has fears of undergoing bone augmentation in order to rebuild what has been lost.
Alternative Implant Techniques
Aside from undergoing the usual multi-step dental implant procedure, dentists may also suggest alternative implant options. This will depend on your needs, and the current state of health of your jawbone.
One of the procedures under this category is called the immediate load dental implants. This is a process where temporary tooth is placed during the same time with which dental implant has been placed. This is recommended to patients having enough natural bone, and when the implant is secure enough to support the placement of the new temporary tooth.
There is also a type called the mini dental implants, which are also known as small diameter implants. These are actually toothpick-sized implants which are smaller and narrower when compared to other commonly used types of implants. The good thing about this alternative technique is that it is less-invasive. It is best recommended when stabilizing a lower denture.
A full arch implant, also known as All-on-4 technique, is one which is used as alternative to placing a bottom or top set of teeth. The process is called as such since four dental implants are made on the available bone in order to avoid the need to undergo bone grafting. There are special techniques used so that the new set of replacement teeth will be available for placement during the same day. This process requires special instructions, including following a modified diet in order to allow the implants to bond with the natural bone, and so that gum tissues will heal. It will take six months before the permanent replacement teeth can be placed, which signals that you can resume to your regular diet.
Rebuilding the Bone
Apart from implants, there are also several techniques recommended to rebuild the bone, and restore the patient’s natural jawline. These techniques also provide a strong foundation for tooth implants. Among them are bone augmentation, which is done to regenerate the bone in your jaw. A sinus lift may also be recommended; a procedure wherein a bone is added below the sinus especially when the natural bone has already deteriorated as a result of a missing upper back teeth. Others may also undergo ridge expansion, a procedure where a bone graft material is added to a small ridge along the jaw’s top part.
Want to know which of these procedures are best to replace your missing teeth? Seek the advice of an experienced dental practitioner.