Are you considering a dental implant as replacement teeth for a missing or damaged tooth? If so, you’re not alone! Dental implants are one of the most popular and successful tooth replacement options that dentists offer. Whether you need to replace a single tooth, several teeth in one area, or all your teeth at once, there’s an option for every situation.
We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help answer your questions about the different types of dental implants. We hope this will give you an informed perspective on each type and what they are for.
Read on, and soon enough, you’ll have all the necessary information on the different types of dental implants to decide what type of implant is right for you.
Contents
- 1 What Are Dental Implants and What Are They For?
- 2 What Are the Components of Dental Implants?
- 3 What Are the Different Kinds of Dental Implants?
- 4 What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
- 5 How Can I Choose Which Type of Implant Is Right for Me?
- 6 Can All My Teeth Be Replaced With Dental Implants?
- 7 How Much Does It Cost to Have Dental Implants?
- 8 Final Thoughts
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Dental Implants and What Are They For?
Dental implants are titanium artificial dental roots used by dental professionals to replace lost, missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They can be used to firmly hold crowns and dental bridges in place and anchor dentures for a more secure fit.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits. They look and feel like normal teeth, providing a comfortable and natural experience when speaking or eating.
Unlike many other dental solutions, dental implants last an extended period of time since the titanium framework acts as a natural tooth root structure. This makes dental implants an ideal choice for anyone interested in restoring their smile long-term.
What Are the Components of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are composed of several parts that work together to provide a stable foundation for dental prostheses. There are different kinds of dental implants, but the basic components of a dental implant include the titanium root (or the implant itself), the abutment, and the dental prosthetic.
- Metal implant:
The metal implant is the titanium root surgically placed in the jawbone. Acting as the artificial tooth root, it serves as an anchor for the other parts of the dental implant. - Abutment:
The abutment, or the titanium post, holds the dental crown in place on top of the root. It prevents the crown from coming loose or shifting position over time. - Dental prosthetic:
The dental prosthetic could either be a dental crown, bridge, or dentures. These can be made from zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all ceramic. They are customised to match your teeth, making them look as natural as possible.
All these components work together to create a structurally sound dental implant that looks and acts just like natural teeth.
What Are the Different Kinds of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing natural teeth, as they can be a lasting solution. There are various kinds of dental implants available to suit different cases.
- Endosteal implants:
These are the most popular and this oral surgery involves placing small titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts act as a stable foundation for artificial teeth, providing strong and secure support that won’t easily shift or come loose. - Subperiosteal implants:
These are placed partially below and partially above the gum line – they can be used when there isn’t enough jawbone left to hold endosteal implants in place. - Zygomatic implants:
These are a more complex type of implant requiring specialised skill. They involve placing multiple larger titanium screws into the cheekbones for an even stronger bond. They are ideally used for patients who don’t have enough healthy jawbones, unlike the typical kinds of dental implants.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Several dental implant types are available today, each with its own distinct advantages.
- Single tooth implants:
These work best when only one tooth needs to be replaced. With a single implant, one implant and one dental crown replace both the missing tooth and its root. - Implant-supported bridges:
Implant-supported bridges provide a way to affix a dental bridge without affecting any neighbouring teeth or tissues. These involve crowns being fitted onto two separate abutment posts and using them to help bridge the gap between missing teeth and other adjacent healthy teeth. These are used in cases where multiple adjacent missing teeth must be replaced. - Implant-supported dentures:
Implant-supported dentures provide a way to permanently attach false teeth to tooth implants for a secure fit. These are a great option for patients who have lost all their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. - All-on-4 dental implants:
This uses four strategically placed implants (either top or bottom jaw) to support a full set of false teeth.
All dental implant types require professional care to ensure their lasting effectiveness and comfort.
How Can I Choose Which Type of Implant Is Right for Me?
The process of choosing the right type of dental implant can be difficult. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re making the right decision.
- Consider how long you want the implant to last. Some materials last for decades, while others may not last as long.
- Think about how much money you’re willing to spend. Higher-quality implants cost more, but they offer better longevity.
- Get advice from your dentist on what type of fixture may work best for your mouth.
- It’s important to research different types of dental implants so you can understand your options and how each one functions differently.
- Don’t forget to evaluate how much maintenance will be required for each implant option. Some require more continual care than others.
Taking all these factors into consideration can help make sure that the dental implant is right for you. Your dentist should be able to give a sound recommendation during the initial consultation.
Can All My Teeth Be Replaced With Dental Implants?
Replacing all of your teeth with dental implants is certainly possible, depending on the condition of your teeth.
Talk to a dental implant expert to find out if all of your teeth are suitable for implant replacements and what type of implant procedure you may need.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Dental Implants?
When considering the cost of dental implants, it is important to remember that no two implant cases are exactly the same. For example, the average cost for a single-tooth implant can range from $5,000 to $7,000, while implant-supported bridges average around $7,200 to $12,500.
People who need an entire set of teeth will most likely opt for implant-supported dentures; the average cost of these ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 per arch.
Lastly, an All-on-4 dental implant averages between $25,000 and $42,000 per fixed arch.
All of these prices will depend on several factors, such as:
- Your geographical location
- The complexity of your case
- The experience of your oral surgeon
- The type of implant needed
- The number of implants needed
It is best to consult with a qualified and reputable dentist for an accurate dental implant treatment quote.
Final Thoughts
There are different dental implant types, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs. Be sure to consult with your oral surgeon to determine the option that is suitable for you. Ultimately, dental implants are a great way to restore lost teeth and improve your overall oral health. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
If you are considering dental implants or if you have any concerns about them, contact Absolute Smiles Bassendean today to book an appointment. Visit our dental clinic, where one of our qualified dental experts will be happy to discuss your treatment options. Our dental team can help you make the ideal decision for your beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to visit with a dental professional who can evaluate your situation and advise you whether or not dental implants are an appropriate option. After discussing your medical history and the specifics of your case, they will be better equipped to recommend how to proceed with treatment.
So don’t hesitate. If you think dental implants might be the right decision for you, talk to a qualified expert today.
Dental implants have a high success rate, but they are not recommended for certain types of patients. These include people who:
- Smoke heavily
- Have a history of gum disease
- Have advanced periodontal disease
- Have underlying medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and bleeding disorders
- Are undergoing radiation therapy in the area of their mouth or jaw where the implant will be placed
- Do not practise proper dental care and good oral hygiene
- Have severe bone loss in the jaw area
However, there are ways to qualify as a candidate for dental implants. Quitting smoking, eating healthier foods, and implementing improved oral hygiene can make all the difference. In some cases, your dentist may recommend gum disease treatment or a bone graft so you can proceed with getting dental implants.
Depending on your unique case, bone grafts may or may not be necessary in a dental implant procedure. It is sometimes a necessary precursor to implant placement if bone loss has been caused by trauma or periodontal disease, or if bone resorption occurs due to age or bone structure.
Bone grafting is a specialised surgical procedure that involves adding bone material to affected areas. This enhances the bone’s volume and stability, ultimately creating the right conditions for implant placement.
While bone grafting can add more cost and complexity to the treatment, it can improve long-term results.
When considering alternatives to dental implants, it’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Depending on your needs and circumstances, there are three primary alternatives you should consider: dentures, bridges, and partial dentures.
- Dentures: These are mainly composed of artificial plastic materials and come in various sizes and colours. They can replace missing teeth, allowing you to speak and chew properly; however, long-term wear can cause irritation and even infection. They have to be removed at night and would have to be replaced every 7-10 years.
- Bridges: These involve attaching one or more false teeth between two healthy ones, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing result for smaller areas of tooth loss.
- Partial dentures: These usually consist of both false plastic and metal elements. These removable prosthetics will fill in gaps throughout the arch caused by multiple missing teeth.
All alternatives must be professionally maintained for them to function properly. Make sure you see your dentist for regular check-ups!
