Types Of Dental Implants And Their Benefits

When you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend dental implants. These are small metal posts inserted in your gum tissue to act as artificial tooth roots for your replacement teeth. Dental implants have a few types, and each has its own benefits.

What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?

There are tooth implant options your dentist can recommend based on your situation. The common ones include:

  • Endosteal Implants
    These are the most common classification of dental implants. They’re placed directly in your jaw bone and are usually made of titanium. They protrude through the gum to hold the replacement teeth in place. Once your gums have healed, your dentist will attach a connector post to the implant and then attach your replacement or false tooth to the post. These types of implants are often recommended for patients with a sufficient bone to support their implants.

  • Subperiosteal Implants
    This classification of dental implants is placed under your gum but on top of your jawbone. As your gum heals, it will form around the implant’s base. They may be an option if you don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants or if you can’t have a bone graft. These implants have posts that protrude through the gum to support and hold your replacement teeth in place.

  • Zygomatic Implants
    This classification of dental implants is placed in your cheekbone. They’re an option if you suffer from bone loss due to tooth loss in the upper jaw. Zygomatic implants require two surgeries. During the first surgery, your dentist inserts titanium screws into your upper jaw behind your molars. Once your gums have healed, you need a second procedure to attach the metal framework to the implants.

How Does A Dental Implant Work?

A dental implant is a small titanium post inserted into your jawbone. The bone fuses to the titanium, making it a secure base for artificial teeth. An abutment, or connector piece, is then placed on top of the implant. Once your gums have healed, your dentist will place the replacement tooth (or teeth) on top of the abutment. These could be dental bridges, dentures, or dental crowns.

How Long Does It Take To Place A Dental Implant?

Typically, implant placement takes 1 to 2 hours. But this depends on the complexity of the implant procedure. For instance, if you need more than multiple implants, the surgical procedure will take longer than if you just need one.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?

Aside from helping you achieve a more beautiful smile and boosting your confidence, this dental treatment has many benefits. Here are some of them:

  • They can last for many years.
    On average, dental implants can last up to 10 to 15 years. But with proper care, they can last for 25 years or more. This means that you may not have to replace them as often as you would other types of tooth replacements, such as bridges or dentures.

  • They’re strong and durable
    Titanium is the most common type of dental implant material, which is a strong metal and biocompatible to the human body. With proper care, they can endure years of force from chewing and biting.

  • They can help preserve your jawbone.

    Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots. They’re placed in your jawbone, which helps to stimulate and preserve the bone. This is important because when you lose a tooth, the bone around it begins to deteriorate, resulting in a change in your facial structure.

  • They can give you a natural-looking smile.
    One significant advantage of implants is that they look and feel like your real teeth. They’re also designed to match the colour of your natural teeth.

  • They can improve your oral health.

    Unlike dentures and bridges, which can trap food and plaque, dental implants are easier to keep clean. So you can brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. This can lead to better overall oral health and hygiene.

  • They don’t cause damage to the neighbouring healthy teeth.
    Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and do not require support from the adjacent teeth, as with bridges or crowns. This means your dentist doesn’t need to remove any healthy tooth structure to place the implant.

How Much Do Different Dental Implants Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth. But this can go lower or higher, depending on several factors, such as your location and dentist, the type of implant you need, and how many implants you need. In some cases, your dentist will perform other procedures before getting implants, such as a bone grafting or sinus lift. So, this adds to the total cost of your treatment.

Moreover, if you have dental insurance that can cover some of the cost of dental implant surgery, this can help lower your out-of-pocket expenses. Your dentist will discuss this during your initial consultation, and they can also give you a more accurate quote based on your case.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants are a popular choice to replace one or more missing teeth because they are durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking. There are tooth implant options that your dentist may recommend based on your specific needs, such as endosteal, subperiosteal, or zygomatic. Each has its own benefits, and the suitable type for you is determined after your initial consultation.

If you are considering this dental procedure, contact us to book a consultation. One of the dentists in our clinic will assess your needs and give you a quote.

Timberlands Dental Clinic is equipped with the latest technology in dentistry to give you efficient and quality dental services, including dental implants. We use 3D imaging to look closely at your teeth, mouth, and jawbone during your assessment. This helps us develop a tailored treatment plan customised for you. In addition, we will discuss the tooth implant options available, as well as the associated costs. So you can make an informed decision about whether or not dental implants are the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, not all people can have dental implant surgery. The qualifications of a good candidate include having overall good oral health. This means that you don’t have periodontal disease or any gum disease. You should also have enough natural bone in your jaw to support the implant. If you don’t have enough bone or suffer from bone loss, you may need a bone graft before getting dental implants.

In addition, you should not take certain medications or
have certain medical conditions, such as unmanaged diabetes, that can affect healing. While smoking doesn’t make you unfit to have the treatment, non-smokers have a higher success rate because consuming tobacco products can also affect healing and increase the risk of infection. Ultimately, you should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene to avoid issues.

The recovery time differs from person to person. In general, it may take up to 3 to 6 months or more for the implant to fuse with your jawbone and heal completely. How you care for them can affect the healing process. Remember that you play a significant role in the success of your treatment, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions, especially during your healing time.

All the tooth implant options usually have three parts: the implant post or screw that’s surgically placed in your jawbone, an abutment that’s placed on top of the implant to secure the artificial tooth, and the artificial tooth itself. The implant itself is usually made from titanium because it’s a biocompatible metal that can fuse with your jawbone. As for artificial teeth, there are various materials that can be used, such as porcelain, ceramic, composite, etc.

The surgery to place the dental implants is usually done under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. However, you may experience discomfort and soreness afterwards, which can be controlled with over-the-counter medication. This should only last for a few days and eventually subside.