If you’ve already discussed the possibility of getting dental implants with your dentist, you probably already know that there are different types available to you depending on your health and preferences. Although getting implants isn’t like picking…
If you’ve already discussed the possibility of getting dental implants with your dentist, you probably already know that there are different types available to you depending on your health and preferences. Although getting implants isn’t like picking out a new hair color where you get to customize exactly how it looks, you might need to make some choices in terms of style, location, and materials of your implant.
Learning about all the unique factors that go into making your personalized dental implants can be overwhelming, so you’ll want to find a reliable dental surgeon to go over what options are best for you. For now, continue reading this article to find out more about what dental implants are available to you!
The first thing you and your dental surgeon will need to determine is what type of implant is right for you in terms of position relative to your jawbone. There are two main types which are explained in the article segment below from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Depending on whether your jawbone is fully matured or deep enough to safely secure a dental implant’s “root” into it, you may have to look to alternative methods for installing your tooth replacement.
Types of implants & techniques
There are two main types of implants:
- Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium and shaped like small screws, they are the most commonly used type of implant.
- Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant may be used in patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to, undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.
The next factor in determining your type of implant involves quantity. Are you getting a single implant, multiple implants at a time, or a full mouth of implants? Each one involves a different route of surgical steps that you and your dentist will have to prepare for prior to surgery in order to ensure your implant’s full success. Here is an inside look behind multi dental implants provided by Mid Wilshire Dental Care:
Multiple dental implants
Multi dental implants can be used in those who are missing multiple teeth. Several implants can be placed at strategic locations to support dental bridges or dentures, depending on the number of teeth missing and your individual needs. Multi dental implants can be an excellent alternative to conventional dentures, which need to be adjusted periodically, and fixed dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support.
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Another major decision you will have to make regarding your dental implants involves the materials they are made from. Generally, the post part of the implant is composed of either titanium or zirconia. The crown and abutment can often be composed of similar materials such as porcelain, non-allergy irritating metals, and other similar materials. In the following article segment, Keating Dental Arts thoroughly discusses two of the most common types of dental implant materials: titanium and zirconia.
Dental Implant 101 & Types Of Materials
Most dental implants are fabricated out of Titanium to very specific and accurate tolerances. Titanium has been used as the material of choice for over 35 years and has proven to be the material of choice due to the long term success they have shown and the fact that Titanium is very biocompatible.
Some implants are coated with Hydroxyl apatite (What bone and teeth are made of) in hopes that they will fuse, or integrate, sooner and more thoroughly when placed in bone, but most studies suggest that it not necessary.
In the last few years, monolithic Zirconium-oxide implants have been introduced as an alternative to Titanium for those concerned about the metal used with the Titanium implants.
Although these look promising, as with all new products, long term testing and stability is still necessary to state that they can truly be an ideal alternative for titanium implants.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
