Different Types of Dental ImplantsIf you are missing one or several of your teeth, dental implants Barrie are a great way of replacing missing teeth. A dental implant does not rely on the neighbouring teeth to stay in place but provides a stand-alone solution to missing teeth. Dental implants are the closest solution available to mimic your natural teeth. Missing teeth could affect the way you eat or speak, which could erode your confidence. Dental implants are a long-term solution to your failing or missing teeth. What Is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is a titanium screw that a dentist places directly into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. After placement, an implant fuses with the surrounding bone, holding the implant firmly in place. A dental implant also preserves your bone structure. A dentist then places a dental crown or denture on top of the implant. These false teeth (crowns or dentures) resemble your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour. Dental implants blend naturally with your smile; no one will know that you have implants. With proper care, dental implants could last for a lifetime. Due to their many benefits, dental implants are the most widely recognized and recommended solution for missing teeth. So, what are the most common types of dental implants? Check out the main types of dental implants below and discover the most suitable for you. Types of Dental Implants The classification of dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth you intend to replace and the way the implants are fitted in your mouth. Below are the three main types of dental implants: Single Dental Implant A single dental implant is used to replace a single tooth. A single dental implant requires one post and one dental crown. Unlike other types of dental restorations, a dental implant replaces the entire missing tooth from the root to the crown. A single dental implant is your best option if you have one missing tooth or multiple teeth that are not adjacent to each other. During the first appointment, you will meet with a dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. You should have adequate jawbone to be a good candidate for dental implants. If you qualify for implants, the dentist will create a custom treatment plan; the dentist uses surgical-guided technology to place the titanium post within your jawbone. You will not experience pain during the placement because you will be under local anesthesia. After placement of the implant, the healing period takes between 3 to 4 months. By the end of this period, the implant will have fused with the jawbone. Once you heal, the dentist will connect a dental crown to the post with an abutment. Your replacement tooth will look and feel like your natural teeth. A single dental implant will not be the best option if you have multiple missing teeth that are adjacent to each other. Implant-Supported Bridge Which are the best dental implants to get for multiple missing teeth? When you have several missing teeth next to each other, the best option is the implant-supported bridge. A dental bridge has two or more dental crowns on each side of the missing tooth gap. The crowns hold an artificial tooth in between them. An implant-supported bridge has dental crowns that connect to the dental implants instead of having the crowns attached to teeth. The process of fitting a dental bridge is similar to that of a single implant, except that the teeth missing in the middle of the gap do not receive an implant. An implant-supported bridge is cost-effective because you can replace several teeth without the cost of replacing each tooth. However, the downside is that some teeth will not receive an implant, and you could end up losing some bone mass. Implant Retained Denture What’s the best implant teeth when all your natural teeth are missing? An implant-retained denture is your best option if you are missing most or all of your natural teeth in an arch. A denture consists of an artificial arch of teeth. The dentist places the arch on your gum line, giving you an appearance of a full set of teeth. Many people are familiar with traditional removable dentures. Traditional dentures can slide, slip, click or fall out as you eat or talk. When you secure dentures with implants, you solve this problem because the dentures cannot fall off. Before placing the denture, the dentist will first place implants along the arch. As the implants heal, your dentist will adjust your current denture so that you can still wear it without disrupting the healing process. Once you heal, the dentist will place a custom denture that matches your facial features. Other Dental Implant Options Dental implants are also classified depending on how they are placed or fitted in your mouth. You can choose from three new dental implants options: Endosteal Implants These are the most common types of implants. Most patients are good candidates for endosteal implants. You should have an adequate healthy jawbone for the endosteal implants to fuse to. Endosteal implants consist of screw-shaped placeholders that are attached to the jaw. After placing the posts in the jaw, the healing takes several months, after which the false teeth can be attached. Some people may not be comfortable with something being placed in their jaw; that takes us to our second common type of implant. Sub-periosteal Dental Implants Sub-periosteal implants are the alternative to endosteal implants. Unlike the endosteal implants, which are fixed to the jawbone, sub-periosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but still under the gum. The dentist places a metal frame under the gum, which has a post attached to it. As the gum heals around the frame, it holds the frame in place. The dentist secures the false teeth on the poles from the gum. Sub-periosteal implants are ideal if a patient does not have enough jawbone for endosteal implants to be placed on. Zygomatic Dental Implants These are the least commonly used dental implants. Placing zygomatic implants is a complicated procedure that is best if a patient does not have adequate jawbone. The dentist places the implant in the patient’s cheekbone instead of the jawbone. A Good Candidate for Dental Implants Now that you understand the different dental implant styles, are you a good candidate for a dental implant? Dentists consider three factors when determining if a person is a good candidate for implants: bone, age, and health. A patient needs enough bone to fuse with the post. Dental implants work best when placed in adults who are no longer growing or developing. If a patient is too young, it is best to wait unto they mature. A patient should have good oral health to be a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Restore Your Beautiful Smile Restoring your beautiful smile does not have to be difficult. You can choose from different types of dental implants to achieve the smile you have always desired. Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth, dental implants can help you restore your smile. If you want to know more about dental implants, we welcome you to contact Molson Park Dental. Our dentists will help you identify the different types of dental implants.
