Introduction

Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for people who need to replace missing teeth. Dental implants offer several benefits, including improved chewing ability, better speech, and an improved appearance. However, not all dental implants are created equal. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the different types of dental implants available, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Placing implants is a type of surgical dentistry. Read more about surgical dentistry HERE.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Endosteal implants are ideal for patients with healthy jawbones and are strong enough to support a prosthetic tooth or teeth. The advantages of endosteal implants include their durability and long lifespan. However, they require surgery, and the healing time can be longer than other types of dental implants.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone and under the gum tissue. These implants are ideal for patients with a shallow jawbone who cannot undergo a bone grafting procedure. Subperiosteal implants are made of a metal framework that supports the prosthetic tooth or teeth. The advantages of subperiosteal implants include a shorter recovery time and a lower risk of complications during the procedure. However, they may not be as durable as endosteal implants.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. These implants are ideal for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support an endosteal implant. Zygomatic implants are longer than other types of implants and are anchored to the cheekbone. The advantages of zygomatic implants include a shorter healing time and the ability to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. However, the procedure is complex and requires specialized training.

All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants are a type of endosteal implant that allows a full arch of teeth to be supported by only four implants. This type of implant is ideal for patients who have lost several or all of their teeth. The advantages of All-on-4 implants include a shorter recovery time, lower costs, and the ability to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. However, they may not be as durable as other types of endosteal implants.

Mini Implants

Mini implants are smaller than endosteal implants and are ideal for patients with small teeth or limited space in the jawbone. Mini implants are also used to support dentures or bridges. The advantages of mini implants include a shorter healing time and a lower cost. However, they may not be as durable as endosteal implants and may require more frequent replacements.

Conclusion

Dental implants can improve a patient’s quality of life, but it’s important to understand the different types of implants available. Choosing the right type of implant requires an evaluation by a dental professional who can determine the best option based on a patient’s unique needs. If you’re interested in dental implants, speak to your dentist about which type of implant is right for you.