Different Options in Dental Implants

While patients might be familiar with the general concept of dental implants and how they work, there are different categories of dental implants that are worth knowing about. As this sector advances, dental implants are becoming more reliable, less likely to fail, and suitable for even more patients than ever before.

So, if you were turned down for implants just a few years ago, there is a good chance that there may be a suitable option available for you today. In this guide, we’re looking at some of the most common types of dental implants and how they might be used to help different patients.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the most common option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Nowadays, there are several varieties to choose from. Your dentist will advise you which one is best in your particular case.

The main types of implants are:

- Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants and

- Subperiosteal implants use a frame on the jawbone rather than an embedded post.

- Implant-supported dentures are for patients missing most or all of their teeth.

- Mini Dental implants for people who don’t have enough bone in their jaw.

Which dental implants are right for me?

The first step in your dental implant journey is to book a consultation. Before your dentist can make an assessment about the right type of dental implant restoration for you, they need to get a better look at your mouth and jaw. They’ll also ask questions about your lifestyle, such as whether you smoke, or how long you have been missing teeth.

From there, they can look at X-rays of your jaw to better understand the health and density of the bone. They might also use a CT scan, which offers a more detailed picture. The following are some scenarios that might impact which implants you are offered:

If you have been missing teeth for a long time and have suffered extensive loss of jaw bone, you might be offered a treatment like subperiosteal implants or All-On-4 dental implants. The former uses a metal plate that is placed over the jaw bone and under the soft tissue to support the implants. The latter uses longer, angled dental implants to support a full-arch restoration.

If you’re looking for a single tooth replacement, endosteal implants would be best for you. This traditional treatment plan uses a small titanium screw in your jaw bone to mimic the role of a tooth root.

If you’re accustomed to wearing dentures, you might feel more comfortable with removable implant-supported dentures. This is often the case if your palate has changed shape due to tooth loss and a fixed denture might feel overwhelming to wear all of the time. It could also be beneficial if you have less mobility and might struggle to brush your teeth. In this case, removing the implants to clean them would be better.

With limited bone density, you might also be a candidate for mini dental implants. These are shorter and not designed to last as long. You can typically wear mini dental implants for around 7-9 years before they need to be replaced.

Which one is right for me?

In the end, you will have a beautiful implant – an artificial tooth – that matches your natural teeth. Dental implants will last a very long time if you practice good oral hygiene.

To find out which dental implant treatment plan is right for you, we recommend booking a consultation. It’s impossible to know which one would be right for you without a personalised consultation.

This is not just a chance for your dentist to assess your mouth and jaw, but also an opportunity to ask questions about the treatment plan and learn more about whether this is right for you.

Get in touch today to arrange an appointment with our dental implant team and start the process of upgrading your smile with dental implants today.