Types of Dental Implants
Lacey, WA
 If you are considering getting dental implants, there are a few questions that you must answer. The first question is, what type of dental implant is good for you? It is difficult to answer this question before visiting a dentist, but if you know your dental problem, some guidance might help. At Karl Hoffman Dentistry, we ensure that our patients have full details of the available dental implant options before we get to the procedure. Further, we also provide all the available support to help you make the right choice for your dental health. Today, we look at the common types of dental implants you may need.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
Single-tooth dental implants are done to replace a single missing tooth. You may even be missing more than one tooth, but they are not adjacent to each other. You will undergo a single-tooth dental implant if you have lost just one tooth or several teeth in different positions. Three main techniques are used for single-tooth implants to replace missing teeth. These are:
Endosteal Dental Implants
An endosteal traditional dental implant is a technique where a titanium post is screwed to your jawbone. This type of implant is the most common and is very popular. It can be used for single-tooth or multiple-teeth implants. The treatment is done in stages, starting with the screwing of the titanium post to your jawbone so that it acts as the tooth root. You will have to wait a few months for the post to bond with your jawbone before you return to attach the abutment and the crown. The titanium post inserted in your jaw can be used to support different types of artificial teeth, including crowns and dentures.
Subperiosteal Implants
The subperiosteal option is the other type of implant used for single teeth implants. This option is very different from the endosteal option in that it does not involve screwing posts into the jawbone. On the contrary, the implant is attached just above the jawbone and is kept in place by the gums. This type of implant is ideal for both single and multiple teeth. It has the advantage of not requiring a significant amount of the jawbone. However, it is not as stable as an endosteal implant. It is ideal for those looking to use implant-supported dentures.
Zygomatic Implants
For individuals who have lost a significant amount of their jawbone, the option is to undergo bone grafting or use zygomatic implants. Zygomatic implants are more invasive than the other two options. This treatment inserts the titanium posts into the cheekbone, also known as the zygomatic bone. This option is not commonly used because most people have sufficient bone density. Even if you lack an adequate jawbone, your dentist will recommend bone grafting. It is only in cases where there is a significant loss of jawbone or when the patient does not want bone grafting that a zygomatic implant is considered.
That said, it is essential to mention that zygomatic implants are just as good as endosteal implants. The implants are very stable and also help preserve the natural bone. They allow you to get a new set of teeth that look and function like your regular teeth.
Multiple Tooth Dental Implants
All three types of implants mentioned under single tooth implant can be used for multiple teeth. Nonetheless, there are still various options under multiple teeth dental implants. There are multiple teeth implants where you have to replace just two or three of your missing teeth. In the other case, you may have to replace the entire arch of your teeth. If you are only replacing two or three teeth, you will just choose one of the above options based on the recommendations of your dentist.
In most cases, you will be advised to use endosteal implants unless there are complications. If the teeth you replace are adjacent, only one titanium post will be anchored into your jawbone. The two or three teeth to be replaced will simply be attached to a single tooth root implant. However, each situation is unique. For those who need to replace an entire arch, either upper or lower, you can choose all-on-4 and all-on-6.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants are modern dental implant techniques that make replacing an entire arch of teeth faster and more convenient. In these two techniques, a dentist may replace a whole arch of teeth just for implants or six implants. This means that the dentist will just place four or six titanium posts into your jawbone and use them to replace all 28 teeth of the lower or upper jaw. Full arch implants may also replace any number of teeth as long as you have suffered a significant loss of teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits, so they are preferred for most people with missing teeth. One of the most essential benefits is that they look and function like natural teeth. If you get implants, there will be no significant change in your life. They can be brushed and maintained just like regular teeth. You will not even notice that you lost your teeth because they look natural. These teeth are also beautiful and a solution that can be used to restore your smile.
Further, you will restore functions such as speech and chewing that can be affected by the loss of your teeth. Lastly, dental implants are long-lasting, typically lasting for a lifetime for most people. On the lower end, dental implants will last 25 years as long as they are well-maintained. With a success rate of over 95 percent, most people can be sure that they will enjoy a long lifespan of dental health by getting implants.
Dental implants stand out as a solution for those with missing teeth. They are loved not only because they are natural but because they restore full function. If you are among those considering getting dental implants, you must make an informed choice for the type you want. At Karl Hoffman Dentistry clinic, we endeavor to help our clients choose the best treatment options. When you come to us, we will advise you on the required treatment options and guide you until you are ready to continue your everyday life. You can talk to our dentist today to start your treatment by calling at 360-539-3429.
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