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Dental implants are a highly versatile option for replacing a patient’s missing teeth. In addition to offering several different treatment applications with their ability to support a variety of different dental restorations, dental implants are a popular treatment choice because of the many benefits they offer. Implant-supported dental restorations feel natural in the mouth, they are secure, and they promote a healthy jawbone just like a natural tooth would.

When it comes to choosing the type of dental implant that you receive, there are several options in terms of dental implants, materials, and dental restorations. The choice that’s best for you will depend on your individual treatment needs and goals.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

There are three different types of dental implants:

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are, by far, the most commonly used type of dental implant, and it’s the type of implant that most people think of when they think of dental implants. These implants are screw-shaped and are implanted directly into a patient’s jawbone. An endosteal dental implant mimics the function of a tooth’s natural roots and securely anchors a dental restoration in the jawbone.

This type of implant requires that a patient has an adequately robust jawbone to support the dental implant. If there is not enough jawbone mass present, then another type of implant or a bone grafting procedure might be recommended.

Subperiosteal Implants

This type of dental implant is the primary alternative to endosteal implants. They’re used when a patient doesn’t have enough jawbone mass to support an endosteal implant and does not wish to or is not capable of undergoing a bone grafting procedure.

A subperiosteal dental implant is not implanted into the jawbone. Instead, it consists of a metal frame that is placed beneath the gum tissue with a post designed to support a dental restoration. Rather than osseointegration with the patient’s jawbone, this type of dental implant is supported by the patient’s gum tissues that heal around it.

Zygomatic Implants

This is the least common type of dental implant. Zygomatic implants are not commonly used because they require a more invasive and complicated procedure to place the dental implant into a patient’s cheekbone, instead of the jawbone. These are typically only used in more extreme cases when there is not enough jawbone mass available to support an endosteal or subperiosteal implant.

Options in Dental Implant Materials

Dental implants can be made from two types of materials:

Titanium

Titanium is the most common material used in dental implants. It is a very strong, biocompatible metal that easily osseointegrated with the jawbone and can last a patient a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and care.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a fairly new material that has only recently been approved by the FDA. It is a ceramometal (a fusion between ceramic and metal). Zirconia’s composition means that it is not quite as strong as pure titanium, but it does offer an alternative to patients who have allergies to heavy metals. While the implant portion of a dental implant is not typically visible, zirconia is also white which can be viewed as an added benefit of the material.

Implant-Supported Dental Restorations

Dental implants can be used in a variety of ways to replace missing teeth and restore a patient’s smile.

Single Tooth Replacement (One-for-One Tooth Replacement)

Dental implants are commonly used to support permanent dental crowns that can replace missing teeth on a one-for-one basis.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

Dental implants can also be used, in place of natural teeth or wires and dental bonding, as the anchors that support a dental bridge. As a result, they can support a restoration designed to replace an entire row of consecutive missing teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Several strategically placed dental implants can be used to support a set of full or partial dentures to replace all or most of a patient’s teeth. There are some options when it comes to choosing implant-supported dentures such as the number of implants supporting them and whether the dentures are permanently fixed to the implants or have a snap-on feature that allows a dental professional to easily remove the dentures for maintenance.

Find Out Which Type of Dental Implant Is Best for You at Westerville Dental Associates

While some types of dental implants, materials, and implant-supported dental restorations are more commonly used than others, there is not necessarily a “best” choice that is the “best” choice in all cases or for all patients. The type of dental implant that is best for you, depends on your individual needs, current oral health, and treatment goals.

At Westerville Dental Associates, we are experienced in evaluating patients and working with them to determine the treatment option that is right for them. Additionally, we are experienced in and fully equipped to provide the complete dental implant placement process from consultation and evaluation to placement surgery and dental restoration inside our office.

To learn more about dental implants and other tooth-replacement treatment options or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact us today.