The 2 Main Types of Dental Implants
- Endosteal: The most common type of implant, the Endosteal Dental Implant, are typically comprised of titanium, in the shape of small screws. These small screws are placed directly into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal: Subperiosteal Dental Implants are usually used for patients who do not have a healthy amount of natural jawbone. These patients are either unable to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild their bone (or do not wish to). The Subperiosteal Dental Implants are placed on or above the jawbone, under the gum.
Every dental implant case and patient is unique. Thankfully, modern technology has made it possible for your dental surgeon to analyze the patient’s jaw to determine the best sites to place dental implants. However, not every patient is immediately able to support dental implants. For those who lack adequate natural jawbone, the dental surgeon may rebuild the bone with bone augmentation, a sinus lift or ridge expansion. Additionally, some patients may require alternative treatments “in addition to the traditional multi-step dental implant procedure.”
Alternative Treatments
- All-on-4®: “All-on-4 is an alternative to placing a top or bottom set of replacement teeth, called a full arch.” During this procedure, “four dental implants are placed in available bone”. This procedure avoids the need for bone grafting. The dental surgeon uses special abutments “so that a temporary set of replacement teeth can be placed the same day.” Since the gum tissue needs time to heal, and the implants need to bond with the patient’s natural bone, he/she needs to follow a modified diet for about 6 months until the permanent teeth are placed.
- Immediate Load Dental Implants: If the patient has enough natural bone and an implant that is strong enough to withstand pressure on the new temporary teeth, as well as, secure enough to support the same day implants they may opt for Immediate Load Dental Implants. Same Day Implants, or “Teeth in a Day®, Immediate Load Dental Implants allow placement of a temporary tooth “during the same appointment as your dental implant placement.”
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): Mini Dental Implants,or “small or narrow diameter” implants are toothpick-sized implants. These implants are “narrower than most commonly used dental implants [and are] placed through less-invasive techniques and are used primarily to stabilize a lower denture.”
Since every case is unique, your dental surgeon can help you choose which procedure best meets your needs!
Reference:
American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Found on January 27, 2020. Website: https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/
