What Are the Types of Dental Implants?

Dental implants come in different types, sizes, and heights. These artificial tooth roots prevent jaw bone loss and help to restore the missing tooth. Dental implants have become tremendously popular, and more people consider them to regain their healthy smiles.  

Around 120 million Americans are missing at least one of their teeth, and dental implants provide an effective way to restore the missing tooth’s function. Continue reading to learn about different types of dental implants to know which implant suits your restoration needs. So, let’s get started.  

Different Types of Dental Implants:

• Endosteal Dental Implants. 

These are the most common dental implants and are a perfect alternative to removable dentures or dental bridges. Patients who have healthy jawbones are the ones eligible for these implants.  

• Subperiosteal Dental Implants. 

These implants are well-suited for patients who do not want to undergo oral surgery to add bone to the implant area. 

• Zygomatic Dental Implants. 

A zygomatic dental implant is longer than the conventional implant and offers a promising alternative to formal bone grafting techniques. It is usually to replace missing teeth in the upper jaw.  

• Single Tooth Dental Implants. 

Single tooth dental implants are permanent fixtures used to replace one missing tooth. Here, the dentist fixes a titanium post into the jawbone of the patient’s missing tooth as a replacement.  

• Multiple Dental Implants. 

These dental implants are suitable for patients who are missing several adjacent teeth. The missing teeth are either replaced with individual implants or joined by two or more implants together.   

• Single-stage Dental Implants. 

Single-stage implants are mainly for the back areas of the mouth. Here, the concern isn’t cosmetic but restoring the tooth’s function. These implants are for patients who have healthy bone structures.  

• Two-stage Dental Implants. 

The two-stage dental implants allow two surgeries for placing the implants. It ensures a high success rate provided one follows complete dentist’s instructions. However, the patient must wait 2-3 months before implants can function correctly.  

• Immediate Load Dental Implants. 

Immediate implant placement is placed simultaneously during the extraction of the natural tooth. These implants take a shorter treatment time and reduce the need for surgical intervention.  

• Mini Dental Implants. 

Mini dental implants are smaller in size than regular implants. It is best for patients who have lost their jawbone density due to tooth decay, bone loss, injury, or otherwise.  

• All-on-4 Dental Implants. 

These dental implants use a revolutionary approach to replace missing teeth. Here, your dentist replaces the lower and upper teeth with the support of just four implants. The patient’s teeth receive permanent restoration with enhanced functioning.  

How to Care for Dental Implants?

When cared for appropriately, dental implants can last for 25 years on average. Here is a brief guideline to care for your implants: 

• Use a soft nylon brush and stick to regular brushing and flossing.  
• Avoid sticky or hard foods. For instance, raw carrots, hard candies, and dried fruits.  
• Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure your implants are intact. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene to increase the lifespan of your dental implants.  

The Final Word

Caring for your dental implants is reasonably straightforward. Find your perfect smile with one of the many types of dental implants. There is undoubtedly one that suits your health and need. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the ideal match.  

Contact your Fairfield dentist, Dr. Cheng Zhu, at Freedom Family Sedation Dentistry today to learn more about dental implants.