If your smile is being spoilt by missing teeth then it’s good to know that there are varying types of dental implants that can help in most situations. So, even if you have limited or shallow jawbone, it means that you can still afford the luxury of an implant based-restoration. But before we delve into the varying implant types, it’s worth taking a closer look at why teeth implants are considered the gold standard for missing teeth replacement. While conventional dentures and bridges can improve the look and feel of a smile, nothing comes close to the natural look of an implant-based restoration. Because the vast majority of dental implants are anchored directly into the jaw bone, they have the ability to restore somewhere between 80% and 90% of a patient’s full chewing function.
But that’s not all…
Aside from restoring the look and function of a smile, dental implants can also halt the natural bone loss process that occurs when teeth are missing. As a result, much of the facial shape and muscle tone that was lost, can be fully restored. Dental implants are the only type of missing teeth replacement that can do this. Now we know just how good dental implants can be, let’s take a closer look at the best types of dental implants available.
Firstly – Endosteal implants
When most of us visualise a dental implant, it’s the endosteal type that we actually picture. These are also the most commonly used. They consist of a cylindrical, screw-like or bladed titanium rod which is anchored down into the jawbone. Because endosteal type implants are secured into the jaw, sufficient bone tissue is needed to be able to support the implant.
Subperiosteal implants
But what about if the bone in the jaw is shallow or virtually non existent – can an implant still be fitted? The answer is yes! A subperiosteal dental implant for instance is inserted under the gum tissue and rests directly on the bone rather than in it. As a result subperiosteal implants are normally utilised as a supporting framework for a fixed denture and are the most commonly used type for single stage dental implants (that in which the titanium head remains visible above the gum line, making it easy for a restoration to be attached without the need to surgically uncover it again).
Okay, so what about implant size?
In addition to endosteal and subperiosteal dental implants there are 3 types of implants which come in a variety of heights, widths, and sizes. These include standard dental implants (3.5mm -4.2 mm in diameter), wide dental implants (over 4.5mm – 6mm), and narrow body implants (2mm – 3.5mm). While wide dental implants are primarily placed in the posterior (back) of the mouth to replace molars, mini or narrow dental implants are normally placed into areas when there is insufficient space to accommodate a standard implant.. So now you have a better understanding of the types of dental implants available, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a dental implant for you. For further information on how we can help restore your smile, come and talk to the experienced team at Evergreen Dental on (02) 8074 3849 today.
