If you’ve lost a tooth or had an extraction, your Charlotte dentist may have mentioned dental implants as a replacement option.
Dental implants are a very effective tooth replacement option. In fact, over 5 million implants are placed in America every year.
The problem is, there are many types of dental implants, and it can be stressful and overwhelming trying to decide what the best option is for you.
We want to make this choice a little easier for you with our guide on dental implants. Keep reading to learn more about how different kinds of dental implants can help you.
In This Article
What are Dental Implants?
If you’re wondering, “what is a dental implant,” you’re not alone. Many people are just finding out about this excellent solution for tooth loss.
Dental implants are pieces of titanium that are inserted into the bone under the gum to replace a tooth root.
They are small but sturdy and can be used for almost any form of tooth loss. In addition, your dentist can personalize implants to fit perfectly and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to the other tooth replacement options, dental implants are many patient’s preferred choice. This is because implants offer a wide range of benefits for tooth replacement.
Below we have listed the most popular benefits of dental implants. For most people, the positives of dental implants far outweigh the negatives.
Comfortable
Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone to replace a natural tooth root. When your bone and gums heal around the implant, it will be stable and sturdy. The added stability will help your implant feel comfortable, just like a natural tooth. Some people can’t even tell the difference after it’s fully healed.
If you have dentures, having them supported by implants can make a massive difference in comfortability for you. They can hold your dentures firmly in place, eliminating the discomfort of loose dentures and making it easier and less painful to eat and talk.
Natural-Looking
Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking tooth replacement options available. In addition, your dentist can customize your implant crown specifically for you so that it will match your other teeth for a perfect fit.
Even implant-supported dentures look incredibly natural. No one will be able to tell which of your teeth are real and which aren’t.
Increase Self-Confidence
If you have a missing tooth or other dental issues, you may know how it feels to be self-conscious about your smile.
Implants can fill in those gaps and give you a smile you will be proud of, and that both looks and feels natural. Show off your smile with confidence!
Types of Dental Implants
When you need an answer to the question “which dental implant is right for me?” it’s best to do your research and speak with your dentist. The information below can help you make your choice.
The three most common types of dental implants include endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic.
We explain each type of implant in detail below.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant used for tooth replacement.
This type of implant will need a healthy jawbone to attach the post to. The dentist will insert a post shaped like a screw into your jawbone. Then once it’s healed, they can fit the false teeth on top.
Subperiosteal Implants
The second most common type of implant is a Subperiosteal Implant.
These implants rest on top of the jawbone instead of inside, but they are still underneath the gums. A metal frame will be placed underneath the gum with the post attached so that the false teeth can fit on top.
This procedure is commonly used on patients whose jaw bone isn’t healthy enough for an endosteal implant.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are not used often and are the least common type of implant.
Your dentist will place this implant into your cheekbone instead of your jawbone. This procedure can be complicated and is only a good option for people who cannot get another type of implant.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Implants are great for most people, but they don’t work for everyone. If you and your dentist determine that implants are not a good solution for you or won’t fit into your jawbone, you may be able to try some of the following procedures.
Bone Augmentation
If your jaw cannot support dental implants, your dentist may be able to restore some of the bone in your jaw with a procedure called bone augmentation.
Sinus Lift
If your bone below the sinus has deteriorated due to upper missing back teeth, you may need a sinus lift. A sinus lift is when the dentist adds bone below the sinus.
Ridge Expansion
Your dentist may suggest a ridge expansion if your jaw bone isn’t wide enough for dental implants. In this instance, your dentist can graft material to add to a space along the top of your jaw.
This procedure can help make space in your jaw so that you can get implants.
All-On-4 Implants
All-on-Four is an alternative to getting a complete set of individual implants or dentures.
Instead, the dentist will place four stabilizing implants in the jaw to hold a full set of replacement teeth.
This method can take six months to heal but is very beneficial to patients who need a complete set of teeth.
Get Your Perfect Smile
There are several types of dental implants to choose from that come with unbeatable benefits. Now that you’re familiar with them, you can make the best choice to get your perfect smile!
If you’re still unsure about what dental procedures you may need, it’s best to consult with your dentist about what is suitable for you.
Want to learn more about how to keep your oral health in tip-top shape? Check out our blog!
