Loss of teeth is undoubtedly a painful process since it creates havoc in almost everything from a person’s smile to their eating habits. Thankfully, dental implants are the best long-term solution for those suffering such problems.
Basically, these roots of teeth are substitutes for anchoring replacement teeth that look and feel completely natural. But in the interest of those hard-times patients, wondering about the types of dental implants available and potentially right for them, let’s explore the six possible main types of dental implants, surgical methods, and costs so you can find out which one meets your needs.
The cost of these dental implants is probably the first aspect that would bother most of the people in considering such a treatment. Understanding different types of dental implants and their associated procedures can shed light in terms of the total investment while aiding in making wise decisions regarding Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Basically 3 types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. Endosteal Implants:
The most common type of dental implant. Literally, “inside of bone.” As they sound, these implants will be surgically placed directly into your jawbone. Available in various shapes and sizes, including screws, cylinders, and blades.
- Procedure: The sat and present such a process is generally counted in many steps. First, the dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone below. A pilot hole is drilled, followed by a series of progressively widening drills, to get the right space for the implant. Into the bone, the titanium implant post is then inserted. The gum tissue is stitched back together, and a healing period (osseointegration) of several months is required for the implant to fuse with the bone. Once the healing has happened, a small connector post (abutment) gets attached to the implant and eventually the artificial tooth (crown) gets cemented or screwed onto the abutment.
- Cost: The Dental implant cost for an endosteal implant may be different for each patient depending upon some factors such as the number of implants required, complexity of the case, the materials used, and the location. The average cost is somewhere between $3,000 to more than $6,000 for one endosteal implant along with abutment and crown.
- Good For: Most patients who have sufficient bone density in their jaw to support the implant, providing an all-in-one answer for the replacement of single, multiple, and possibly an entire arch of teeth.
2. Subperiosteal Implants
Being a prefix that means ‘under the periosteum,’ it connotes going along with the membrane covering the bone. The main side of these dental implants is that their framework consists of metals that are on top of the jawbone and under the gum tissue.
The framework’s in-lay or protruded posts go through the gums and hold the artificial teeth.
- Procedure: It involves usually a two-surgical process. First, an incision will be made to expose the jaw and an impression will be taken. This impression will then be used for the construction of a custom-fitted frame of metal. The second process is where this frame is placed at an exposed area on the jaw but covered by the gum tissue leaving the posts exposed. After healing of the gum, the artificial tooth is fixed. In some cases, 3D technology has allowed the procedure to be single stage.
- Cost: Subperiosteal implants are sometimes slightly more expensive than endosteal implants based on the complexity of how they custom make the framework. Overall, this type of dental implant is likely to cost around $4,000–$7000 or even more per implant, which includes crown and framework.
- Good For: Those who do not have adequate height or width of the jawbone to qualify for endosteal implants and who are not candidates for bone grafting procedure are ideal patients.
3. Zygomatic Implants
These are more complex types of implants used in situations with less upper jaw bone for placement of traditional endosteal implants, and reconstruction or bone grafting is not a viable option.
Zygomatic implants are longer than the traditional implants and are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheek bone).
- Procedure: This procedure is often a single-staged operation, and sometimes temporary teeth may be placed immediately (i.e. immediate loading). This requires a high level of skill from the oral surgeon or implantologist.
- Cost: Due to the complexity of the procedure and specialized nature of the implants, zygomatic implants are usually the most expensive kind. A single zygomatic implant can cost up to $10,000 to $30,000 or more for the full arch.
- Good for: Zygomatic implants are indicated specifically for patients with severe loss of bone in the upper jaw who cannot receive traditional implants or extensive bone grafting. They provide a stable foundation for upper jaw dental prosthetics, permitting immediate or rapid restoration of function and aesthetics.
Other Considerations and Emerging Types
While endosteal and subperiosteal remain the major types of dental implants, there are a few other considerations and developing techniques:
- Immediate Load Implants (Same-Day Implants): These are sometimes placed with a temporary crown immediately after tooth extraction or during the same surgical appointment when bone density and stability appear satisfied. This can help shorten the length of total treatment time. But not everyone is a candidate for this approach considered to be the best dental implant type.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): These are narrower than conventional endosteal implants and are usually used to stabilize lower dentures. Compared to full-sized implants, MDIs are less invasive and usually less expensive.
- Zygomatic Implants: These longer implants anchor into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the jawbone. They are used in cases of severe upper jaw bone loss where traditional implants would be impossible. This is a more complex and costly procedure.
Which Type of Dental Implant Is Good for You?
Finding the right type of dental implant for you involves a number of considerations, and as an important step, it requires consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. This will include an assessment of:
- Overall Health: Certain medical conditions may affect how well dental implants succeed.
- Location and Number of Missing Teeth: These will determine the number and placement of implants.
- Condition of Your Jawbone: The density and height of the bone are important for endosteal implants because, with significant bone loss, alternatives such as subperiosteal implants or bone grafts might be used.
- Your Budget: The cost of dental implants ranges widely, depending on the type of implants and the complexity of the procedure and treatment.
- Your Preference and Timeline: Things such as wanting results quickly-from a candidate who may be one for immediate load implants, will also be considered.
Beyond Implants: Other Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
While dental implants are wonderful for their offering in the replacement of missing teeth, another Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure exists for the enhancement of many smiles. Some of them are Teeth Whitening, veneers, and dental bonding. A dentist will help you decide on which option is best for you and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Smile.
Understanding all the types of dental implants, procedures, and costs is an important step in making timely oral health decisions. While endosteal implants are commonly known, subperiosteal implants can act as an alternative for patients with insufficient bone.
Proper consultation is a must with a qualified dental professional to help decide which particular type of dental implant is suitable and any concerns with the procedure or Dental implant price. A good selection will help regain glimmering confidence in your smile and increase your quality of life.
