Guide to the Different Types of Dental Implants

Are you missing teeth? If so, dental implants will benefit you both functionally and aesthetically. Not only will they help return your smile to its prime state, but they will also help you to chew and speak.

Did you know implants have a very long history dating back to ancient Egyptian? The Egyptians used gold wiring to stabilise teeth. Of course, dental work has come a long way since those primitive attempts.

Tooth decay and loss, once near fatal for our ancestors, is now a quick treatment at dental clinics. The types of dental implants you find today are modern marvels. Oral surgeons have the ability to set posts and frames into the jawbone — or under the gums — with high success.

Dental implants provide an unmatched smile compared to typical dentures and bridges. This article shares the tooth implants available. Plus, what one can expect when going through the dental implant procedure(s).

 

Lost Teeth? These are the Types of Dental Implants You Should Know About

Dental implants replicate the look and feel of a tooth. The technology is remarkably advanced with size, shape, and color hue matching. A dental implant can feel as if you’ve never lost a tooth as it sits firmly in place.

The procedure fuses titanium to the bone through osseointegration. This allows patients an option of replacement teeth, crowns, bridges, and plates. The procedure also adjusts to the clients’ oral hygiene and body type.

The Implant Types

There are two types of implants:

• Endosteal
• Subperiosteal

Let’s understand how each works:

Endosteal

Endosteal implants a metal “root” placed into the jawbone similar in design of a screw. This is a great option for single implants like a missing tooth. Several endosteal implants can support retained or supported dentures, too.

A dental crown is placed over this “root”. Several implants provide support for partial or full dentures, too!

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal involves surgery setting a framework under the gums. The frame doesn’t attach to the jawbone. This is a great option for those with jawbone’s unable to hold an endosteal implant.

The subperiosteal implant acts like a jawbone. Surgeons gain more surface area when attaching crowns and/or dentures.

The Implant Procedures

The surgical procedure is largely the same between the two implant types. The surgeon applies local anesthesia making the process is quick and painless. Yet, there is a long downtime while jawbone and gums heal depending on which implant type you choose.

Single-Stage Procedures

A single-stage procedure requires a visit to attach a subperiosteal frame. A secondary visit — months after healing — completes the implants’ attachment.

Two-Stage Procedures

The two-stage procedure involves drilling into the jawbone on the 1st visit to affix a post. Months of healing will go by before minor surgery attaches the implant.

Clients will experience swelling and discomfort for the first few days. Before long, clients return for their follow-up and walk out with a new smile!

 

 

Here are some of the most significant advantages:

 

Dental implants offer benefits for patients who are looking to replace a single tooth or a number of missing teeth.

• Dental implants look and behave like strong, natural teeth: when you have dental implants, you’ll feel like you’ve got your old smile back. As the tooth root is replaced, your new teeth will be stable, secure and strong. You can eat what you like, and you won’t have to make any adjustments to the way you clean your teeth or floss.

 

• Long-term results: implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. Unlike bridges, which last around 10 years, and dentures, which have a limited shelf-life, implants are built to last a lifetime, as they are made from titanium. Titanium is a bio-compatible material, and this means that the implant actually integrates into the bone tissue.

 

• Bone loss prevention: it’s common to experience bone loss as you get older, especially if you have gaps in your smile. With dental implant, the risk of bone loss is lowered significantly. Studies suggest that the bone tissue in the jaw can decrease in volume by around 25% in 12 months if a lost tooth is not replaced.

 

• Benefits for neighboring teeth: if you have a lost tooth, this can cause the neighboring teeth to move out of position. Implants stabilize the teeth adjacent to the gap, maintaining a healthy bite.

 

• Reduced risk of gum disease: gaps in the smile can increase the risk of gum disease, the most common cause of premature tooth loss in adults living in the UK.

 

• Enhanced facial aesthetics: your teeth play a vital role in breaking food down, but they also provide stability and support for your cheeks and lips. If you have missing teeth, this can affect the overall aesthetic of your face. Implants can help to restore a youthful look by preventing sagging skin and enhancing the profile.

 

• Improved speech and confidence: with implants in place, you’ll enjoy clearer speech, and you should feel much more confident about showing off your smile.

 

Is a dental implant safe?

When administered by trained, qualified dentists and implantologist, implants are a very safe and effective treatment. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved, but the vast majority of patients do not experience any problems during treatment. Your dentist in Penge, south east London will discuss the potential complications and side effects with you before your procedure. After treatment, it’s common for the gums to be slightly swollen and a little sore. You may also experience numbness in the lips and chin. If you are in pain, you can take over the counter pain relief and apply an ice pack to the mouth. You may find that your temperature is very slightly higher than usual after the procedure. This is nothing to worry about, but if a high temperature persists, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. If you’re looking for an implant dentist, it’s always advisable to seek out professionals who have extensive experience and expertise in this field.

 

Recovering from a Dental Implant Procedure

As you might expect, the insertion of dental implants can result in a bit of discomfort. Because of this, some individuals have a difficult time with recovery. However, if you plan carefully, you can get through the recovery process with general ease.

First and foremost, have pain relief medications on hand. Ibuprofen and Tylenol can both help to quell any discomfort you might be feeling.

In addition, be sure to avoid hard foods in the days directly following the procedure. Stick to liquids or soft foods such as soup, pudding, and similar such items.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re keeping up on your dental hygiene. Brush your teeth and your implants with a soft-bristle brush at least two times a day.

Generally, the discomfort will start to subside within 72 hours. If your discomfort persists for a week or longer, you should contact your dentist.

 

Let Us Help Put a Smile Back on Your Face

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If you think you’re a good candidate for all on four dental implants or all on six dental implants, the next step is to talk to a qualified NHS dentist. Go over the procedure, consider the costs, and then decide what’s best for your situation.

We can help. We’re here to help you achieve your best and healthiest smile. Click here to contact us to schedule your consultation.