What Type of Dental Implant is Ideal For Me

Dental implants have come a long way in the past few years, and there are now more options than ever before.

There are many types of dental implants, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Which implant is best for you depends on your situation.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of implants and help you decide which one is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about them and to find the best option for your needs.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They can help to preserve the health of the jawbone and surrounding teeth and restore confidence in your ability to eat and speak.

The implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time. This process, known as osseointegration, provides a solid base for dental prosthetics. Once the implant has fully healed, a dental crown is attached to the post, creating a natural-feeling and functioning tooth.

There are different types of dental implants, and they can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even all of the teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. These implants are surgically drilled into the jawbone to hold the artificial teeth in place. Because they are inserted below the gums, endosteal implants are not visible from outside the mouth.

While dental implants can be made from different materials, titanium is typically used for endosteal implants because it is strong and durable. In addition, this material is known to fuse well with bone tissue, which helps to create a secure and stable foundation for dental prosthetics.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but on top of the bone, and they consist of a metal frame that supports one or more artificial teeth.

This type of implant is often used for people who have lost all of their teeth and have a thin jawbone and for people who cannot or do not want to undergo a bone graft.

While subperiosteal implants are less common than other types of dental implants, they can be a good option for people who are not candidates for other types of dental implants.

Dental implants can be used to support different types of dental prostheses, such as:

• Bridges: A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth.
• Partial dentures: A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth.
• Complete dentures: A complete denture is used to replace all teeth and can also be removed.
• Crowns: A crown is a single prosthesis that acts as a false tooth and is used to replace one tooth.

As there are various prostheses that implants can support, the materials used to make dental implants may also vary.

What Is The Difference Between Titanium And Zirconium Implants?

Dental implants could either be made of titanium or zirconium. Both are made of biocompatible materials that are safe for use in the mouth, and both types are highly effective at replacing missing teeth. However, there are some key differences between titanium implants and zirconium implants.

Pros and Cons of Titanium Implants

Titanium implants have several advantages, including:

• They are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• They are less expensive than zirconium implants.
• Titanium is a more familiar material to dental implant surgeons, making it easier to place titanium implants.

However, there are some disadvantages to titanium implants as well, including:

• They are more likely to cause bone loss around the implant site.
• They are more likely to corrode than zirconium implants.
• Titanium is a harder material than zirconium, making it more challenging to place in the jawbone.

Pros and Cons of Zirconium Implants

Zirconium implants have a number of advantages, including:

• Zirconium is a biocompatible material, so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than titanium implants.
• Zirconium implants can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
• Zirconium is a softer material than titanium, making it easier to place in the jawbone.
• Zirconium implants are stronger and more durable than titanium dental implants.
• Zirconium dental implants have a more natural appearance, making them a good choice for patients concerned about their dental implants’ appearance.

There are some disadvantages to zirconium implants as well, including:

• Zirconium implants are more expensive than titanium implants.
• Zirconium is a less familiar material to dentists.

Ultimately, the best type of dental implant for each patient will be determined by their individual needs and preferences.

What Makes Up A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are made up of three parts: the crown, the abutment, and the screw.

The dental implant, or the screw, is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and the abutment is attached to the dental implant. The dental crown is then placed on top of the abutment.

Dental implants are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand years of wear and tear. The dental crown is usually made from porcelain or ceramic, which looks natural and mimics the appearance of a real tooth. The abutment and screw are usually made from titanium, a strong and durable metal that is biocompatible to the human body.

The combination of these three materials makes dental implants a strong and stable replacement for missing teeth and provides the person with several benefits.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are commonly considered by people looking for a tooth replacement option, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they serve as natural-looking replacement teeth, but they also offer many other benefits, including:

• They function like real teeth.
  Dental implants are designed to function just like your real teeth. This means that you can eat and speak without worrying about them slipping or falling out.
• They are long-lasting.
  With proper care, dental implants can last decades or longer. This makes them a much more cost-effective treatment in the long run than other options, such as traditional dentures, which will need to be replaced more often.
• They help prevent bone loss.
  When you lose a tooth, the bone that supports it begins to deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent this by stimulating the bone. This helps to keep the bone healthy and strong.
• They can help prevent premature aging and facial sagging.
  The face can sag and prematurely age when teeth are missing because the jawbone shrinks. Dental implants help to support the facial structure by promoting bone growth.
• They can improve your speech.
  Missing teeth can make it hard to pronounce certain sounds, causing problems with speech. Dental implants can help to improve this by filling in the gaps so you can speak clearly.
• They can help you chew better.
  Missing teeth can make chewing food more difficult. Dental implants can help to improve your ability to chew by distributing the force from chewing evenly among your teeth.
• They can make it easier to keep your mouth clean.
  Dental implants can help promote good oral hygiene as they make it easier to keep your mouth clean. This can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Though there are numerous benefits, a major concern of patients with dental implants is safety.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are considered to be a safe and effective dental treatments- and complications are rare. Most people who get dental implants experience no problems at all.

Dental implant surgery is one of the most studied dental procedures, with over 5,000 scientific papers published in the last 10 years alone. Over the past few decades, they have become the standard of care for tooth replacement. However, as with any dental procedure, there are some risks involved.

Risks Associated With Dental Implants

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

While dental implant surgery is typically safe and successful, there are a few side effects that you should be aware of. These include:

• Sinus damage:
  If the dental implants are placed too close to the sinus cavity, they can damage the sinuses. This is a relatively rare complication, occurring in less than 5% of cases.
• Nerve damage:
  There are a few nerves that run through the jawbone, and if they are damaged during surgery, it can result in numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, chin, or teeth. Less than 2% of cases result in this condition.
• Infection:
  Any surgery carries a risk of infection, and dental implant surgery is no different. The risk of infection is relatively low, however, with fewer than 5% of cases. You may experience pain, swelling, and drainage if the implant site becomes infected.
• Allergic reaction:
  Some people may be allergic to the materials used in dental implants, such as titanium. This is a rare occurrence in less than 1% of cases.
• Bleeding or blood clots:
  These are caused by the surgical procedure and usually occur during or suddenly after surgery. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience excessive bleeding or a blood clot.
• Allergic reaction:
  You may experience an allergic reaction to the metal in the implant or anaesthesia. If you have a known allergy to metal, your dentist will use a different type of implant.
• Damage to surrounding teeth:
  If the implant is not placed correctly, it can damage surrounding healthy teeth and significantly affect the healing process.
• Unsuccessful osseointegration:
  The osseointegration process takes months after placement. If the implant does not fuse to the bone, it will need to be removed.
• Gum recession:
  This can occur if the implant is placed too close to the gum line and if there is not enough gum tissue present.

Once you understand the potential risks involved with dental implants, you can decide if the procedure is right for you. Your dentist will be able to assess the chances of these occurring and recommend the next course of action for prevention.

Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective dental prosthetic because they provide a high level of support and stability for dental appliances like crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, dental implants can be quite expensive, with the average cost being between $2,600 and $5,600 per tooth.

In some cases, the implant itself may only cost a few hundred dollars, but the price can quickly increase when factors like anaesthesia, surgical fees, post-operative care, and type of restoration are taken into account.

Several factors affect the cost of dental implants. These include:

• The number of implants needed:
  The more implants you need, the more expensive the procedure will be.
• The location of the implant:
  Implants placed in the front of the mouth typically cost more than those placed in the back.
• Anesthesia:
  Local anesthesia is usually included in the cost of dental implants, but if you require sedation or general anesthesia, this will add to the cost.
• The need for additional procedures:
  If you do not have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants, you may need a bone graft, which is another expense. Sometimes, a sinus lift or tooth extraction may be recommended.
• Dentist’s experience:
  As with most things, you will get what you pay for. A dentist who is experienced with this procedure is likely to charge more than one who is not.
• Location:
  The cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on where you live. Prices are generally higher in large metropolitan areas than in small towns.

For many people, dental insurance does not cover the fees for implants, which means that they must pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. Fortunately, several financing options are available to help make dental implants more manageable.

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult a dentist. They will be able to give you an exact quotation of the expenses. With careful planning and budgeting, dental implants are a great investment in your overall oral health.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dental implants, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of dental implant that is ideal for you will depend on several factors, including your general and dental health, your dentist’s recommendations, and your personal preferences.

The best way to find out which dental implant is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist.

At Maylands Dental Centre, we can help you determine the ideal treatment for your specific needs and preferences. We offer a wide range of dental implants, from traditional implants to mini-implants, so you can be sure to find the perfect option for your smile.

Call us today at (08) 9370 5464 or book online for a consultation. We would be happy to help you restore your beautiful smile.