Dental Implant Types for Perfect Smile

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Implant dentistry offers individuals with missing teeth the opportunity to once again have aesthetically appealing and functional teeth.

There are many implants available, each designed for a specific function. Most are made of titanium, an inert metal which has been proven to be effective at fusing with living bone, a process known as “osseointegration”.

Dental implant types can be categorized in different ways: by the type of connection; by size; by the material used; by the stages of dental implant treatment and by manufacturer.

By the type of connection dental implants are:

• Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone.
• Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis.

Dental implants are made of a variety of materials, such as titanium, aluminum oxide and surgical stainless steel.

There are two types of dental implants categorized by number of times dental implant procedure is implemented. Two stage implant procedure or single stage procedure.

A two stage dental implant procedure begins with the surgery. Then dental implant is fixed into the jaw bone.

The soft tissue is stitched up and a few months later the tissue has healed. There is no visible evidence of the implant in the bone as it is under the soft tissue.

At the next appointment, the dentist will perform a minor surgery where he will connect a dental implant abutment and start the process of the dental implant restoration. At the end of this appointment the patient will go home with the abutment in his mouth attached to the implant. Additional healing time is required, yet it is a short period and there is very little pain involved.

Single stage dental implant surgery is performing so that there is no need for second surgery. Dentist places the implant so that it is visible. A surgical procedure is carried out where the jawbone is exposed and the implant placed. The gums are closed with several stitches and the replacement teeth are put into place.

You may consult your dentist about what are the best dental implant types for you.