In short: Implant material and position both affect how long an implant lasts. Learn how titanium, zirconia and placement shape your result.
Types of Dental Implants Based on Positioning Techniques
The position of an implant is determined by the health of the patient’s jawbone and the patient’s preference. You may use one of the following implant types depending on these factors. Your prosthodontist will select from the various coating, connector, and size options for each type of dental implant. While there are several methods for implant placement, they typically fall into one of two categories.
Endosteal Dental Implants
These are also called endosseous dental implants. The most popular type of dental implant is endosteal. They are occasionally used in place of a bridge or removable denture. Endosteal implants can be screwed (threaded), cylindrical (smooth), or bladed. Your prosthodontist can advise you on the best type of dental implant for you, but endosteal implants are the safest, most effective, and most widely used option today.
Endosteal implants are placed by drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium screw that serves as an artificial root. You will have to wait for the soft tissue and bone around the root to heal before proceeding with the treatment. This usually takes a couple of months.
Endosteal implants are well known for producing the most stable, natural-feeling results.
An endosteal implant is installed by screwing it into the jawbone, which requires adequate jawbone health and density. If you have a naturally narrow jawbone ridge or one that is short, narrowed, and worn down due to trauma or disease, you may not have enough bone to support an endosteal implant properly. A subperiosteal implant may be an option in this case.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Today, dentists seldom use subperiosteal implants. They were previously used primarily to keep dentures in place in patients with inadequate bone height. Subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone, beneath the gum tissue, with the metal implant posts showing through the gums to hold the denture in place.
The overall treatment process for subperiosteal implants is completed in two appointments and is frequently a much shorter treatment plan than for endosteal implants.
As the implant does not go into the jawbone but instead rests on top of the bone and is held in place by the soft tissue, subperiosteal implants do not have the same level of stability. Although this provides more support than dentures without implants, it is far less stable than a complete endosteal implant system.
Types of Dental Implants Based on the Material
Dental implants are manufactured from a variety of materials. Each material influences the cost of an implant and offers distinct advantages.
The majority of dental implants are made of titanium or zirconia:
Titanium Dental Implants
Because titanium fuses well with bone, it has long been used for hip and knee replacements. The metal has proven to be a successful and long-lasting option for dental implants over time. Titanium implants are strong and durable while remaining lightweight. Because of allergies or autoimmune diseases, some people are not good candidates for titanium implants.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic material and a newer option for dental implants. Compared with multi-piece titanium implants, zirconia’s one-piece construction can allow for a shorter surgery. There is also no risk that zirconia will aggravate a metal allergy. Because zirconia implants are newer, there isn’t as much evidence to support their longevity. Furthermore, zirconia implants are more expensive than titanium alternatives.
Looking for the Best Dental Implants in Cordova, TN? Dr. Adatrow can help!
If you have any further questions about oral health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 30 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in Hernando, MS region. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!
Implant material: talk to a specialist
Every mouth is different, so the right answer on implant material depends on your teeth, gums and health history. Our board-certified specialists in Southaven, MS, near Memphis, can examine you, explain your options and give you a clear written plan. Call (662) 655-4868 or book a consultation.