According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, at present, three million Americans have dental implants. However, the number is growing by 500,000 annually, proving that dental implants are becoming a viable solution for many who are missing teeth due to injury, disease, or decay.

Although not for everyone, if you have bone available, you're probably a good candidate for this dental procedure. Yet, there are several different types of dental implants you can consider.

Read on to learn more about the different dental implants available. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small medical devices to help those with missing or abnormal teeth, like decaying or diseased teeth. Tooth loss or oral diseases can lead to complications such as:

• Changes to chewing patterns 
• Defective speech
• Rapid bone loss

These complications often cause discomfort. Yet, by replacing the affected tooth or teeth with dental implants, you can reduce suffering and improve your quality of life.

Dental implants are made of titanium so that they can provide support for artificial teeth like:

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures

The procedure is straightforward. A dentist will surgically implant the device into the jaw. The implant sits under the gum and acts like normal tooth roots. Because of its placement, the implant will stimulate and preserve your bone structure.

Single-Tooth Dental Implant

If you only have one tooth that requires a replacement, your dentist will perform a single-tooth implant. The procedure includes one post (or screw) and one crown.

A single-tooth dental implant may also be a good option if you have two teeth that need to be replaced but are not next to each other. For example, if a tooth from the top right quadrant and bottom left quadrant both need replacing, your dentist can perform a single-tooth implant on each tooth. 

Multi-Tooth Dental Implant 

For those with multiple missing teeth next to each other, the best option is a multi-tooth dental implant, also called an implanted-supported bridge. 

The bridge has two crowns on each side of your gap and an artificial tooth held by the crowns in between. Instead of attaching the crowns to the teeth, the bridge supports the crowns that connect to the implants. 

This procedure is more cost-effective because each missing tooth doesn't require an individual crown. However, since not each tooth receives a crown, the bone mass loss will occur over time. 

Full-Mouth Implant

If you are missing all or most of your teeth in your upper or lower arch, your dentist can perform a full-mouth implant or an implant-retained denture. Unlike regular dentures, which are removable and can cause discomfort, this implanted denture is secure. It rests on the gum line and gives the same appearance as a complete set of teeth.

Many who need a full-mouth implant choose an alternative method called all-on-four dental implants. All-on-4 uses four dental implants in the available bone. This avoids the need for bone grafting. 

On the same as the procedure, you will receive a temporary set of teeth. As the gum tissues heal and the implants fuse with your natural bone, you must follow a special diet. After six months, you will receive your permanent replacement teeth and can resume a regular diet. 

Different Types of Dental Implants 

With an understanding of what dental implants are, we can now explore the types of implants available. Using this guide, you can determine which dental implants may be best for you. 

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used dental implants because they suit many patients. However, they require a healthy jawbone for the implant to fuse to, so if you don't have strong enough bone remaining, you can't get this implant unless you undergo bone graft surgery. 

Endosteal implants look like screws or cylinders that go into the jaw. Once in place, the dentist fits the artificial teeth onto the screw.

The recovery period can last a few months since it takes time for the implant and bone to fuse. After the bone and soft tissue heal, the tooth feels and functions like a natural tooth. 

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are the main alternative to endosteal implants. These implants are not drilled into the bone. Instead, they rest on top of the bone, under the gum.

The dentist will place a metal frame under the bone with a post attached to it. The gum will heal around the frame to hold it in place. Then the dentist can secure the artificial teeth into the posts that come from the gum. 

A subperiosteal implant is the next best option if you don't have enough bone to support an endosteal implant. You may also choose this option if you want to forgo a more extensive oral surgery that may require bone graft surgery.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are not standard because of their complexity. They were designed for patients with significant bone loss. The implant goes into the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. 

These implants don't require bone grafting because they use longer, tilted implants. 

Immediate-Load Implants

You may qualify for immediate-load dental implants if you have enough healthy bone. With this procedure, you will receive your implants and temporary teeth on the same day.

When the implant is installed simultaneously with the tooth extraction, it will likely fuse well with the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

MDIs are the size of a toothpick. Because of their size, your dentist can surgically implant them using light anesthesia, making them less invasive. 

Dentists often recommend these implants to stabilize dentures. 

Additional Procedures

Aside from the different dental implants mentioned here, other procedures can help eliminate your dental problems.

For instance, if you don't have enough healthy bone to support dental implants, you may first have a bone augmentation (graft) procedure to help regenerate the bone. 

Further, your dentist can perform a sinus lift if you require implants on your upper back jaw but don't have enough bone because the sinus is in the way. This procedure raises the sinus floor to allow the additional bone to hold implants. 

You may also undergo a ridge expansion if your jaw is too narrow and cannot support implants. The dentist will add bone graft material to a space along your top jaw. Ridge modification is also available for other jaw deformities. 

Dental Implants in Clemmons, NC

With the different types of dental implants available, a procedure is available for you to help solve your dental woes. All you need to do is schedule a consultation and explore your options. 

If you're looking for a dentist in Clemmons, NC, contact us at Rice & Associates. We'd love to help you achieve the beautiful smile and dental health you deserve.