Is it time to start looking for dental implants? Anyone missing their natural teeth should consider implants if they’re looking for a way to restore their confidence and show off their smile. While getting implants might see daunting and overwhelming, there’s no reason to be afraid. There are various types of implants to consider, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll find the perfect and most comfortable option for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Before diving into the various options, it’s important to understand what dental implants are. Think of implant supported dentures as replacement teeth. However, you can also get an implant to replace a single tooth. There are many instances that can cause a person to lose their teeth or need a replacement. An implant is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing or damaged one. The roots consists of screw-like posts that are capped with ceramic dental crowns. However, there’s no need to panic! These are a more comfortable, discreet, and secure option.
How Do You Know If You Need Implants?
Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to tell if you need a trip to the dentist for implants, namely:
- Cracked teeth
- Missing teeth
- Severe toothache or pain
- Loose bridges, dentures, or teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Now, let’s look at the different options when it comes to choosing your next set of pearly whites!
Endosteal Implants
This is the most common type of implant. It is a root form implant that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. These implants are made out of an alloplastic material, small screws, and titanium, creating an artificial tissue graft. When undergoing implant surgery, as is the case with endosteal implants, bone grafting is a necessary process.
Additionally, these implants bond with your natural bone over time, and are known to be much more comfortable than many other types of implants. They are a fan favorite because they don’t cause much irritation to your gum tissue.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are not very common. They do not get surgically inserted into the jawbone. Furthermore, they are often placed under the gums, but may also be placed above or on the jawbone.
While very uncommon, these are a fantastic option for anyone with an insufficient natural jawbone, as their jawbone will not be able to support endosteal implants sufficiently.
Zygomatic Implants
This is another option that is rarely used. Zygomatic implants are placed on the cheekbone, and has a more complex implant procedure.
Typically, this type of implants will only be used where bone augmentation isn’t possible.
Implant-supported Overdentures
An implant-supported overdenture is a type of removable denture that’s supported by an implant, and is ideal for anyone who has suffered tooth loss but not bone loss. This is because bone is required to support the implant.
An implant denture is a much more comfortable option that traditional dentures as they don’t sit in your gums.
Standard Removable Overdenture
A removable denture is one of the more affordable option; however, it requires a great deal of care and maintenance. You need to remove and clean these dentures daily.
Removing and inserting them is a straightforward process as they either get fitted over your existing teeth or snap onto an implant.
Telescopic Overdenture
Are you struggling to choose between a removable and fixed dental implant? Then, you might want to consider telescopic overdentures as they’re a hybrid.
Professionals tend to recommend this option when a patient is missing all of their teeth on their lower or upper jaw.
When it comes to price, a telescopic overdenture also sits in the middle. It’s more affordable than fixed implant dentures but more expensive than a standard removable overdenture. Overall, this is a high-quality option.
Fixed Implant-supported Dentures
If you’re not interested in temporary teeth, this is the most permanent type of implant available. Furthermore, if finding an option as close to your natural teeth as possible is a priority, this fixed implant-supported dentures are certainly worth considering. It’s vital to note that these dentures can only be removed by a denturist.
Lastly, fixed implant-supported dentures are costly and a big investment; however, most people who opt for these implants are extremely satisfied with the results as they can go about their daily lives normally.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?
Just like any surgical procedure, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons:
Pros
- Helps improve self-confidence
- Allows you to speak and chew normally
- Looks like natural teeth
- Supports itself, placing less strain on the rest of your teeth
- Helps preserve your bone
- Can last between 10 and 15 years with proper care
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons
- Requires invasive surgery
- The procedure is expensive
- Does not whiten like natural teeth
- You might require a bone graft
Choosing the Ideal Dental Implant for You
Oral health is a vital component of living a happy and healthy life. Therefore, it’s crucial not to ignore or delay any necessary procedures. As soon as you notice any signs of needing dental implant surgery, make sure to contact your dentist immediately.
At Shreve Denture Clinic in Leamington, Ontario Canada, our professionals are dedicated to ensuring you get long-lasting prosthetic teeth that will ensure you still have a healthy jawbone. Contact us today to discover the best dental implant option for you!
