Dental implants are widely known as the best replacement for natural teeth. They are inserted into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth, thereby restoring both aesthetics of the smile and the functionality of the mouth. If you are looking to get dental implants, you might as well learn about the different types of dental implants to get a better idea about them. Here are the various types based on different classifications.
Dental Implant Classification Based on Placement
In most cases of dental implantation, the metal implant stud is placed in the jawbone. It has screws-like grooves on its surface, which give it the required stability and allow it to hold the jawbone intact. These implants are called Endosteal implants as they are inserted directly into the jawbone.
However, endosteal implants wouldn’t be suitable for patients who do not have enough jawbone to hold them steady. In such cases, we recommend Subperiosteal implants. These implants are placed just over the jawbone but under the gums. A custom-fabricated metal framework is placed on the jawbone with a metal post attached to it. This metal post holds the prosthetic tooth on it and is just as stable as an endosteal implant.
Dental Implant Classification Based on Usage
Conventional dental implants: These implants are the most common type. They are usually made from a strong and durable metal such as Titanium and hold a single prosthetic tooth. They offer excellent longevity and can be customized as required in terms of appearance.
Immediate load implants: Immediate load implants are used to place temporary teeth on the same day as your dental implant placement. This option would only be feasible if you have adequate jawbone to support the metal stud.
Mini dental implants: Such implants have a minimal diameter – only as wide as the head of a toothpick. The placement technique is less invasive and wouldn’t require long healing phases. They are used to secure implant-supported dentures in place.
All-on-4 implants: As the name suggests, all the teeth in the jaw can be restored using just four implants. The dentist will fabricate prosthetic teeth using digital scans as a reference. After placing four implants in the jaw, the prosthetic teeth can be placed on them to restore functionality and aesthetics. The best factor of All-on-4 implants is that the entire procedure can be completed in a single visit to the dentist’s practice.
Implant-supported bridges: In case you have endured oral trauma and have lost three teeth in a row, all three teeth can be restored using a single implant. The dentist places an implant in place of the middle tooth and bonds dental bridges to it. This way, multiple missing teeth can be restored in one go using implants.
Get Dental Implants in Los Gatos
Are you looking to get dental implants in Los Gatos, San Jose or the surrounding Bay Area? Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group is accepting new patients now! Contact us today or schedule an appointment online!
