Do you know why there’s nothing better than dental implants? Essentially, they’re the closest you can get to the real thing. After all, can you imagine all the possibilities—everything you can do again, thanks to a restored, healthy smile?
With a reputation for replacing missing teeth from root to crown, dental implants provide a complete tooth replacement system. Because they’re anchored in the jawbone, you have the full strength of a complete, healthy bite. From chewing to talking and smiling, dental implants allow you to do all of these with ease and confidence.
So, are you ready to replace your missing teeth? Let’s start by finding out the different types of dental implants you can get from a periodontist in Etobicoke.
A Quick Refresher: What are Dental Implants?
Before we go into the different types of dental implants, it’s always helpful to remember exactly what they are and what they do.
Dental implants are a way to replace one or more missing teeth. If you’ve ever lost a tooth due to decay, injury, infection, or any other cause, a periodontist will recommend replacing it, while at the same time, preserving your jawbone.
Keep in mind that dental implants are not the replacement teeth themselves. Instead, dental implants are placed in the jawbone. They replace the missing roots below the gums. Each implant is a small titanium post that fuses with the jawbone, essentially creating a stable base for a tooth replacement.
Once the implant is fully fused with the jawbone, your periodontist will attach a new dental crown or tooth on top of it, above the gum line.
Types of Dental Implants
Now that you know what dental implants are, it’s time to find out the different types. Your periodontist will recommend a type of implant based on how many missing teeth you have and their location.
So, what’s the best type of dental implant for you? Let’s go over each type here.
Types of Dental Implants According to Missing Teeth
The first type of dental implants can be identified based on the number of teeth they help replace. Since each dental implant can support one or several missing teeth, your periodontist will determine whether you need an implant for each tooth or if an implant can support a number of replacement teeth.
1. Single-tooth dental implant
If you have only one missing tooth, you will need one dental implant and one crown. A single tooth dental implant is also a viable option if you have multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to each other. This is the most straightforward dental implant procedure.
In this case, your periodontist will examine your jawbone to make sure it’s strong enough. Then, they will place the implant in the jawbone. Once it fuses with the bone, your periodontist will connect it to an artificial tooth to complete the replacement.
2. Implant-supported bridge
Meanwhile, if you have more than one missing tooth right next to each other, your periodontist may recommend an implant-supported bridge. This technique combines two tooth restorations—a dental implant and a dental bridge.
To start, your periodontist will place dental implants in your jawbone on either side of the gap, rather than filling all of the gaps with implants. Once the implants are healed, your periodontist will use a dental bridge to anchor the replacement crowns in place.
An implant-supported bridge is an ideal tooth replacement method when you have multiple missing teeth. It can save you the cost of replacing each tooth since the combination of an implant and a bridge can provide the results you need.
3. Implant-supported denture
If you have lost an entire section of teeth, the entire upper or lower arch, or the majority of your teeth, an implant-supported denture may be best for you.
Rather than place an implant for every missing tooth, your periodontist can place four dental implants at crucial locations. Once they’re healed, they will place dentures or artificial teeth that sit on top of the gumline, anchored to the implants. These custom dentures will be stronger and more secure, since they’re attached to the implants in the jawbone.
Types of Dental Implants According to Placement
Another way to look at dental implants is based on their placement. In addition to supporting one or several artificial dental crowns, your periodontist will also determine where the implants are placed. While the typical implant placement is in the jawbone, your periodontist may recommend placing them above the gum line.
1. Endosteal dental implants
These dental implants are the most common type of implants. Endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone and fuse with it to provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth. If your jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant, your periodontist will recommend a bone graft first before proceeding with the dental implant procedure.
2. Subperiosteal dental implants
(these implants are not used anymore as they are unpredictable and have a lot of complications. ) Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to the traditional dental implant placed in the jawbone. These dental implants rest on top of the bone, but still beneath the gum line. Rather than fusing with the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gums, with the tissue healing around it. Then, the replacement teeth are secured to the poles in the gum line.
3. Zygomatic implants
And lastly, your periodontist may recommend these dental implants, although they are not the most common type. Zygomatic implants are quite complicated, performed only if you don’t have density in your jawbone and you’re unable to receive a bone graft. A zygomatic dental implant is placed in the cheekbone.
Ask Our Periodontists in Etobicoke About the Best Dental Implants for You
Dental implants are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There’s a right dental implant for you, and that depends on the number and location of the teeth you’re replacing, as well as the strength of your jawbone. Getting the right type of dental implant will help avoid implant failure, so you can resume living with the full power of a complete, healthy smile.
So, are you ready to find the right type of dental implant for you? Periodontal Associates can help. Our team of experienced and highly skilled periodontists in Etobicoke will work with you at every step of the way to assess your tooth replacement needs and ensure that you get the best dental implant that provides maximum dental function and aesthetic benefit.
Wondering what the best type of dental implant is for you? Our periodontists are here to help. Book a consultation with us in Etobicoke to get started.
