So you’ve had enough of meaningless flings and are now looking for a more permanent dental relationship? Then dental implants might be the right life partner for you, especially if you only have a small gap to fill. Just like with different dentures, implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types. We’re here with an explanation to help you know your endosteal from your subperiosteal. Read on to learn more about denture implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal anchors that your dentist surgically positions into the jawbone. These implants are then used to mount replacement teeth. Since implants are fused into the jawbone, they help support any artificial teeth securely.
You will need healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. The cost of getting dental implants is also greater than getting partial dentures or complete dentures. Most insurance plans only cover around 10% of the price.
What Types of Dental Implants Are There
The most common type of implant is the endosteal implant. This is a titanium implant shaped like a small screw which is a placed in the jawbone. In the past, subperiosteal implants, those which go under the gum but can be bolted on or above the jawbone, were also used but are very rare today.
Alternative Dental Implant Techniques
There are also alternative dental implants you can get if you prefer something a little different. Here are a few alternatives to your standard dental implants:
- Immediate Load Dental Implants. This is just a fancy way of saying same-day dental implants.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs). These implants are smaller and narrower than standard implants and are more suitable in cases where the bone will not support conventional implants.
Dental implants replacing multiple teeth:
- All-on-4®. This type offers you an alternative placement to a top or bottom set of dentures, which is also called a full arch: there are four dental implants placed into the bone with the use of special abutments, so temporary replacement teeth can be placed in that day. After six months, once the gum has healed, the temporary teeth are replaced with a permanent set.
Consult your nearest dental professional regarding the dental implant options you may have. You can have a chat with your dentist about your options or see our interactive map to find the right place to get your dental implants done, so you can have the implant relationship you’re looking for to go out and bite through life.
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