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Comparing Different Types of Dental Implants

November 11, 2015

Learn about the 5 main types of dental implants

Comparing Different Types of Dental ImplantsDental implant technology has been around for many decades, and there is an excellent body of research showing that this treatment is the best option for replacing missing teeth. As dental implants have grown in popularity some new types of implants have been introduced, which are described here.

Traditional Dental Implants

A traditional dental implant consists of a titanium implant peg topped with a porcelain dental crown. This type of implant provides a very close replica of the natural tooth, both above and below the gum line. The titanium implant peg will actually bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, providing a stable base for the replacement tooth and also stimulating the bone to prevent shrinkage or loss of density. The porcelain crown will look almost identical to a natural tooth thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship of the dental lab and the fact that porcelain reflects light almost the exact same way that tooth enamel does.

All-On-4 Dental Implants

While traditional dental implants are most often used to replace a single tooth or a few adjacent teeth, All-On-4 dental implants can replace an entire arch of teeth. Essentially, they are an alternative to dentures. All-On-4 dental implants provide a much more comfortable and attractive solution to missing teeth than dentures because the artificial teeth are held securely in place with 4 equally spaced implant pegs to prevent any risk of slipping, rubbing, or clacking. They are also healthier than dentures because the stimulation provided by the implant pegs helps slow bone loss in the jaw.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are suitable for patients who have lost small teeth such as their incisors or their lower front teeth. The implant peg is much slimmer than what would be used for a traditional implant—sometimes as thin as a toothpick. Because the implant peg is not fully covered by the gums the healing process is faster and often the crown can be placed the same day as the surgery. However, when this is done patients must be very careful not to bite too hard on their new crown as this could interfere with healing.

Metal-Free Dental Implants

Although the vast majority of dental implants use titanium, metal-free options are available to those who prefer a holistic approach to dentistry. These dental implants are made from a special ceramic material that is non-reactive and will not cause any sort of allergic reaction.

Stemmed Dental Implants

One final type of dental implant that has only recently been developed is the stemmed dental implant. This type of implant rests on a base that has two prongs rather than one big peg. The benefit of this type of implant is that it requires less removal of gum and bone tissue. The design is also believed to be more biomechanically efficient.

Want to Learn More about Dental Implants?

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or even find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, please call California Dental Group today to make an appointment.

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