Types of Dental Implants – Which Is Right for You?

Learn about important considerations for choosing your dental implants.

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer an excellent solution for restoring the natural beauty and function of your teeth. You will be able to speak, chew, and smile as normal, and no one will even be able to tell you no longer have your natural teeth. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider the following different types of dental implants.

Traditional Implants

Traditional dental implants consist of a titanium peg that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This peg is then capped with a dental crown to replace your missing tooth. This type of dental implant provides a virtually permanent solution to your missing tooth and may last for several decades or even a lifetime. The reason titanium implants are so strong and long-lasting is that bone can actually bond with titanium in a process called osseointegration, meaning your implant peg continues to stimulate healthy tissue in your jawbone.

Metal-Free Implants

If you have a metal allergy or simply prefer metal-free dental restorations, you may want to consider a ceramic dental implant. This type of implant is usually made from a material called zirconium. Research has shown that this type of implant is more hygienic than titanium, because it retains less plaque. This may help keep gum tissue healthier by keeping gum disease at bay.

Single Implants vs Implant-Supported Dentures

Depending on how many adjacent teeth you are missing, you may need to get an implant-supported denture or partial denture instead of a single implant capped with a crown. Typically, dentists recommend placing 4 to 6 implant pegs to replace a full upper or lower set of teeth. Your denture will then snap onto the pegs for superior stability and comfort compared to a traditional denture. Plus, you will get to enjoy the health benefits of stopping bone loss in the jaw if you get titanium implants.

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants were originally designed to support a temporary prosthesis while patients were waiting for their permanent implants to be placed. However, some dentists have begun using the mini implants to secure implant-supported dentures. This practice is controversial, but it can be useful for certain patients. Mini implants are about half as wide as regular implants, so they can be placed even when bone loss has already shrunk the jaw considerably, without the need for a separate bone grafting surgery. Mini implants will not last as long as regular implants, but they are much less expensive and also easier to place via a simpler surgery.

Ultimately, the best way to learn what type of dental implants are best for your needs is to consult with an experienced dental implant specialist. Contact California Dental Group today for an appointment.