There are different types of dental implants suited to different patients. The implants used depends on the size and shape of the jaw, in particular the amount and quality of the bone. Most dental implants are made of titanium and placed directly into the jawbone. All types of implants can be used to replace single teeth or to support a full dental bridge, replacing a full set of teeth.

Root Form Dental Implants

Root form dental implants are the most common, also known as ‘Endosteal’ or ‘Endosseous’ implants. This type of implant is ideal for patients with a wide, deep and healthy jawbone. Their shape resembles the natural tooth root. However, if there is not enough bone to place these implants a bone graft is a possible solution.

These dental implants can be placed using conventional dental implant surgery where the gum is raised to expose the bone for implant placement, or using a guided surgery technique.

Plate form dental implants

Plate form implants are long and flat, they are used when the jaw is very narrow and bone grafting is not appropriate. These implants are placed using conventional surgery – usually in two stages with a gap between procedures for healing.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

A subperiosteal implant is custom made and placed beneath the gums on top of the bone, used if there is not enough bone for a root form or plate form implant. It is designed to suit the individual jaw of the patient.

Subperiosteal implants are not usually recommended as they have a higher failure rate than other types and cost more.

As this implant is made to suit the patient’s individual anatomy, it is designed and produced using three-dimensional models of the jaws – either made from a CT scan or a dental impression of the patient’s jaws.

Mini dental implants

Mini dental implants are as their name suggests – ‘mini’ versions of root form implants. Originally created to as temporary implants, they are now often used as a permanent implant solution, especially for smaller teeth. Mini implants can be used if there is not enough bone for normal implants and a bone graft is not appropriate.

The mini implant is a very cost-effective solution. Although it does not easily fuse with the bone, they are a durable, long lasting solution for many patients. Mini implants can also be used to support dentures.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

When there is not enough bone for ordinary implants, zygomatic implants can be used in the upper jaw. This is a very specialist procedure and is not available in all dental practices.

Zygomatic implants significantly longer than ordinary dental implants and ‘anchor’ to the cheekbone, or zygomatic arch. They can be used as an alternative to complex bone grafting and make it possible to carry out surgery a single stage.

A CT scan is required to assess the amount of bone in the upper jaw to allow your dentist to plan implant placement without carrying out invasive surgery.

Usually, two zygomatic implants are placed as well as 2-4 root form dental implants. When there is even less bone, four zygomatic implants are used. Guided surgery can sometimes be used to assist accurate placement.

Guided surgery

Guided surgery can also be used to place dental implants. This involves computer-aided surgical planning based on CT scans of your jaw. The surgery is performed using a surgical drill guide to position the implants in the jaw. It is possible for this to be a single stage procedure and some patients undergo the surgery and tooth restoration in a single day i.e. they leave with a finished set of teeth.

No related posts.