Do you have a gap in your smile that you want to fill permanently?
If so, you may have already researched this restorative procedure or discussed it with your dentist. However, when it comes to having oral implants fitted, certain criteria have to be met for you to be suitable, which, in the past, has prevented many people from undertaking this treatment.
Luckily, as technologies have advanced, people who may have originally been unsuitable for having oral implants are now able to do so, thanks to the different types that are available.
In this article, you will be introduced to the different kinds of tooth implants on the market that may be available at your local dentist, so read on and enjoy.
Endosteal
The most commonly used of all the dental implants Bondi Junction, endosteal implants resemble titanium screws and can be fitted to the jaw via minor surgery.
They are between 3.4 and 5.8 millimetres wide, and when they are placed into your jaw bone, they are left to fuse with the surrounding bone over 3-6 months. Once fused, they can be used to fit a single prosthetic tooth or act as an anchor for a bridge or full denture.
To have endosteal implants fitted, you need to have enough jaw bone and no contraindicated conditions such as osteoporosis.
With the correct care, endosteal implants can last up to and over 15 years.
Subperiosteal
Subperiosteal implants are built onto a metal framework, which is placed underneath the gum line but on top of the jaw bone itself.
This can be fitted based on x-rays taken of your jaw and used to secure anything from a single tooth to a full set of dentures.
There is no fusing required with this type of oral implant, but you will still need to wait for your gums to heal before your dentist can attach the prosthetic teeth, which can take a few weeks, depending on the size of the frame.
With care and maintenance, these implants can last between 10-15 years.
Zygomatic
About 3 times longer than an endosteal implant, zygomatic implants are only used for securing teeth to the upper jaw.
They are secured into the zygoma, or cheekbone, where they fuse over 6-9 months. Due to the extent of the surgery involved, zygomatic implants are typically used to secure heavier prosthetics, such as dentures or bridges.
Once fitted, zygomatic implants can last up to 20 years and are suitable for patients who have minimal jaw bone.
Mini or micro
Imagine an endosteal implant, shrink it down and you have a mini or micro implant.
These are typically 1.8 to 3.3 millimetres wide and can be fitted with less invasive procedures than that of other implant types.
Due to their smaller size, mini implants are not suitable for use with heavier prosthetics, such as bridges or dentures; therefore, they are usually used to secure single teeth when the patient has an insufficient amount of jaw bone.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.