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Dental implant is one method that can be used to restore a damaged or broken tooth. Your dentist will bore a hole in your jaw bone and plant a new root where your tooth will grow. It may sound scary but dental implant is a routine process and there's no need to be scared.
In order to assist you prepare yourself for your consultation with your dentist, we present to you an overview of the three types of dental implants that may be available to you.
Type 1. Endosteum implants
The most common kind of dental implant is the endosteum implant. It is also considered to be the safest among the types available. These implants look like screws and are used to attach a tooth to the jaw bone.
In order to have an endosteum implant inserted, the dentist will first need to confirm that you have a sturdy jaw as it will have to attach itself to the bone naturally.
Even though they are popular and reliable, there are some individuals who feel squeamish about anything being drilled into their jaw bones, and that is why subperiosteal implants are also a good choice.
Pros
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Wide availability and the most common type of dental implant
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Very safe and stable since they are attached to the jawbone by screw-like posts
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No risk of them rotting or wearing out over time
Cons
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Six months may be needed before the implant is successfully installed
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Suitable not for everyone due to the requirement of a sturdy jaw bone
Type 2. Subperiosteal implants
Such an implant is surgically placed over the jaw bone. As such, when implanted, they rest on top of the bone but under the gums.
In case you are having a subperiosteal implant, there is a metal frame coming out of your gums where the artificial teeth rest.
As the gums heal around the metal frame, the frame stays put and firmly fixes the new tooth in position.
This type of dental implant is ideal for those patients who do not want anything drilled in their jawbones or when the dentists feel that their jawbones are too weak.
Advantages
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An excellent option for those patients who do not want their implants drilled in their jawbones
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The gums heal around the metal frame and offer great strength
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The entire process takes less time as compared to the six months required by endosteum implants
Disadvantages
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Less popular as compared to the other kind of implant
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Most dentists do not recommend this for those patients who have healthy jawbones
Type 3. Zygoma implants
Third and final kind of dental implants being used is known as zygoma implants. In these implants, the implant is fixed on the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
This kind of dental implant is suggested by dentists if the jawbone quality is considered to be inadequate for installing regular dental implants. This is an alternative procedure to bone grafting in case an endosteum implant cannot be installed successfully.
All the three kinds of dental implants are a good option for you, and the kind of the implant which you choose depends on your preferences and strength of your jawbone. Your dentist will help you in choosing the method which you should follow.
Advantages
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It is a good solution which connects the implant to the cheekbone, instead of the jawbone
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Alternative to bone grafting for those patients who do not want to undergo this process
Disadvantages
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The process is more expensive than other kinds of implants
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You may have to take this kind of implant only on the recommendation of your dentist
Cost of various types of dental implants - factors to consider
The cost of dental implants differs significantly from one individual to another. The first factor that affects the cost of the procedure is the type of dental implants that the dentist uses.
Secondly, the cost will be affected by the need for grafting and abutments which will increase the cost.
Lastly, the cost will be determined by the place where the dentist works as well as the types of dental implants offered there.
However, on average, it is good to have an estimate of between US$3,000 and $4,500 per dental implant.
It is advisable to get quotes from various dentists in your area and then choose the best one based on his or her cost among other factors.
What kind of sedation should be used when undergoing dental implants?
In most cases, conscious sedation would be enough to perform dental implant surgery. Hence, the dentist would use a local anesthetic in order to numb the part of the mouth that is being operated on.
If there needs to be a bone graft in the process of dental implant surgery, a general anesthetic would be employed. It would be advisable to talk to your dentist regarding sedation if you're scared of the procedure.
Decision about types of dental implants
By now, you have understood that there are basically three types of dental implants suggested by your dentist to be considered the best solution - endosteum, subperiosteal, and zygoma implants.
Among all these types, the endosteum is the most popular choice for most of the individuals who plan to undergo dental implant surgery.
Since the procedure of dental implants involves heavy surgery and a lot of planning, it is recommended to talk to your dentist in order to understand your options well.
FAQs
1. List the major types of dental implants.
There are three major types of dental implants, namely, endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants.
2. Which dental implant is most common?
Endosteal implants are the most common dental implants due to their stability and strength since they can be placed in areas where there is enough healthy jaw bone.
3. How expensive is it to have dental implants?
The cost of dental implants ranges from US$3,000 to US$4,500 per tooth.
4. What kind of anesthesia is used in dental implants?
Local anesthesia is most common, and conscious sedation may also be used during the procedure; but general anesthesia is needed in complicated cases such as bone grafts.
