A Look at the Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants can restore a person’s appearance and ability to chew. They are commonly recommended to patients with one or more missing teeth due to cavities, bruxism, tooth root fracture, gum disease, or facial injury. When performed by a qualified periodontist, dental implants have a success rate of over 97% for ten years. Let’s explore the different types of implants designed to elevate your smile.

Endosteal vs. Subperiosteal Implants

The two main types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. The biggest difference between these medical devices is that endosteal implants are directly fastened to the jaw, while subperiosteal implants are placed above the jaw but below the gum. However, both options are considered safe.

Dental Implants: Full Mouth Restoration

If you’re missing most or all of your natural teeth, a complete mouth restoration can improve your smile and overall health. Standard treatment options to achieve a complete mouth makeover include:

Implant Dentures

An implant denture is a type of denture that attaches to fixed implants. Unlike traditional dentures that typically rest on top of the gums, implant-supported dentures are directly anchored to your jawbone for more stability when speaking and chewing. Depending on your unique needs, removable and non-removable implant-supported dentures exist.

Fixed full-arch dental implants

A fixed entire arch dental implant consists of four or more implants placed in the upper or lower jaw. It can take several months for the implants to heal, at which time you’ll wear a temporary bridge. Once the implants are healed and stable, a permanent bridge is placed in the mouth.

Partial Smile Restoration

If you’re only missing one or a few teeth, a partial smile restoration may suit you. The best way to determine which treatment option is best is to speak with your dentist about your options. The most common treatments include:

Single Tooth Dental Implants

As the name suggests, a single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with a natural-looking dental implant. This procedure involves placing an implant in your jawbone and allowing time to fuse to the bone. The new implant will then serve as an artificial tooth “root,” in which a crown is placed to replace the missing tooth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

You need to have at least two missing teeth to get an implant-supported bridge. Dental implants are then placed on each side of a bridge. Titanium implants serve as the artificial tooth roots and help protect the jaw from bone loss.

Let Vero Help You Find a Dental Implant Solution

Dental implants are one of the closest things to your natural teeth, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy, and fully functional smile. At Vero Elite Dentistry, our dental professionals can help restore your smile and dental function using implants made from high-quality titanium. Contact us at 772.617.2869 to learn more or to schedule a consultation.