According to the American College of Prosthodontics, around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million adults are missing all of their teeth. Missing teeth can cause a loss of confidence that significantly affects a person’s quality of life.
One popular option for replacing missing teeth is dental implants. There are several types of dental implants you could choose from. Continue reading to learn what those are.
Endosteal Implant
An endosteal implant is one of the most popular available options. These can be used as an alternative to removable dentures or a bridge. When looking at services this dentist offers, endosteal is likely the most popular implant option.
Endosteal implants screw through the gum tissue and into the jaw. The implants vary and can feature threaded, smooth, or bladed types. These implants are permanent and don’t get removed from the mouth for cleaning.
Subperiosteal Implant
Subperiosteal implants aren’t often used today, but they’re still an option in some dentist offices. Historically, these were among the most common ways to keep dentures securely in place for patients who lacked enough bone height.
When subperiosteal implants are used, they’re placed on the jawbone itself, hidden within the gums. The metal implant portion of the device is exposed to hold the dentures in place.
All-on-Four Dental Implants
All-on-four dental implants are a popular option for people who are missing several (or all) of their teeth. These implants consist of between four and six small titanium screws placed into the jawbone. These screws replace the roots of missing teeth.
A bridge goes over the implants. This replaces all of the missing teeth in a permanent fashion. Typically, all-on-four dental implants can only be removed by the dentist, so the patient cares for them like their natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges function like typical bridges. The only key difference is that implants are used instead of using natural teeth to support the bridge.
This is ideal for people who are missing a few teeth in a row but who have otherwise generally strong teeth. Two implants are placed in the mouth to either side of the gap. Next, a bridge consisting of several teeth is placed over the implants, fitting securely.
Bridges are sometimes temporary, meaning you can remove them from the mouth for cleaning. Other times, they’re permanent and remain in the mouth. In the latter, bridges are cared for like natural teeth.
More Questions About the Types of Dental Implants?
Millions of Americans are missing at least one tooth. If you’re among them, implants are a popular choice to replace one or multiple teeth. As noted above, there are several types of dental implants to choose from.
Do you have more questions about the different types of dental implants?
Check out our other blogs. You’ll find articles on this and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
