Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are often an ideal replacement for missing teeth. They can last 20–30 years or longer and usually last a lifetime. They offer many advantages, including supporting your facial structure, restoring your ability to eat any foods you like, and preserving jawbone health. However, many dental implant options are available; understanding the different types of dental implants can help you choose the right type for your dental restoration.
Single Dental Implant
When a single tooth is missing, a single implant tooth can be placed without disturbing the teeth on either side. The implant screw is surgically placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable base for the restoration that is attached.
Multiple Implants
When you are missing several teeth not in a row, you can have them individually replaced, each with its implant and attached crown. This allows your dentist or oral surgeon to place an implant for each missing tooth and attach an individual crown to each one.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If you have several missing teeth but would like to use a bridge rather than individual restorations, a bridge containing all the replacement teeth can be supported by a few carefully placed implants.
Full-Arch Dental Implants
When you are missing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, a full arch of replacement teeth can be fastened permanently to between four and eight or more implants that are precisely placed in the jawbone to take advantage of the widest and strongest areas of the jawbone.
All-On-X
All-On-X is a generic term for any full-arch dental implants supported on a specific number of implants, usually four or six. The most common forms of this are the All-On-4® and All-On-6® dental implant processes.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These are dentures that are attached to implants placed in the jawbone. Fixed implant-supported dentures are not removable but suspended just above the gums so you can clean beneath the denture. Removable implant-supported dentures snap into place on posts or bars attached to the implants in the jawbone. These can be removed when you are sleeping and for cleaning.
Zygomatic Implants
Individuals who do not have enough bone mass in the upper jawbone to support dental implants may have to get zygomatic implants. Zygomatic implants use longer implant posts that are secured in the cheekbones rather than the jawbone, taking advantage of the significantly denser, stronger bone found there. Patients who do not have sufficient jawbone for traditional implants are usually successful with zygomatic implants.
Your dentist can help you determine which type of dental implant is best for you.