Dental implants are a small surgical procedure that replaces a full dental unit. From the root up to the crown, dental implants can restore health benefits, functions, and aesthetic appearance of teeth. While the most prevalent types of dental implants are the single-unit implants, the field is far more versatile. Each of the types of dental implants has its unique benefits and exclusive applications. Below we’ll discuss the 4 types of dental implants and when you should consider them.
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What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a very safe and efficient dental restoration treatment that fundamentally replaces missing teeth. By far they are more practical and better performing than any other treatment. As of late, there are only 4 types of dental implants. While they serve for different cases, they all consist of a titanium root and have very extended longevity.
4 Types of Dental Implants
1- Single-Unit Dental Implants
Single unit implants are a type of dental implants that come in the form of three parts and are placed gradually.
You have the titanium root, which your dentist has to surgically place into the jaw. Of course, you must have good bone density. Otherwise, you’ll need bone grafting first. This is a process where your doctor takes bone tissue from any place in your body and implants it in the jaw. After 3 months of healing, your jaw bone will have sufficient density to hold the implant.
The implant surgery is quite simple, your dentist will drill through to the jawbone, place the implant, and then close the incision. This period requires at least 3 months of healing as well before you can continue with treatment.
Next, you have the titanium abutment, which goes on top of the root. The abutment is a link that secures the connection between the crown and the root. To place the abutment, your dentist will have to remove the layer of gum above the root until the surface of the root exposes. Next comes attaching the abutment and finally closing the gum around and not over the abutment.
After 2 weeks of healing, your next visit will be about crown placement. Initially, you’ll have a temporary crown until your permanent one is ready. To get the measurements right, your dentist will have you bite on a mold. And then sends the report to a manufacturer. These types of dental implants take 3 to 4 weeks of waiting before your crown is ready.
When Should I Consider These Types?
Single unit dental implants are suitable options if you have a few teeth missing. This is because they can be quite costly and very impractical if you have many missing teeth. Click the link to learn about the cost of dental implants.
The results are very durable and natural-looking if you opt for ceramic or zirconium crowns. But there are many options for the crown material. Hence making these types of dental implants, the single unit implant, flexible in this aspect.
2- All-On-4
All-on-4 dental implants are types of dental implants that can replace an entire set of teeth per jaw on only 4 implants. This procedure is quite quick and you get your smile almost immediately.
Your dentist will implant 4 dental implants on your lower jaw. The two rear implants don’t go vertically. Instead, they’re implanted at a 30° angle. This means that even if you don’t have enough bone density you can still opt for the procedure. The 30° angle in these types of dental implants gives your jaw enough support to hold the structure despite your jaw density being brittle.
After implanting the 4 dental implants your dentist will attach your dentures on top. These aren’t your custom dentures so they’re merely temporary. You’ll get your permanent dentures in 6 to 8 months.
When Should You Consider All-On-4?
If most of your teeth are missing, and you want to opt for an economic dental restoration these types of dental implants are the option for you. Likewise, if you find that the dental implant process is lengthy, and you want an instant solution, all-on-4 dental implants are suitable.
3- Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are unit types of dental implants that consist of 2 to 3 crowns sandwiched between dental implants at each side. For instance, if you have 3 to 4 consecutive missing teeth, your dentists will drill to place the implant on the first and last missing teeth. If you don’t have sufficient bone density, you will need a bone graft beforehand.
After placing the implant in the jaw bone, comes a healing period of 3-4 months. Next follows abutment placement, where your dentist will uncover the implants by removing the gum. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will then close the gum around and not over the abutment. This heals in a 2-week period.
You will get a temporary crown until your permanent crowns are ready. These will look like a train or a bridge consisting of 3 or 4 crowns. The first and last crowns will be cemented on the abutment on the first and last tooth. This way it covers the two missing teeth in between.
When Should I Consider Dental Bridges?
Dental Bridges are ideal option types of dental implants if you have consecutive missing teeth and want a more economic option to single-unit dental implants.
Bridges cost more than all-on-4 but less than dental implants. So it’s a matter of preference and price range. But like dental implants, they necessitate bone grafting if your bone density isn’t sufficient. Whereas all-on-4 skip the grafting process regardless.
4- CEREC Dental Implants
CEREC dental implants are very modern types of dental implants and high-tech options. They’re exactly like single-unit implants. Meaning you will have to go through surgery to implant the root followed by abutment placement. Which is a period that can take 3.5 months or 6 months if you need grafting as well.
But with CEREC types of dental implants, instead of waiting 3 to 4 weeks for your crown, you can get it immediately. It uses a scanning program that allows your dentist to capture your measurements. Then using a 3D printer, you get your customized ceramic crown.
But unlike dental implants, the crown with CEREC technology has to be made of ceramic exclusively. Which is a very durable and natural option but can be costly for many.
When Should I Consider CEREC?
CEREC dental implants are good options and suitable types of dental implants if you want to cut 3 to 4 weeks from treatment time. Also, they’re suitable if you don’t mind ceramic as your crown material. With traditional implants, you can get far more options for your crown, but the downside is an additional waiting period of 3 to 4 weeks. So with these types of dental implants, your choices are limited.
Why Consider Turkey?
If you want to aim for the stars and not just some treatment to fix your missing tooth, then Turkey is your option. Millions of tourists come in annually from Europe and the USA to restore their smile. The growth of the industry is both the result of the high quality medical care and very affordable costs.
And at Dentakay, our dentists offer all types of dental implants that are high quality and installed with extreme care and professionalism. If you’re a patient who has never been to Turkey before, w have VIP services that will make you feel at home. Your smile is our craft.
In Closing
Dental implants can come in many forms and serve different purposes. Most of the time, which types of dental implants you want is a matter of preference. But if you need a dental consultant to help you understand more about dental implants and what most suits you, contact us for a free consultation.
