Types of dental implant techniques

Humans have long understood the vital importance of teeth and have been experimenting with replacement teeth for hundreds of years to find the best materials to replace them. For missing teeth, there are a variety of dental implant techniques that we will explore in this article.

Today, implantology (the science of dental implants) is an advanced medical discipline that can effectively address a diverse range of tooth replacement needs. In addition to using natural-looking and biocompatible materials, dental implants have been enhanced by advances in medical technology.

Implant dentists in Kingston (called implantologists) now use 3D digital imaging and implant surgery planning software to accurately analyze a person’s facial anatomy and design a detailed treatment plan for each patient.

Your implant dentist will first consult with you to create an individualized treatment plan that will restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in your jaw to provide permanent support for one or more artificial teeth. Because dental implants interact with the gum tissues and bone structure of your mouth, they best replicate the function and appearance of your natural teeth. There are two main types of dental implants:

1. Endostomat

Endostomat implants are the most common type of dental implant. This type of dental implant means “inside the bone,” and is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Over the weeks after an endosteal implant is placed, bone grows around the implant (called osseointegration), securely holding the implant in place.

There are two types of endosteal implants – cylinder and blade. Cylinder implants are titanium screws and are the most common type of endosteal implant. Blade implants are thin, flat pieces of titanium that may be used when the alveolar process (the part of your jawbone that holds your teeth) has atrophied. Both types of endosteal implants have a base (abutment) that sits above the gum tissue, and onto which the tooth or dentures will eventually be placed.

2. Subperiosteal

Although less commonly used, subperiosteal implants are considered for patients who have experienced bone loss and who do not have enough natural jawbone to support an endosteal implant without undergoing augmentation or bone grafting. This type of dental implant is placed below the gum line – either on or above the outer layer of connective tissue that covers the surface of the jawbone (called the periosteum).

Subperiosteal implants are thin titanium frames with an attached base that are custom-made to fit the unique contours of each patient’s jawbone. The gum heals around the frame, securing it in place. A denture is then placed on the base that sits above the gum line.

Types of Dental Replacements

Your dentures are custom-made to create an aesthetic result that matches the features of your mouth and remaining teeth.

Crowns

A dental crown, used to replace a tooth, is an attractive, natural-looking artificial tooth made of porcelain, gold, an alloy, or a combination of these materials.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported dental bridge, used to replace two or more adjacent teeth, is a series of dental crowns that are connected to form a continuous bridge.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Used to replace the entire upper or lower row of teeth, implant-retained dentures are a set of removable dentures supported by at least two dental implants. The denture has an acrylic base that resembles the gums of porcelain or acrylic dentures.

Dental Implant Techniques

Since each patient’s situation is unique, multiple dental implant techniques can be used to provide the patient with the best scenario for successfully replacing one, a few, or all of their missing teeth.

Bone Augmentation

To better support dental implants, the jawbone may need to be repaired or rebuilt. Bone augmentation uses bone grafting materials that contain collagen and protein to encourage bone growth and strengthen your jawbone before implant placement.

Sinus Lift

Also known as sinus augmentation and sinus lift, a sinus lift can address insufficient bone quality and quantity in the upper jaw, in addition to raising a sinus floor that is too low for implant placement. During a sinus lift, the sinus floor is repositioned, and then bone grafting materials are used to strengthen the sinus bone before implant placement.

Ridge Expansion

Also known as ridge correction, ridge expansion addresses deficiencies and abnormalities in the upper and lower jawbone that would otherwise not accommodate an implant. To significantly increase the success and esthetics of the implant, bone graft material is used to create a ridge (alveolar process) before the implant is placed.

Immediate Loading of Dental Implants

Also known as one-day implants or teeth-in-a-day, an immediate loading dental implant treatment places both a dental implant and a temporary denture in one visit. Immediate-loading dental implants are used when the patient has enough healthy jawbone to securely hold the implant and withstand the pressure placed on the temporary denture.

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

Also known as small-diameter or narrow-diameter implants, MDIs are narrow endosteal implants that are primarily used to anchor implant-supported dentures to the lower jaw. MDIs are considered a less invasive implant treatment and are an option for those who have experienced bone loss and are not ideal candidates for bone grafting treatments.