Are you looking for a permanent solution for lost teeth? Consider dental implants.

A dental implant is a long-term tooth replacement option. It's a small titanium post that fuses into the jawbone and provides a strong foundation for tooth restorations. 

Restorations like crowns sit on top of the implant. They're designed to look like your natural teeth. 

Dental implants preserve bone structure and tooth function. So, which dental implant is best for you? Let’s explore the different types of implants.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants. Your dentist will recommend the best one depending on your jawbone and your preferences.

1. Endosteal implants. The endosteal implant is the most common implant type. It preserves the bone structure, but it requires adequate bone. The implant is surgically fused into the jawbone. Once the site is healed, the abutment or post is connected to the implant, and the artificial tooth is placed on top of it. 

2. Subperiosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants aren’t as common as endosteal implants, but they may be suitable if there’s significant bone loss in the area and the patient isn’t comfortable with a bone grafting procedure. The implant is placed on top of the bone but still under the gums. 

Different Dental Implant Techniques

Your artificial tooth is carefully crafted for uniformity. Here are the different dental implant techniques your dentist may discuss with you. 

• Traditional or single implant. A single implant may be suitable if you need one tooth replaced. An implant will be inserted into the jawbone and will heal in about 3-4 months. Once healing is complete, your custom tooth replacement is attached to the titanium post with an abutment. 

• Implant-supported bridge. An implant-supported bridge may be ideal if you’re missing several adjacent teeth. Instead of placing custom crowns over the supporting teeth, they're connected to dental implants for a more secure foundation. The process is similar to getting a single implant, but the tooth in the middle won’t receive an implant. 

• Implant-retained dentures. This option may work if you’re missing an entire row of teeth and don’t have enough bone support. Implant retained dentures minimize the discomfort associated with traditional dentures. Your replacement teeth stay in place. You no longer have to apply denture paste or wear a plate that extends to the roof of your mouth. 

• All-on-4 implants. This technique is applicable if you’re missing all your teeth. You can have full mouth implants by inserting only 4 titanium screws in the jawbone. You must have adequate bone support for this procedure. But your dentist can assess whether you can qualify even with some level of bone loss. If so, you can skip a bone grafting procedure and enjoy a set of teeth that works like natural teeth.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Implant Type

You and your dentist may look into these factors when deciding which implant is most suitable for your case.

• Personal goals. Think about your purpose for needing an implant. Do you need the implants to keep your dentures stable? Are other tooth replacement options uncomfortable or impossible in your case? Do you want your replacement teeth to stay fixed and unmovable?

• Recovery and treatment duration. Dental implants can take a while to finish. See if you can commit to the entire procedure. Find out how long it will take to complete. Will you be able to deal with any discomfort or adjustments involved? Here at Southdown Dental, we’re happy to educate you about what you can expect throughout the treatment so you can decide whether to proceed.

• Cost. Dental implants may or may not be covered by your dental insurance. Our team members are happy to assist you in verifying your insurance coverage. The cost of the procedure varies depending on the number of teeth needing replacement and the procedure's difficulty level.

• Bone. You need adequate bone to qualify for dental implants. The bone serves as a support for your implants. Your remaining tooth structures must also be in good condition. There may not be enough bone if you’ve been missing the tooth for a while. We can evaluate the site for bone quantity and see if you require another procedure before proceeding to the implant. 

• Overall health. Good overall health is required to receive dental implants. The procedure may not be viable if you’re dealing with medical conditions such as gum disease or diabetes. Our dental team works with your physician to ensure proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. If you’re concerned about children, we can take a look at their mouths. But usually, we have to wait until their bone structure is fully developed, which is around 16-18 years of age before we can perform implants.

Learn More About Getting Dental Implants in Mississauga, Ontario 

Need more information about dental implants and other tooth replacement options? If you’re in Mississauga, Ontario, contact us today at (289) 724-3005 to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly dentists.  

We’re happy to assist you with your concerns.

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