Dental implants function as replacement tooth roots to support artificial teeth or dental appliances and hold them in place. They are most commonly screw-like posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw.
A dental implant consists of an implant body and dental abutment, with a dental crown attached. Each part works with the other to create an artificial tooth:
Replacing damaged or missing permanent teeth with dental implants offers numerous benefits. Implants can help you eat, speak, and feel more confident in your physical appearance.
Types of dental implants
There are two main types of dental implants:
There are several types of implant arrangements depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.
Alternatives to dental implants include bridges and dentures. Veneers are an option for changing the look of existing teeth but cannot be used to replace missing teeth.
What are dental implants made of?
A number of materials can be used to create dental implants, but they are most often made with titanium or zirconia.
Titanium
This strong, durable metal is the most common material used for dental implants. Titanium implants offer several benefits that may make them the best choice for you:
Titanium implants are not recommended for people with allergies to metal or certain autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Zirconia
This is a safe, stable ceramic and the second most common material used for implants. Zirconia implants are a more recent invention than titanium options and offer two primary benefits:
However, zirconia does have a few drawbacks compared to titanium:
Other materials
Other materials can be used for dental implants if titanium or zirconia aren’t suitable for you. These include polymers (synthetic materials), ceramics, and some metals, such as gold or cobalt-based alloys.
Dental implant sizes
Dental implants are not one-size-fits-all. Implants come in different lengths and widths, and your dentist or oral surgeon will choose the appropriate implant based on your unique needs. They will consider many factors, including the size and shape of your jawbone, the number of teeth missing, the health of surrounding structures (such as your sinuses), and the position of your remaining teeth.
Standard dental implants
The implant body and dental abutment of standard dental implants usually have a diameter between 3 and 6 millimeters.
Because they are stronger and longer lasting than mini dental implants, these are still the best and most common option if your jaw is healthy enough to hold them.
Potential downsides to standard dental implants include:
Mini dental implants
These are smaller than standard dental implants and typically have a diameter of less than 3 millimeters. They also combine the implant body and dental abutment into a single screw-like piece that can be placed at the same time – removing the need for a separate appointment to secure the abutment.
Mini implants can be placed into the jawbone after a small incision. Their placement is usually very simple, and most people can resume normal activities quickly.
Mini dental implants are most often used if your jawbone is too small or if space is too narrow to hold a standard dental implant. Mini implants can also be effective as long-term support for dentures.
They offer a few benefits over standard dental implants – the cost is usually lower, they are less invasive, and they typically require fewer dental office visits.
However, mini dental implants are not as strong or long-lasting as standard size implants. As a result, they will likely need to be replaced eventually.
Dental implant procedure
Prior to implant surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will also do a thorough assessment of your jaws and available bone support. Additional procedures, such as bone grafts or sinus procedures, may be required before an implant can be placed.
Dental implant surgery involves multiple steps, starting with removal of the damaged tooth and ending with placement of the artificial tooth. Placement of standard dental implants is an outpatient surgery and most often performed in stages over the course of several months. Most of this time will be spent between procedures, which allows you to heal and gives your jaw time to bond with the implant body.
The two most common types of dental implant procedures are:
The specifics of how the dental implant surgery is performed may vary depending on your overall health, oral health history, and the type of implant used.
Summary
Dental implants are safe and long-lasting when they are appropriately placed and properly cared for. By replacing damaged or missing teeth, they support your ability to chew, speak, and feel comfortable with your appearance.
If you are interested in dental implants, consult your dentist to see if they may be right for you.
1Buser, D., Janner, S., Wittneben, J-G., Bragger, U.,Ramseier, C., & Salvi, G. 10-Year Survival and Success Rates of 511 Titanium Implants with a Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Surface: A Retrospective Study in 303 Partially Edentulous Patients. (2012, March 30) from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1708-8208.2012.00456.x#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20present%20retrospective%20analysis,a%20success%20rate%20of%2097.0%25