5 Types of Dental Implants: Which One is Right for You
Do you find the selection of dental implants confusing? We understand and will help you find the right implant for your oral health needs. Let’s discuss the types of dental implants, the process of getting them, costs, and the pros and cons.
Types of Dental Implants
Tooth loss adversely affects smiling, chewing, speaking, and facial appearance.
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. You don’t have to worry about removing them at night. They don’t affect adjacent teeth and can prevent jawbone recession.
Here are the main categories of dental implants:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the best type of dental implants for replacing one or more missing teeth. This implant is the best solution if your jawbone is strong and you have good oral health. They are also a good fit if you already wear dentures or bridges.
An endosteal implant consists of a small titanium post surgically implanted into your jaw to replace the tooth root. Titanium is the ideal implant material as it easily adheres to your jaw, aiding bone growth. Next, we will attach an abutment (post extension), which anchors the replacement tooth or crown.
Average Cost: $1000 to $3000
Pros
- High success rate
- Easy replacement of one or more teeth
- More natural appearance
Cons
- Costly alternative to other solutions like dentures and bridges
- A long recovery time of about three to six months
Subperiosteal Implants
A subperiosteal implant doesn’t require drilling into the jawbone. These implants are custom-made from your dental mold and have a metal frame that fits your jawbone. They often contain titanium or cobalt-chromium alloy.
Your doctor inserts the implant below your gum line in a minor surgery done under local anesthesia. They attach the metal frame to your jawbone with small screws. Next, they cover the frame with gum tissue and attach the replacement teeth to this frame.
Average Cost: $1500 to $4000 per implant.
Pros
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Relatively more affordable
- Helpful for people with weakened jawbones
Cons
- The implant may loosen over time
- Not as durable as other implant types
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are the Rolls Royce of dental implants. This implant suits cases of bone loss or insufficient upper jawbone, multiple implants, bridges, or upper-jaw full arches.
These implants are longer than traditional implants as your dental surgeon anchors them into your cheekbone instead of your jawbone. Don’t worry: this procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Your surgeon will cut into your gum tissue to access your zygomatic bone (cheekbone). They will use 3-D imaging to avoid your facial nerves and structure. Next, they insert the long dental implant into that bone and close the gum tissue. Finally, they attach the artificial tooth to the implant.
Average Cost: $2000 to $4500 per implant
Pros
- Suitable for people who can’t have a traditional implant
- Greater stability and durability due to their length
Cons
- They can be more expensive than other implant types
- A longer recovery time
Immediate Load Implants
This dental implant immediately gives you functional teeth (temporary or permanent). Immediate load implants are also known as same-day implants or teeth-in-a-day.
These implants are suitable if you have a healthy, strong jawbone, no gum disease, don’t grind your teeth (bruxism), and don’t smoke.
Immediate load implants are done right after tooth extraction. We insert the implant into the empty tooth socket. Next, we will attach the new temporary tooth. After your implant integrates into your jaw, we will replace the temporary tooth with the permanent crown.
Average Cost: $3000 to $6000
Pros
- Better appearance after an extraction
- Quicker functionality (smiling and chewing)
- Shorter treatment time
- Faster recovery
Cons
- Unsuitable for people with low bone quality or systematic health concerns
- Higher chance of implant failure
All-on-Four Implants
All-on-four implants support a full arch of teeth (or bridge) using four implants as anchors. This implant is more efficient than traditional implants that need multiple implants to support an arch.
We will perform X-rays and CT scans to ensure you have a strong bone structure to support a full-mouth implant procedure. They will take impressions of your upper and lower jaws and measure the distance between them to maintain your facial structure.
All-on-four implants are performed under general anesthesia. We first make an incision across the length of your gums to reduce the ridge. Then, they drill holes into your jawbone to insert the four implants.
After inserting these implants, we will tighten them at an angle to avoid your nerves and sinus cavities. Then, your surgeon will add special abutments to hold temporary artificial teeth. After a six-month healing process, they will put in your permanent teeth.
Average Cost: $15,000 to $30,000 per arch.
Pros
- Better support for the teeth arch
- A more natural feel and appearance
- Less maintenance
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Unsuitable for people with insufficient jawbone, gum diseases, and other oral conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Here are the answers to some of the questions we get most often:
What is the best type of dental implant to get?
Titanium is the best type of dental implant material. Its biocompatibility means a lower chance of you having an allergic reaction or rejecting the implant. Titanium also promotes effective bone growth around the implant, making it more durable.
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
Dental implants may be right for you if:
- You’re missing one or more teeth
- Your mouth is healthy
- Your jawbone is relatively strong
- You’re willing to commit to a longer treatment process
- You don’t use tobacco and if you do, you want to stop
Which type of dental implant has the highest success rate?
Endosteal implants enjoy the highest success rate (97 percent) than other dental implants. That’s because they are inserted directly into your jawbone, unlike those placed under your gum (subperiosteal implants) and implanted into your cheekbone (zygomatic implants).
Find the Right Dental Implants for Your Needs
We’ve explored the types of dental implants, highlighting the procedures, costs, and pros and cons. Your dental professional will explain your diagnosis and discuss the best option to suit your needs.
Paramount Implant Center has a team of experts ready to assist you in achieving optimal dental health. Please contact us today to discuss how we can help you: