January 12, 2023

Dental Implants, Dentist Near Me, Dentistry Treatments

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be classified by where they are placed, their size and material, and the type of replacement teeth they support. Endosteal implants placed in the jawbone are the most common. Less common options include subperiosteal and zygomatic implants for selected patients with significant bone loss.

Implants can also support different restorations, including a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, a removable implant-retained denture, or a fixed full-arch restoration.

Premier Family Dental provides dental implants in Gilbert based on each patient’s missing teeth, bone support, gum health, medical history, and treatment goals.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small post placed surgically in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Most implant treatments include three main components:

Implant post: The part placed in the jawbone
Abutment: The connector between the implant and replacement tooth
Restoration: The visible crown, bridge, or denture supported by the implant

The implant itself is not the visible replacement tooth. It provides support beneath the gums while the restoration restores appearance and chewing function.

Three Main Dental Implant Placement Types

Endosteal Dental Implants

Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are the most frequently used type of dental implant. They are commonly screw-shaped and typically made from titanium or a titanium alloy.

After placement, the surrounding bone gradually bonds with the implant through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is stable, it may support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Potential Benefits

Can replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch
Provide strong support within the jawbone
Do not require reshaping healthy neighboring teeth for a traditional bridge
Can restore stable chewing function
Have a long record of clinical use

Important Considerations

Require oral surgery
Need sufficient healthy bone or preparatory bone grafting
May require several months of healing
Can fail to integrate with the bone
Require ongoing cleaning and professional maintenance

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gum tissue but on top of the jawbone. Traditional designs use a customized framework that rests over the bone and supports posts extending through the gums.

These implants were historically used for patients who did not have enough bone for conventional implants and could not undergo grafting. They are much less common today because bone-grafting techniques and modern endosteal implants have expanded treatment options.

Newer customized subperiosteal designs may still be considered in selected complex cases involving severe bone loss. They are not a routine alternative for most implant patients.

Potential Benefits

May avoid extensive bone grafting in selected cases
Can support multiple replacement teeth
May help patients with severe jawbone loss who have limited alternatives

Important Considerations

Require advanced planning and surgical expertise
Are less common than endosteal implants
May carry risks involving infection, tissue irritation, or framework exposure
May not offer the same long-term predictability as conventional implant treatment

Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic implants are long implants anchored in the zygomatic bone, commonly called the cheekbone. They are used primarily for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who cannot receive conventional implants without extensive grafting.

This is an advanced full-arch treatment rather than an ordinary option for replacing one missing tooth. It requires specialized imaging, surgical planning, and experience.

Potential Benefits

May avoid extensive upper-jaw bone grafting
Can support a full-arch restoration in selected patients
Use the dense cheekbone for support

Important Considerations

Involve more complex surgery than standard implants
Are used only for carefully selected upper-jaw cases
May involve sinus, nerve, infection, or soft-tissue complications
Require treatment by a clinician with appropriate advanced training

What About Transosteal Dental Implants?

Transosteal implants pass through the jawbone and were historically used in the lower jaw. Treatment required a surgical plate beneath the jaw and posts extending through the bone.

These implants are rarely used in modern dentistry because the procedure is highly invasive and newer implant techniques generally offer more practical alternatives. Patients researching current implant treatment are far more likely to encounter endosteal implants, bone grafting, short implants, or other contemporary solutions.

Dental Implant Types Based on the Number of Missing Teeth

The terms endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic describe how or where implants are placed. A separate classification describes the type of restoration the implants support.

Single-Tooth Dental Implant

A single-tooth implant usually includes one implant post, one abutment, and one dental crown. It replaces an individual missing tooth without requiring crowns on the neighboring teeth.

This option may be appropriate when the surrounding teeth are healthy and sufficient bone is available.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

An implant-supported bridge replaces several adjacent missing teeth. Instead of placing one implant for every missing tooth, implants positioned at strategic points support multiple connected replacement teeth.

This approach may reduce the number of implants required while providing a fixed restoration. Learn more about how bridges compare with other alternatives for replacing missing teeth.

Implant-Retained Denture

An implant-retained denture attaches to implants for greater stability than a conventional removable denture. The appliance can usually be removed by the patient for daily cleaning.

The implants help reduce movement during speaking and eating, but the denture and its attachment components may still require adjustment, relining, repair, or replacement over time.

Patients comparing removable options can also explore full and partial dentures in Gilbert.

Fixed Full-Arch Implant Restoration

A fixed full-arch restoration replaces all teeth in the upper or lower arch. Several strategically positioned implants support a connected set of replacement teeth that remains in the mouth and is removed only by a dental professional.

The number and position of implants depend on bone availability, bite forces, anatomy, restoration design, and the clinician’s treatment plan. Fixed full-arch treatment still requires careful daily cleaning beneath the restoration.

Other Ways Dental Implants Are Classified

Conventional or Delayed-Load Implants

With conventional treatment, the implant is allowed to heal and integrate with the bone before receiving the final restoration. A temporary tooth may be used during healing when appropriate.

This approach reduces the amount of biting pressure placed on the implant during the early healing period.

Immediate-Load or Same-Day Implants

Immediate-load treatment places a temporary restoration on or soon after implant placement. It is sometimes described as same-day teeth.

Not every patient qualifies. Immediate loading depends on strong initial implant stability, adequate bone, controlled bite forces, healthy gums, and the ability to protect the implant during healing. The final restoration is usually placed later.

Mini or Narrow-Diameter Implants

Mini and narrow-diameter implants are smaller than conventional implants. They may be used in narrow spaces or to stabilize selected removable dentures when standard implants are unsuitable.

Their smaller size does not automatically make them better, less invasive, or appropriate for every patient. They may not tolerate the same forces as wider implants and have more limited applications.

Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium is the most established dental implant material. It is strong, biocompatible, and supported by decades of clinical research.

Many titanium implants are made from titanium alloys designed to improve strength while maintaining compatibility with bone and gum tissue.

Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia implants are ceramic and may appeal to patients seeking a metal-free option. Their light color may also be beneficial in selected areas with thin gum tissue.

Zirconia implants have different design limitations and a shorter research history than titanium systems. Implant selection should be based on anatomy, restoration requirements, clinical evidence, and the dentist’s experience rather than material preference alone.

Dental Implant Type Comparison

Implant Type	Placement	Typical Use	How Common Is It?
Endosteal	Directly in the jawbone	Single teeth, bridges, and full-arch restorations	Most common
Subperiosteal	Under the gums and above the jawbone	Selected severe bone-loss cases	Uncommon
Zygomatic	Anchored in the cheekbone	Severe upper-jaw bone loss and full-arch treatment	Rare and highly specialized
Transosteal	Through the lower jawbone	Historical treatment for severe lower-jaw bone loss	Rarely used today
Mini or narrow-diameter	In the jawbone	Selected narrow spaces or denture stabilization	Used for limited indications

To determine which option may be appropriate for your needs, schedule a dental implant consultation at Premier Family Dental.

Which Dental Implant Type Is Best?

Endosteal implants are appropriate for many patients, but there is no single implant type that is best for everyone. Your dentist will consider:

The number and location of missing teeth
The amount and density of available jawbone
Gum health
The condition of nearby teeth
Your bite and chewing forces
Teeth grinding or clenching
Medical conditions and medications
Smoking or tobacco use
Oral hygiene habits
Preference for fixed or removable teeth
Appearance goals
Budget and treatment timeline

Active gum disease, untreated decay, or dental infection generally needs to be controlled before implant placement. Patients may first require gum disease treatment before dental implants.

What If You Do Not Have Enough Jawbone?

Inadequate bone does not automatically mean you cannot receive an implant. Depending on the location and severity of bone loss, treatment options may include:

Bone grafting
Sinus augmentation for the upper back jaw
Ridge expansion
Short implants in selected cases
Narrow-diameter implants
Angled implant placement
Zygomatic implants for severe upper-jaw bone loss

Patients who prefer to avoid implant surgery may consider non-implant dental bridges or removable dentures.

What Happens During Dental Implant Treatment?

Consultation and Examination

The dentist reviews your medical and dental history, examines the missing-tooth area, evaluates your gums and bite, and discusses your goals.

Dental Imaging

Dental X-rays and, when needed, three-dimensional imaging help evaluate bone dimensions, tooth roots, nerves, sinuses, and other anatomical structures.

Preparatory Treatment

Some patients need tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or another procedure before implant placement.

Implant Placement

The implant is surgically positioned in the planned location. The area may be closed with gum tissue or fitted with a healing component, depending on the technique.

Osseointegration

During healing, bone bonds with the implant surface. This process may take several months and is essential for long-term stability.

Abutment and Final Restoration

After healing, the abutment and customized crown, bridge, or denture are placed. The dentist checks the fit, appearance, bite, and accessibility for cleaning.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Replace the roots of missing teeth
Support fixed or removable restorations
Can restore stable chewing function
Do not require reshaping adjacent teeth for a traditional bridge
Help preserve bone around the implant site
Can replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch

Limitations and Possible Risks

Dental implants have a strong record of success, but they are not free from risks or maintenance requirements. Possible concerns include:

Postoperative discomfort, swelling, or bleeding
Infection
Failure of the implant to integrate with bone
Nerve injury or altered sensation
Sinus complications in the upper jaw
Damage to nearby teeth or structures
Gum recession around the implant
Inflammation and bone loss around the implant
Loose or damaged screws and attachments
Chipping, wear, or fracture of the restoration

Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, untreated gum disease, inadequate oral hygiene, and heavy grinding may increase the likelihood of complications.

How to Care for Dental Implants

Dental implants cannot develop cavities, but plaque can still cause inflammation and bone loss around them. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures also experience normal wear.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth and around implant restorations every day.
Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser when recommended.
Clean beneath implant bridges and full-arch restorations.
Attend regular examinations and professional cleanings.
Avoid tobacco products.
Wear a nightguard if prescribed for grinding.
Report bleeding, swelling, looseness, pain, or a bad taste promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Most Common Type of Dental Implant?

Endosteal implants are the most common. They are placed directly into the jawbone and can support a single crown, bridge, denture, or full-arch restoration.

Which Implant Is Best for One Missing Tooth?

A single endosteal implant with an abutment and crown is commonly used for one missing tooth. Bone availability, gum health, bite forces, and the location of the gap determine whether it is appropriate.

Can Dental Implants Replace All My Teeth?

Yes. Several implants can support a removable implant-retained denture or a fixed full-arch restoration. The treatment design depends on available bone, anatomy, bite forces, oral health, and patient preferences.

Are Zirconia Implants Better Than Titanium Implants?

Neither material is universally better. Titanium has the longest clinical history and offers a broad range of implant and restoration designs. Zirconia may be considered for selected patients seeking a ceramic option, but it has different limitations.

Can You Receive Implants If You Have Bone Loss?

Possibly. Bone grafting, sinus augmentation, short implants, narrow implants, or advanced implant techniques may be considered. Severe bone loss may also make a bridge or denture more appropriate.

How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

Treatment may take several months because the implant must bond with the bone. Cases requiring extraction, grafting, or extensive reconstruction may take longer. Selected patients may qualify for an immediate temporary restoration.

Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Dental implants are designed as long-term replacements, but they should not be described as guaranteed lifetime treatments. The implant post may remain functional for decades, while crowns, bridges, dentures, screws, and attachments may eventually need repair or replacement.

Find the Right Dental Implant Option

Endosteal implants are the standard option for most patients, while subperiosteal and zygomatic implants are reserved for selected cases involving significant bone loss. Implants may support one crown, several replacement teeth, a removable denture, or a fixed full-arch restoration.

Premier Family Dental can evaluate your teeth, gums, jawbone, bite, and medical history to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate. Explore the dental services available in Gilbert or visit the Premier Family Dental homepage to learn more about the practice.