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HEALTH: Types of Dental Implants

October 8, 2008 – 11:28 pm

Implants are the best treatment method for replacing missing teeth. Today implant dentistry offers so many options to the patients who have missing tooth or teeth.

There are various types of dental implants. They are made of variety of materials such as aluminium oxide, titanium and surgical stainless steel but most them are made of titanium. Before placing an implant, local anesthetic is used in the mouth of the patient for pain-control. So the patients do not feel any pain throughout the surgery.

In general implants may be divided into 2 main groups. These are;

1. Subperiosteal Implants
2. Endosteal ( Endosseous) Implants

• Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiostal implants are implants that are placed over the jaw. They cover a large surface area. These have a metal frame and this metal frame is placed onto the jawbone. After the healing procedure, the posts are attached to the metal frame. Then artificial teeth are placed to the posts.

• Endosteal ( Endosseous) Implants: Endosteal ( Endosseous) Implants are the most frequently used implant types today. These are placed directly into the jawbone. When the height, width and length of the bone area are enough, esdosteal implants can be placed. After a healing period (the healing process may vary from person to person), the second surgery is required to connect a post to the original implant and then the crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the implant post.

The other implant types:

1. Root-Form Implants: Root-form implants are called endosseous or endosteal implants. Actually root form implants are the most known type of endosteal implants. They are the most popular implants in the world. The screw or cylindrical type of implant is shaped like the natural tooth root. They are available in variety of designs. These types of implants are placed directly in the bone. Root-form implants are made of strong and corrosion-resistant metal titanium. If there is width and depth in your jawbone, this type of implant can be applied. However if your jawbone is narrow or short for the replacement of the implant, the area must be enlarged with the bone grafting.

2. Plate Form (Blade-Form) Implants: These types of implants are generally used when the bone is too narrow for bone grafting and it is not suitable for the root-form implants. They are placed vertically into your jawbone. The shape of these implants is flat and wide. The name of the implants is derived from their shape. Plate form implants belong in the category of endosteal implants. They are not used frequently.

3. Ramus-Frame Implants: If the patient’s lower jawbone is too thin for the root-form implant, this treatment method can be used for the patient. They are used in the toothless lower jaw. Ramus frame implants are placed surgically into the jawbone in three different areas: the left and the right back area of the jaw, and the chin area in front of the mouth. They belong to into endosteal implant category. After ramus frames implants have been placed, the part of the implant can be visible in the mouth of the patient.

4. Transosseous Implants: Transosseous Implants are rarely used today. Because placing them into the lower jaw requires extensive surgery general anesthesia. They are used only in the lower jaw. If the patient has very little bone in the jaw or no bottom tooth, transosseous implants can be placed. They are categorized into endosteal implants.

Do not forget that good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are necessary both before and after the surgery for the success of the dental implant.