What are the two main types of dental implant surgery?
Losing a permanent tooth can be traumatic, especially since our society places a lot of value on a good smile. Without a perfect set of teeth, you may feel self-conscious about smiling. Having a missing tooth can lead to crippling social anxiety and self-consciousness, drastically affecting the quality of your life. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, around 99.7% of all adults believe a great smile is important.
When people lose their teeth, they consider several teeth replacement options. Some of the most popular replacements for missing teeth are dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Dentures are unsuitable as effective permanent replacements for missing teeth because they look fake, and they often slide out of the mouth, leading to socially embarrassing situations. Dental bridges are a great way to replace two or three missing teeth in a single series, but your doctor needs to alter the surrounding teeth’s structure to accommodate the bridges, supported by dental crowns.
Dental implants are the best replacements for missing teeth for several reasons. Most importantly, dental implants don’t just replace the missing teeth, but the entire dental structure. Dental implants near me are titanium implants or posts drilled into the jawbone of the missing tooth. Over time, your jawbone heals around the dental implant, rooting it in place, and turning it into an essential part of your dental anatomy. Once you have the dental implants, the dentist can attach the dental crown over the implant, replacing your teeth permanently. Dental implants don’t need additional maintenance, they don’t slide off or move, and they’re just like actual teeth, both aesthetically and functionally.
If you consider getting a dental implant surgery, however, you must consider the type of dental implant surgery you want. You currently have two options — single-stage dental implants and two-stage implants. The following is information on the 2 main types of dental implant surgery:
- Single-Stage Dental Implants/ Subperiosteal Implants: The titanium tooth implant or ceramic tooth implant is placed into the gum reaching down to the jawbone, but without penetrating the jawbone. The top of the titanium implant aligns with the gum line, and then the gums are sutured closed. Once the gums heal, the dentist can return to the suture site and attach the dental crown over the titanium implant. This type of dental implant surgery doesn’t necessitate a long recovery procedure for your jawbones to heal, so you can get the dental crown relatively fast.
- Two-Stage Dental Implants/ Endosteal Implants: During this type of dental implant surgery, the titanium implant or ceramic implant is drilled into the jawbone, and the gum tissues are sutured closed. As such, you need to wait a few months for your jawbones to heal around the dental implant, rooting it in place. This provides a far more secure framework for dental implants, but the procedure takes a longer period. You may need to wait for several months or even a year before getting the dental crown over your titanium implant.
What are the best materials for permanent teeth implants?
For the longest time, permanent teeth implants were only available in one material — titanium implants. However, thanks to advancements in modern technologies and medical capabilities, you can now also get dental implants in Zirconia, a popular ceramic material. While both these dental implants are effective, they carry some major differences, making one better than the other.
Below is a discussion of the two types of materials used for permanent teeth implants or dental implants.
- Titanium Implant: These dental implants are made of titanium, one of the strongest metallic alloys that allow your jawbone to heal naturally and effectively around the implants. Titanium implants have been used for decades, and they’re some of the cheapest and most effective dental implant materials.
- Ceramic Implant: Zirconia, i.e., ceramic implants, is a recent invention, having achieved popularity because the implant comes with a crown. As such, you don’t need to get dental implants separately; the ceramic implants come with all the dental components, including crowns. Ceramic implants also allow your jawbone to heal effectively.
Titanium implants and ceramic implants are both equally effective and safe dental implant materials. Whether you want permanent teeth implants or complete dental implants, you can talk to the best dental implant specialist to determine which type of dental implant surgery and material you need.
Who needs dental implant treatment?
The following situations may indicate you need dental implants:
- You have missing teeth.
- Your jawbone has reached full maturity.
- You have enough bone structure to support dental implant materials.
- You have healthy teeth.
- You want permanent teeth replacements.
- You want to replace your missing teeth without constant maintenance or self-consciousness.
- You want to improve your confidence.
- You want to improve your speech style.
- You want a tooth replacement option that lasts forever.
Consult the best dental implant specialist today.
Nottingham Dental is one of the most reputable dental clinics in Katy, TX. Our dental implant specialist carefully examines your teeth, discusses your cosmetic goals, and recommends the best dental implant procedure for your specific needs. Our dentist also examines your teeth and medical history to determine if you should be getting dental implants, or if you’ll be better served with other teeth replacement options. For more information, please consult our dental implant specialist today.
