Types of Dental Implants and How to Choose One

Dental implants are often a commonly used option for replacing missing teeth. They are also some of the few options in dentistry that are designed to be long-lasting with proper care. Are many people interested in knowing about the types of dental implants? They are available in different sizes and types, lengths, and diameters. The choice would depend upon the bone available and the tooth to be replaced. They are manufactured in different countries, especially Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, the United States and many others. Here we have outlined the different types of dental implants in Dubai, the treatment planning procedure and the actual implant placement and the final restoration, to give you a better understanding of the overall process.

Treatment Planning with 3D Imaging

The first step, prior to any implant, begins with a consultation to assess the patient’s needs. Provided the patient is medically fit, all the treatment options are discussed. Before the procedure, 3D imaging using a Cone Beam Scanner (or CBCT for Short) is used to study the anatomy of your jaws. CBCT imaging provides detailed 3D views that support treatment planning. A CBCT helps the implantologist (the dental implant specialist) to understand what type, size and shape of implant will suit the patient’s specific need. A CBCT also tells us the density of the bone and can give a fair idea of whether you can get a same-day implant or not. 3D imaging can also save both time and money as it allows the implantologist to understand the underlying gum or bone scenario that could potentially be an issue during the implant process.

Different Types Of Dental Implants

There are mainly two types of dental implants:

Endosteal dental impants:

These dental implants in Dubai are positioned surgically within the jawbone.  They are the most common types of implants. They are shaped as small pegs, screws or cylinders made out of titanium and, more recently, Zirconia.

Subperiosteal dental implants:

These implants are surgically positioned under the gum but above the jawbone. They are suitable for patients who do not want to go through a bone augmentation procedure or do not have bone in a sufficient quantity to receive the implant. The use of subperiosteal implants is reducing with each passing year.

For patients who have an insufficient amount of bone for dental implants, there are several techniques that can be used to recreate bone to receive a dental implant. Some of these techniques include:

Bone augmentation

It is a process that restores and regenerates the jawbone utilizing bone additives and numerous growth factors. This is one method used to support bone regeneration.

The sinus lift

It is another technique that is most commonly known as sinus augmentation or elevation.  This is usually required in the upper back teeth, which lie just underneath the sinus. This procedure involves the addition of bone underneath the sinus in positions where the natural bone has been damaged or deteriorated due to the loss of upper back teeth. Sinus lifts can also be done using PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) instead of bone or bone substitutes, which is a more recent technique.

Ridge expansion

It is a technique utilized to expand the jaw bone in cases where the jaw bone is sufficiently high but of insufficient width.

Alternative techniques for dental implants

There are several other options that could be a better alternative for your specific dental issues. Other alternatives may include:

Mini dental implants or MDIs

These implants are as narrow as a toothpick and are used to add stability to a lower denture. These implants are smaller in size and may involve a less complex placement process.

Immediate dental implants or same day implants

Also known as ‘teeth in a day,’ same day implants are exactly what they sound like. These implants allow the implantologist to place a tooth on the same day that the original tooth is removed. 

All-on-4

All-on-4 is another alternative method that involves a full arch of teeth that is placed on each jaw on just four implants. Bone grafts are usually not required. With the help of special abutments or connectors, the implantologist makes sure that the replacement teeth remain firm and stable in their position, allowing patients to easily continue with their daily activities.

A comprehensive consultation with a specialist can help you decide what type of implant is appropriate for your specific dental needs. So talk to your specialist and explore your options!