Do you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth? If so, you are likely considering what replacement options are available to you, and which option is the best. One popular option that many patients love is dental implants.
What many people don’t know is that dental implants aren’t just one thing. There are different dental implant systems that work for different patients. Below is more about dental implants, their advantages, and the different dental implant systems.
What Are Implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the use of rods that are secured in the jawbone of a patient to hold one or more prosthetic teeth in place. There are a variety of different materials that can be used both for the rods themselves and the prosthetic teeth.
Dental implants are an extremely popular choice and are known for their longevity, strength, stability, and excellent appearance.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are popular for a good reason. There are so many outstanding advantages of dental implants that make them the primary choice for many patients. Some of the reasons why patients love dental implants include:
- Appearance. Dental implants are stunning and can be made to look very much like natural teeth (should a patient choose to go with a more organic-looking option). They are an outstanding option to fill in a smile and can help to boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Longevity. Dental implants are very secure, and because of this, they generally have a long lifespan. The prosthetics can last as long as 10-20 years, and the implant itself can last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime! Their strength also allows patients to bite and chew their favorite foods without worry.
- Prevention of jawbone deterioration. What many people don’t know is that teeth help to keep the jawbone strong. Without teeth, a patient’s jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time and even sag. Dental implants help to keep the jawbone dense and prevent deterioration.
- Prevention of tooth migration. If they aren’t held in place with surrounding teeth, teeth can begin to migrate over time. They may shift to fill the gap (causing crookedness), or crowd together. This is both a cosmetic and oral health concern. Dental implants help to prevent teeth from migrating.
- Safeguarding oral health. As teeth migrate, it becomes more difficult to properly brush and floss. This can lead to an increased risk of cavities, root infections, and more. As dental implants prevent migration, they also help in safeguarding a patient’s overall oral health.
Different Dental Implant Systems (and Their Benefits)
Dental implants aren’t just one thing. There are actually different dental implant systems available, with a lot of customization. Each choice has its advantages and drawbacks, which is why you’ll want to speak with your dentist about the right system to meet your needs.
With that said, it’s good to have a general understanding of the different aspects of dental implant systems to help you to make the right choice. Here are some of the different elements of dental implant systems and their benefits:
- Cementable Abutments
- Cementable abutments are a popular, cost-effective, and reliable choice. They are great for multi-unit restorations and are relatively simple to place.
- One of the main disadvantages of cementable abutments is the possibility of excess cement. Excess cement extruding into the sulcus can damage the peri-implant tissue.
- Screw-Retained Implants
- Another great choice for patients is screw-retained implants. They are easily retrievable and are good for when there are numerous abutments required. They are much easier to remove as well, which makes it easier to clean and maintain them.
- It can take some extra steps to place screw-retained implants, which is one of the main disadvantages of this implant choice.
Next, you’ll need to choose the types of abutment—either stock or custom. Below are the main differences between the two:
- Stock Abutments
- For a standardized, user-friendly abutment option, stock abutments are a great choice. They are a wonderful option for both tissue and bone-level implants. Generally, these are a good option when having cement-retained restorations placed. With stock abutments, the choice between straight and angled abutments is available. Also, stock abutments are a more cost-effective solution than custom abutments.
- The main drawbacks to stock abutments are that they aren’t always the best when it comes to use within the aesthetic zone, and the final margin placement can’t be controlled. Because of this, the correct fit can take additional time.
- Custom Abutments
- As the name implies, custom abutments allow for a greater level of customization. This makes them a good fit for both tissue and bone-level implants. They can fit the crest of the tissue exceptionally well, and they are also a great choice for tissue management and health.
- One of the main drawbacks to custom abutments is the cost. They will generally be more expensive than stock abutments.
The implant itself is an important consideration when customizing your implant system. The main types of implants to choose between include:
- Zirconium Implants
- Zirconium implants are an excellent option for patients with a titanium allergy, as they don’t have any metal in them. They are a little less strong than titanium, but they are still extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Due to the color of zirconium, they are also often less noticeable than titanium implants.
- While there are some amazing benefits to zirconium, it’s important to note that they are sometimes more difficult to install (when the implants used are single-piece implants) and aren’t as strong.
- Titanium Implants
- Titanium is an extremely popular implant material and is the more common of the two. It has a high success rate, is extremely strong, and integrates well with the jawbone. This option has also been around for a long time.
- The main downside to titanium is that some people have an allergy to the material. If this is the case, titanium is not a good choice for the patient.
The next decision to consider is the type of dental crown prosthetic material used.
Some common materials include:
- Porcelain: Many dentists prefer porcelain, as it has a similar appearance to a natural tooth and is very strong. With that said, it can be a little more expensive than other options.
- Full Contour Zirconia Crowns: Another option that can mimic the appearance of a natural tooth is full contour zirconia. It’s important to consider that research into the long-term impact on surrounding teeth is ongoing, as they are a newer replacement option. With that said, evidence suggests there is minimal adverse impact on the surrounding teeth.
- Gold: Gold is a more immediately noticeable option. While gold crowns offer good support, they don’t look natural. With that said, some people prefer the appearance of gold crowns.
Model-Less Scans
A newer technology that has become more popular over time is intraoral scans. These are a model-less form of impression technology with some fantastic benefits.
Here are some outstanding benefits of model-less scans:
- Comfort: One of the major issues with traditional impressions is how uncomfortable they can be. This is especially so for people with a strong gag reflex. Intraoral scans offer a more comfortable experience.
- Accuracy: Due to how accurate intraoral scans are, they can provide a better fit than traditional impressions.
- Time: Intraoral scans can be immediately sent over to a dental lab digitally, which cuts down on how long it takes to create your restoration. As the technology is very accurate, it also cuts down on the likelihood of the restoration needing to be remade.
What’s Right for Me?
As there are different options for your dental implant system, you may be wondering what choices are right for you. In order to answer this question, it’s important to meet with your dentist for a consultation and examination. From there, they can better determine which options are actually available for you. Then, you can discuss with your dentist things like aesthetics and costs.
Keep in mind, dental implants in general aren’t always an option for patients. There are cases in which implants cannot be placed, or a bone grafting procedure may be necessary in order to place the implants. This procedure can be costly and can take time. With that said, if successful, it does allow for the placement of dental implants.
Discovering whether or not dental implants are an option for you and determining the best dental implant system starts with a call. If you are wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants, reach out today to schedule an appointment. An outstanding dentist will take a look at your gums and jawbone to determine whether or not an implant is right for you. From there, the right dental implant system can be designed to meet your needs.
Reach out today to learn more about dental implant systems and to schedule your appointment.
