Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants can permanently restore your smile. But choosing the right type of dental implant depends on your needs. Explore the types of dental implants here.

Your Green Bay Smile Maker Can Help You Today!

The Complete Guide to Dental Implant Options in Green Bay

When you’re looking to restore your smile, dental implants probably stand out as the most permanent, natural-looking solution. But you may wonder what type of dental implant would work best for your smile. At Fox View Dental in De Pere, WI, Dr. Chad Yenchesky and his team can help you determine the right implant solution for you. 

Call (920) 336-4201 today to learn more about dental implants and how each type of implant can restore function to your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant consists of three main components:

  • Implant: A titanium post surgically embedded into the jawbone that fuses to the bone over several months through the process of osseointegration.
  • Abutment: A connector attached to the implant post once fused to support the new prosthetic tooth.
  • Restoration: A custom-crafted tooth designed to match your natural teeth that connects to the abutment. The restoration can be a dental crown for a single missing tooth, a bridge for multiple missing teeth, or a denture for total tooth loss.
a man could affordably fix his smile thanks to dental bonding and dentures

Types of Dental Implants

Dr. Yenchesky offers several proven implant solutions to rehabilitate your smile. The type recommended depends on your specific case, including how many teeth need replacing and the quality and quantity of jawbone available. Common options include:

Endosteal Implants

The most frequently used implant type, endosteal implants are surgically embedded in the jawbone. Each implant post is topped with an abutment once fused, supporting the prosthetic tooth or teeth. Two or more implant posts are often used to securely support fixed bridges replacing multiple adjacent teeth.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame surgically placed under the gum and on top of the jawbone. The frame becomes fixed to the bone through the process of osseointegration. The frame provides stability for the artificial teeth placed within it. 

These types of implants are less common today, as endosteal implants provide more predictable results in most cases. However, they can be an option when extensive bone loss has occurred.

Mini Dental Implants

As the name implies, mini dental implants are smaller-diameter implants well-suited for replacing smaller teeth like incisors. The mini implant consists of a screw-like titanium post topped with an abutment to secure the individual prosthetic tooth. They can sometimes be immediately loaded if adequate initial stability is achieved.

Mini implants offer a minimally invasive option for single-tooth replacement and can temporarily stabilize removable dentures. They aren’t generally recommended for the back teeth, which bear more pressure during chewing.

Benefits of Each Dental Implant Solution

The main advantages of implants include:

  • Highly durable and able to last decades with proper care
  • Securely fixed without requiring reduction of adjacent teeth
  • Restore full chewing power and a confident smile
  • Prevent bone loss from missing tooth roots
  • Permanently replace loose or uncomfortable dentures

In addition, endosteal and mini implants allow for smaller surgical sites and shorter recovery periods than alternatives like conventional bridges or subperiosteal implants.

Implant Restoration Options

Depending on your needs, implants may support:

  • Single Crowns: Individual replacement teeth
  • Bridges: Frameworks topped with prosthetic teeth, replacing multiple missing teeth in a row
  • Overdentures: Removable dentures clipped securely into implants for added stability
  • Full Dentures: Entire rows of false teeth fixed to multiple implants

Candidates for Each Implant Type

  • Endosteal implants are suitable for most patients needing single or multiple tooth replacements, provided adequate bone remains after tooth loss. Those with moderate to significant bone loss may benefit from bone grafting before implants.
  • Mini implants provide a conservative option for replacing smaller teeth when standard implants aren’t feasible, including patients with thinner jawbones.
  • Subperiosteal implants are primarily reserved for advanced bone loss. This type doesn’t require bone drilling and may be the only practical option for some patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Implant Consultation With Dr. Yenchesky Today

If you’re suffering with missing, failing, or infected teeth, dental implants offer an effective and durable replacement solution. To determine the best options for your needs, contact Dr. Yenchesky at Fox View Dental in De Pere, WI, to schedule a consultation at (920) 336-4201.

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