Dental implants and their types

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution for restoring lost teeth.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium or other material compatible with the human body.

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure during which an implant is implanted into the jaw bone. An abutment (a kind of adapter) is installed on the implant. A dental crown is placed on top, which visually and functionally completely imitates a natural tooth.

Thus, dental implants provide a stable support for artificial teeth.

The stages of dental implant installation

Consultation and planning. Before implantation, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the jaw bone, adjacent teeth and general health.

Preparation. In some cases, bone augmentation (bone augmentation) is required if the bone is not large enough to install an implant.

Implant placement. Under anesthesia, the doctor carefully implants the implant into the bone. 

Osteointegration. After the procedure, it takes several months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone tissue. Only then can you move on to the next stage.

Installation of the abutment and crown. An abutment and a dental crown are installed on the implant.

Advantages of dental implants

1. Durability. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

2. Aesthetics. Artificial teeth look and function like real ones.

3. Protection. Implants help prevent atrophy of the jaw bone, which usually occurs after tooth loss.

4. Comfort. Dental implants do not require removal and special care.

5. Implant Care. The care of implants is similar to the care of natural teeth. You need regular oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. 

It is also important to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and examination.

What are dental implants (materials) made of?

Dental implants are usually made of biocompatible materials that ensure a strong attachment of the implant in the bone tissue.

The main materials used for the manufacture of dental implants are:

• Titanium is the most common dental implant material. It has a high biocompatibility without causing rejection. Titanium has excellent mechanical properties, which ensures a strong attachment to the bone.

• Zirconium. It has high strength and biocompatibility, and has an advantage in aesthetic terms, since it is white in color. Zirconium implants can be more expensive compared to titanium implants.

• Alloys. Some dental implants are made of various alloys, including titanium. 

Zirconium implants are harder than titanium implants, but they are inferior in mechanical properties. Under severe mechanical stress, they may be more prone to breakage compared to titanium ones.

Zirconium implants also have a shorter history of use and research.

You should always discuss this issue with an implantologist in order to choose the most appropriate material for a particular situation.

If you are considering the possibility of installing implants, be sure to consult with qualified dentists to get a treatment plan and price offers.

What is the best type of dental implant to get?

An implantologist decides which dental implant is best to place. Modern dental implants from Swiss, Israeli, Korean, Swedish manufacturers have an extremely high survival rate - above 90-93%. The difference may be in how long the healing process takes, as well as in osseointegration, reliability, and production cost.

When choosing an implant, you should consider the quality of the material. Today, dentures are made from titanium - the safest and hypoallergenic material that does not affect surrounding tissues. However, to speed up engraftment, manufacturers use various coatings. However, to speed up engraftment, manufacturers use various coatings. For example, titanium oxide coating enriched with phosphate is considered high-quality.

In terms of design, cone-shaped implants with grooves on the surface are considered the best option in many cases. Their shape allows you to accelerate the formation of bone tissue around the implant.

Types of dental implants according to design shape and installation technology:

• Root-shaped - the most popular, widely used when there is a large volume of bone tissue

• Plate implants - they are installed when the bone width is insufficient;

• Combined implants - have a complex shape and are used for patients with serious defects of the dental system;

• Subperiosteal dental implants - intended for clinical cases with thin bone tissue;

• Endodontic implants - needed by dentists to strengthen or lengthen the root;

• Intramucosal implants do not require screwing into the bone and are used to stabilize prostheses.