Dental implants have revolutionized how people restore missing teeth and improve their oral health. Unlike dentures or bridges, a dental implant offers a permanent replacement solution. In addition to being permanent, dental implants also look and feel like natural teeth. Before this procedure, you must evaluate the different types of dental implants.
Two-Stage Dental Implants
There are multiple styles of implants that patients can use. However, most patients can meet their needs with two-stage implants. These implants are suitable for replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, which makes them a versatile solution. The implant is inserted into the jawbone during the first stage of this procedure. While this may sound painful, local anesthetics significantly reduce the patient's pain and discomfort. In most cases, patients may find this causes only marginally more discomfort than a routine filling. After several months of healing, the rest of the replacement tooth is attached.
Same-Day Implants
Same-day implants allow for a tooth to be replaced in a single procedure. The replacement tooth is placed on the implant immediately. Same-day implants are an excellent solution for a patient who needs to avoid multiple dentist visits. This style is often used when a patient has an implant placed immediately after a tooth extraction. However, these dental implants can also help patients that may have had a missing tooth for some time. A patient must have healthy jawbones to qualify for this dental implant procedure. As a result, those with periodontal disease may need other options.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Patients who have sustained severe jaw damage may assume that a dental implant will not be an option. Luckily, zygomatic dental implants are one of the more advanced options and are suitable for patients with jawbone issues. While traditional implants are placed directly into the jawbone, zygomatic implants connect to the cheekbone. This supports the implants while avoiding straining the weakened jawbone. This is an effective dental implant option, but the procedure is significantly more complex with a longer recovery time.
All-On-Four
All-on-four implants are an affordable and effective option for a patient needing a full arch replacement. The entire arch is replaced and supported by four implants during this procedure. For a patient worried about the strength or durability of these implants, they are longer and angled to provide better support for the replacement teeth. These features can enable patients to replace their arch while lowering costs. As an added benefit, the patient may have a shorter recovery due to the limited number of implants that are placed.
Contact a local dental office to learn more about dental crown implants.