Introduction:
Teeth that are lost can cause a functional and cosmetic deficiency and are typically restored with bridges or dentures. Dental implants have become a popular alternative and effective solution for individuals dealing with missing teeth. It looks and feels like a natural tooth and has 98% success rate. In India, the availability of various types of dental implants provides patients with diverse options. This blog aims to demystify the world of dental implants, offering simple explanations to help patients make informed decisions about their oral health.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to replace the missing natural teeth. They offer a sturdy foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, mimicking the natural structure of teeth.
Types of dental implants
Based on treatment (number of missing teeth)
Replacement of single missing tooth:
Traditionally single missing tooth was replaced using a fixed bridge which would require the cutting of adjacent normal tooth for support followed by placing 3 crowns. Dental implant used in this scenario does not harm the adjacent normal tooth.
Replacement of multiple missing teeth:
In case of multiple missing adjacent teeth, more than 1 implant will be placed to form an implant supported bridge. The adjacent normal tooth would not be touched or harmed in this process.
Replacement of entire dental arch:
Complete removable dentures were used traditionally to replace all the teeth in the arch. Implant supported denture provides a stable and fixed solution to replace an entire dental arch. This innovative approach involves placing four implants in specific locations, providing a stable base for a complete set of teeth. All-on-4 is a quicker and cost-effective solution for full arch restorations.
Based on location
Endosteal Implants:
These implants are the most common and are placed directly into the jawbone. Ideal for individuals with sufficient bone height and density, endosteal implants provide a stable foundation for individual crowns, bridges, or even full arch restorations
Sub-periosteal Implants:
Placed on or above the jawbone, subperiosteal implants sit on a metal framework and are used when there's inadequate natural bone. Suitable for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implant surgery due to bone loss, offering a viable alternative for supporting prosthetics.
Transosteal Implants:
A Transosteal implant is used to support a mandibular denture when the patient has severe resorption and lacks enough bone support for endosteal or sub-periosteal implants. Here the implant is placed through the jaw bone. This type of implant is not commonly used.
4. Zygomatic Implants:
Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone, reaching into the upper jaw. They are designed for individuals with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. This advanced technique helps avoid complex bone grafting procedures.
Based on implant structure
Type of material
Dental implants are typically made of titanium or ceramic. Titanium is biocompatible, ensuring a strong bond with the jawbone. Ceramic implants, though less common, appeal to those seeking metal-free options.
1. Titanium Implants:
- Composition: Made from titanium alloy.
- Biocompatibility: Highly biocompatible, promoting osseointegration (fusion with the bone).
- Advantages: Widely used, durable, and has a long history of successful use.
Brand Examples: Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet.
2. Ceramic Implants:
- Composition: Made from materials like zirconia.
- Advantages: Non-metallic, suitable for individuals with metal allergies, and offers an aesthetic advantage due to tooth-like color. They are corrosion-resistant and are more aesthetically appealing. Ceramic implants may offer better insulation against temperature sensitivity.
3. Hybrid Implants:
- Composition: Combine materials for specific benefits, like a titanium implant with a ceramic crown.
- Advantages: Capitalizes on the strengths of different materials for improved performance.
Based on design
1. Threaded Implants:
- Structure: Screw-shaped design for stability.
- Advantages: Provides excellent primary stability, especially in denser bone.
2. Cylindrical Implants:
- Structure: Straight and smooth design.
- Advantages: Suitable for areas with lower bone density, offering ease of insertion.
3. Bladed Implants:
- Structure: Flat, blade-like design.
- Advantages: Ideal for replacing multiple teeth in narrow spaces and areas with insufficient bone width.
4. Tapered Implants:
- Structure: Wider at the base, gradually narrowing towards the top.
- Advantages: Enhances stability and is often used in situations with limited bone space.
5. Hollow Implants:
- Structure: Hollow center with small perforations.
- Advantages: Allows for bone and soft tissue integration, promoting natural aesthetics.
6. Mini Dental Implants:
- Structure: Smaller in diameter compared to standard implants, mini implants are less invasive and have a quicker placement process.
- Advantages: Suitable for patients with limited bone mass or those seeking a less complex and speedier implant procedure, often used for stabilizing dentures
Based on Surface Treatments
1. Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Surface:
- Process: The implant surface is roughened through sandblasting and acid etching.
- Advantages: Enhances osseointegration by creating a surface conducive to bone cell attachment.
Improved surface texture accelerates the healing process.
2. Hydroxyapatite Coating:
- Coating: Application of hydroxyapatite, a bone-like mineral, to the implant surface.
- Advantages: Aids in faster osseointegration and enhances the bond between the implant and the bone.
Hydroxyapatite mimics the mineral composition of bone, enhancing biocompatibility.
3. Plasma-Sprayed Coating:
- Process: Coating applied through plasma spraying.
- Advantages: Improves the implant's surface texture, fostering better integration with surrounding bone.
Enhances the stability of the implant during the early stages of healing.
Conclusion:
In India, the diverse range of dental implants provides patients with tailored solutions for restoring their smiles. Understanding the material, design, and surface treatment options allows for a more tailored approach to dental implant placement. Factors such as bone quality, patient health, and specific dental needs influence the selection process. Dental professionals carefully consider these aspects to ensure the successful integration and longevity of the implant within the patient's oral environment. Patients can benefit from open discussions with their dentists to choose the most suitable combination based on their unique circumstances.
