Comparing Dental Implant Options: Pros and Cons

Summary:

Thanks to their versatility, dental implants have become Americans' go-to option for tooth loss in the past decade. 

It’s estimated that around 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, which grow by approximately 500,000 annually. These appliances offer a reliable option for those seeking to restore function and aesthetics, providing a lasting alternative and helping people regain their smile and chewing ability.

Sadly, however, there’s a lot of confusion around choosing between the different types of implants available on the market. Since the different options impact the procedure's success, longevity, and overall satisfaction, we take a closer look at the different implant options via topics like: 

• Understanding Dental Implants: What Are They About?

• Types of Dental Implants You Should Know Of! 

• What’s the Best Implant Option for You?

So continue reading as we learn more about the different implant options in the following sections of the blog. 

Understanding Dental Implants: What Are They About?

Dental implants offer a sophisticated way to replace missing teeth. They involve titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial roots for new teeth. Once in place, these implants integrate with the bone through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for attaching a crown or bridge.

The procedure involves placing the implant into the jawbone, allowing time for healing and integration, and then attaching a customized restoration. Selecting the appropriate type of implant is crucial as it impacts the success and functionality of the restoration. 

Your dentist in Mississippi will assess your needs and bone structure to recommend the best option, ensuring the most effective and long-lasting results for your oral health.

Types of Dental Implants You Should Know Of! 

Dental implants are an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They come in several types to suit different needs. The three main types are endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic implants.

Endosteal Implants 

Endosteal Implants are among the most common types of dental implants. They are surgically inserted into the mandible and are a substitute root for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Made from titanium, they integrate with the bone over time, providing a strong and durable foundation. Ideal candidates for endosteal implants generally have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. They commonly replace single or multiple teeth in patients with good bone structure.

Pros:

Endosteal implants are known for their high success rate and durability, making them a reliable choice for many patients seeking tooth replacement. They integrate well with various bone densities, making them an effective solution for individuals with different bone structures. 

These implants are highly customizable, allowing for adjustments based on individual patient needs, which contributes to their overall effectiveness and comfort.

Cons:

However, endosteal implants do have some drawbacks. They require sufficient bone structure for proper placement, which may not be available in all patients. For those with inadequate bone density, bone grafting might be necessary, adding to the complexity and duration of the treatment. 

Furthermore, the healing process can be longer than other implant types, potentially extending the time required to achieve the desired results. Despite these considerations, many patients find that the benefits of endosteal implants outweigh the challenges.

Subperiosteal Implants

Next, we have subperiosteal implants, a standard option for dental implants in Mississippi. They’re used when bone height or density is insufficient for endosteal implants. These implants are placed mainly above or on the jawbone and under the gum. 

These implants are typically recommended for patients who cannot undergo bone grafting procedures to enhance bone structure. Subperiosteal implants are often used in cases where patients have severe bone loss or anatomical constraints that make endosteal implants impractical.

Pros:

Subperiosteal implants offer a valuable solution for patients who lack sufficient bone height, making them a viable alternative to more invasive procedures like bone grafting. One of their key advantages is the reduced invasiveness compared to traditional bone grafting, which often requires extensive surgical intervention. 

Additionally, patients may experience a quicker healing period with subperiosteal implants relative to endosteal implants, which typically involve deeper surgical placement into the jawbone.

Cons:

Despite these benefits, subperiosteal implants have notable drawbacks. They tend to be less stable over time than endosteal implants placed directly into the jawbone, which can impact long-term functionality and durability. Furthermore, there is a higher risk of implant failure with subperiosteal implants, potentially necessitating further intervention. 

Additionally, subperiosteal implants are less commonly used and have a more limited range of applications than other implant types, which may affect their availability and patients' options.

Zygomatic Implants

Next, we have zygomatic implants, which are less common and are used in more complex cases. They are anchored into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than the jawbone, making them suitable for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. 

These implants are preferred when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support other types of implants, and they offer a viable alternative when conventional implants are not an option.

Pros:

Zygomatic implants offer a remarkable solution for patients experiencing severe bone loss in the upper jaw. These implants are designed to be anchored into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), eliminating the need for extensive bone grafting. 

This approach provides a robust foundation for dental prosthetics, even when traditional implants are not feasible. For individuals who have struggled with inadequate bone structure, zygomatic implants present a viable and effective alternative, allowing for improved functionality and aesthetics.

Cons:

However, getting zygomatic implants is more complex and invasive compared to conventional options. It requires a high level of expertise and is generally performed by specialized dental surgeons with experience handling such cases. 

Additionally, the cost associated with zygomatic implants tends to be higher than standard implants, reflecting the advanced technology and specialized skill required. As a result, while zygomatic implants can provide considerable advantages for certain individuals, they may not be appropriate for everyone due to these factors.

Factors Influencing the Right Choice for Your Implants

• Oral Health and Structure: The selection of various implant types is influenced by bone density and quality.

• General Health and Medical History: An applicant for an implant may be affected by a medical condition, medication, or other issue.

• Oral Health: Maintaining good dental hygiene and treating gum disease are critical to the effectiveness of implants.

• Oral Habits: Smoking and other oral health-related behaviors may impact implant success.

• Location and Number of Missing Teeth: Implant placement and repair are determined by the particular missing teeth and their amount.

Choosing the right type of dental implant should be made in consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will assess your oral health and discuss your goals and preferences to help you make an informed decision.

Takeaway

• Dental implants come in various types—endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic—to address different needs, from standard cases to those with significant bone loss.

• Endosteal implants are highly durable and customizable but require sufficient bone density, while subperiosteal implants offer a less invasive alternative for those with bone loss.

• Zygomatic implants are ideal for severe bone loss but involve a more complex procedure, necessitating specialized expertise.

• Subperiosteal implants are less stable over time than endosteal implants placed directly into the jawbone.