There are many people with one or more missing teeth in the world today. This problem has numerous causes, including gum disease, tooth decay, and injury. And, in some cases, individuals are born with certain missing teeth, a condition called congenitally missing teeth. Although this issue may seem minor, it comes with several significant consequences. For instance, several missing teeth can alter the topography of your face and cause other teeth to move and shift, leading to additional problems. Fortunately, today, professionals can fix a missing teeth problem using dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small-sized surgical component or post designed to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once this component has been inserted into the jawbone, it can support an additional prosthesis like a denture, bridge, or crown. Most of the dental implants used today are made of titanium materials and their alloys.
Common Types of Dental Implants
In your searching for suitable dental implants, you may have to choose from any of the following popular options:
1. Endosteal dental implants
Endosteal implants are arguably the most preferred option when it comes to missing teeth replacements. These implants get surgically embedded in the jawbone. Each can hold more than one artificial tooth if need be and comes with three main parts: the dental prosthetic, abutment, and implant. The abutment is the sole connection between the implant and prosthetic. If you need dental implants guaranteed to last longer without worrying about failure, consider getting endosteal implants.
2. Subperiosteal dental implants
Subperiosteal implants are the most common alternative to endosteal implants. Professionals mostly recommend this option if a patient needs a dental implant but lacks sufficient bone structure for supporting endosteal posts. Unlike endosteal implants that get directly installed into the jawbone, these rely on metal frames placed underneath the periosteum, between the gum and jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are ideal if you need to permanently solve a missing tooth problem rather than use temporary solutions like dentures.
3. Zygomatic dental implants
Zygomatic implants are somewhat less common than the other alternatives. As the name suggests, professionals implant zygomatic dental implants into the zygomatic bone, otherwise called the cheekbone. They are solely designed to replace an entire set of severely damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Dental surgeons often resort to zygomatic implants when they are handling clients with inadequate bone mass. The most outstanding benefit of these dental components is they don't require supplemental procedures like sinus lifts.
The Bottom Line
Your oral hygiene and teeth condition play a significant role in determining your physical appeal and overall happiness. Therefore, if problems like missing teeth are compromising your quality of life, consult a dentist immediately. A reputable expert will recommend the best dental implants and fix your oral issue to ensure you are smiling with satisfaction within no time.