Understanding the 4 Types of Dental Implants

If you're considering tooth replacement options, you may have come across the 4 types of dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, offering unmatched durability, functionality, and a natural appearance. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation that mimics a natural tooth root. However, not all dental implants are the same. Depending on your oral health, jawbone density, and specific dental needs, your dentist may recommend one of four different types of dental implants. Let’s explore these options so you can determine which one might be the best fit for your smile.

The 4 Types of Dental Implants Explained

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), there are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. However, advancements in dental technology have introduced additional implant solutions to address various patient needs. Practicing dental professionals often recognize these additional types of implants as distinct categories due to their unique applications and benefits. Below, we’ll break down these 4 types of dental implants, their uses, and their advantages.

1. Endosteal Implants: The Most Common Type of Dental Implant

Endosteal implants at a glance:

• Best for: Patients with strong, healthy jawbones who need a single-tooth replacement or multiple implants
• Pros: Durable, natural-looking, promotes jawbone health, and has a high success rate
• Cons: Requires multiple procedures and sufficient bone density; healing time can be several months

Endosteal implants are the most widely used and preferred dental implant type due to their high success rate and durability. These implants consist of a titanium post that is surgically embedded directly into the jawbone, mimicking a natural tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation for the replacement tooth. The procedure typically involves multiple steps. First, the implant is surgically placed in the jawbone. After a healing period of several months, during which the bone and implant integrate, an abutment (connector) is attached. Finally, a custom-made dental crown is placed on top, seamlessly blending with the rest of your teeth. Endosteal implants are considered the gold standard for dental implant procedures due to their long-term reliability and natural feel. However, they do require sufficient jawbone density to support the implant, which means some patients may need a bone graft before proceeding with this option.

2. Subperiosteal Implants: A Solution for Low Bone Density

Subperiosteal implants at a glance:

• Best for: Patients with significant bone loss who are not candidates for endosteal implants
• Pros: Less invasive than bone grafting, shorter healing time, suitable for those with jawbone deterioration
• Cons: Less stable than endosteal implants, may not last as long, requires a custom metal framework

Subperiosteal implants are an alternative for patients who lack the jawbone density necessary for endosteal implants, and either cannot or do not want to undergo a bone graft. Unlike endosteal implants, which are embedded directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the bone, underneath the gum tissue. A custom metal framework is placed just beneath the gums, with small posts protruding through the tissue to support the artificial teeth. Because the implant does not integrate with the bone in the same way as an endosteal implant, the stability is slightly lower, but it still offers a secure, functional replacement option for missing teeth. This type of implant is often recommended for patients who need a full arch restoration but do not have enough bone mass to support traditional implants. The procedure is also less invasive than endosteal implants, making it a viable option for older adults or those with underlying health conditions that may complicate a more extensive surgery.

3. “Teeth in a Day” or All-on-4 Dental Implants: A Full Arch Replacement Option

All-on-4 implants at a glance:

• Best for: Patients missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth who want a stable, fixed alternative to dentures
• Pros: Fewer implants required, no need for bone grafting in most cases, faster recovery, often completed in a single visit
• Cons: Requires healthy gums and sufficient bone for support, potential need for replacement prosthetic teeth over time

For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-on-4 dental implants offer a full-arch restoration using only four strategically placed implants per jaw. This innovative technique eliminates the need for an implant for every missing tooth, reducing overall costs and treatment time. The procedure involves placing two implants at the front of the jaw and two implants at an angle toward the back, maximizing contact with the available bone. This angled placement allows patients with some bone loss to qualify for implants without requiring a bone graft. Once the implants are placed, a full set of replacement teeth is attached, often on the same day—hence the nickname “teeth in a day.” All-on-4 implants restore full chewing function and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for patients who want a more permanent alternative to dentures. However, because only four implants support an entire arch of teeth, patients must commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure long-term success.

4. Implant-Supported Bridges: Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Implant-supported bridges at a glance:

• Best for: Patients with multiple missing teeth in a row who want a non-removable, stable solution
• Pros: Does not require support from surrounding natural teeth, prevents bone loss, provides a natural look and function
• Cons: Requires multiple procedures, must have enough bone density to support implants, higher initial cost

When several adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge provides a stable and long-lasting solution. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, which relies on neighboring natural teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge is anchored by dental implants embedded in the jawbone. The procedure involves placing two or more implants, which act as artificial tooth roots, to support a custom bridge of replacement teeth. This method not only restores function and appearance but also helps prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, much like natural tooth roots would. One of the biggest benefits of implant-supported bridges is that they eliminate the need to alter or grind down healthy adjacent teeth, which is a common drawback of traditional bridges. This makes them a more conservative and long-term solution for replacing multiple teeth in a row.

Choosing the Right Dental Implant for You

Now that you understand the 4 types of dental implants, you may be wondering which one is best for your specific needs. The right choice depends on factors like jawbone health, the number of missing teeth, lifestyle preferences, and budget. At Tedford Family Dentistry, we can help determine the best dental implant option for you through a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry consultation. We use advanced imaging technology to assess your bone structure and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs. If you're ready to restore your smile with dental implants, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about which implant option is right for you!

Call us today to book an appointment!

Call: (423) 238-8887
Book Online: https://tedfordfamilydentistry.com/ooltewah-tn-dentist-office

Here at Tedford Family Dentistry, we want to make sure that all of our Ooltewah clients fully understand the cosmetic dentistry services that we offer. In the world of dentistry, people generally place dental services into two main camps - things that need to be done and things people want to have done. For example, getting a cavity filled is a need-based service. Walking around with a cavity can be quite painful and, as such, is a service that most people would consider necessary in order to maintain the overall health of their mouth. However, in today’s post, we are going to talk about a service that, at first glance, doesn’t seem like a necessity but, after taking a moment to think about the benefits, can quickly blur the lines between what is necessary and what is wanted.

What are Dental Implants?

Before we dive into some of the benefits of dental implants and whether or not they are the right choice for your situation, we want to take a moment to explain what dental implants are. At the most basic level, dental implants are fake teeth that are placed in a patient's gums in order to replace a tooth that is dying or to fill in for a tooth that has already fallen out of the patient's mouth. Think of dental implants as an artificial tooth with an attached root. When dental implants are placed in the jawbone, they bond with the patient’s bone, providing a sturdy base for an artificial tooth (known as a crown) to be placed. In modern dentistry, dental implants are the best replacement for a lost or damaged tooth because they are the most realistic looking replacement available and, more importantly, they help to maintain the integrity of the jawbone.

When a tooth is lost or starts to die, the root is no longer firmly placed in the jawbone. While this might not seem like a huge deal to the average person, a missing tooth can actually create lasting damage that affects the integrity of the teeth closest to the missing or damaged tooth. The human jawbone is made to house teeth. The roots of teeth and the jawbone work together to maintain structural integrity of the jawbone. If a person is missing one or more teeth, the area of the jawbone where these teeth are missing becomes weaker. If left untreated, this weak spot can actually spread further away from the problem area, leading to an overall softening of the jawbone and, in a worst-case scenario, damage to the roots of healthy teeth. Luckily, dental implants help to solve this issue by giving the jawbone a “root” to grow around, maintaining the natural strength of the jawbone itself.

What are Some of the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Aside from helping the jawbone maintain its strength, dental implants offer many more benefits when compared to other tooth replacement options:

• Improved Appearance - One major advantage that draws people toward dental implants is the fact that they are one of the most natural-looking tooth replacement options. When placed in the mouth, dental implants look and feel just like a natural tooth.
• Improved Speech - A major complaint we hear from people with dentures is that they can slip in a patient’s mouth, causing a person to slur or to mumble their words. This occurs because the dentures may not sit properly in a person’s mouth. With dental implants, this problem does not occur because the implants are fused directly to a person’s jawbone, guaranteeing that no slipping will occur.
• Improved Oral Health - Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require the reducing of surrounding teeth. Because the adjacent teeth are not altered to support the implant, a patient’s original teeth are left intact, greatly improving long-term oral health.
• Durability - Another great feature of dental implants is the fact that they are super durable. The implant itself is made from medical grade stainless steel, while the crown can be made from a variety of materials including resin, ceramic-based materials, or porcelain fused to metal. No matter the material, dental implants are made to last.
• Convenience - Once a dental implant is placed in a patient’s jaw, they often times forget that they even have a false tooth. Other tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges or dentures, require a certain amount of upkeep and, unfortunately, must oftentimes be removed from the mouth in order to be properly cleaned. Because a dental implant is a permanent, long-term solution that is designed to stay in a patient’s mouth, upkeep is the same as it would be for a natural tooth.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

By this point in the post, you are probably wondering if dental implants are the right choice for your particular situation. While every patient’s situation is different, we are confident in saying that dental implants are almost always the best choice when it comes to replacing a damaged or missing tooth.

We hope that this blog helped answer some questions about dental implants and the advantages they provide. If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant services we offer at our Ooltewah location, please feel free to reach out to us through our contact form or give us a call at 423-238-8887.

We all want a more youthful appearance, especially as we approach middle-age and worry about getting passed over for jobs in favor of younger candidates or fear that we are losing our sex appeal. Millions of Americans fight to hide signs of the natural aging process with injections to tighten the skin and products to conceal gray hairs. One positive impact of cosmetic dentistry performed at our Ooltewah TN dental office is a more youthful appearance. For those with teeth in good condition, teeth whitening or dental veneers can give the illusion of a more youthful smile. For others who’ve lost teeth over the years, dental implants surgically positioned into the jawbone create a similar effect.

Cosmetic Dentistry: The Fountain of Youth?

Teeth Whitening and Dental Veneers

Think back to when you were a younger person, perhaps in your twenties, with beautiful white teeth freshly aligned from wearing braces in your teens. Wouldn’t it be great to have those pearly whites again? Like the circles inside a tree marking the passage of time, the shade of the enamel on our teeth can reveal our age, even for those who’ve taken great care of their teeth, brushing and flossing daily and scheduling regular cleanings twice a year as recommended. It’s simply inevitable for teeth to stain as a result of aging, combined with tobacco use, years of drinking colas or coffees, eating acidic foods, or possibly as a result of some trauma experienced along the way. Teeth whitening at our Ooltewah cosmetic dentistry office lightens teeth and helps to decrease this discoloration. Another alternative is applying thin pieces of porcelain veneers to add strength and mask natural teeth that are chipped, stained, or worn-down over time.

Whitening is the cheapest and easiest way to make a smile look younger, says Bruce Seidner, a fellow at the Academy of General Dentistry. “However, not everyone can have their teeth successfully whitened. Sometimes a person's enamel or damage to the teeth make it difficult to achieve lasting results. In those cases, a veneer covering the tooth may be a better option,” Seidner told US News & World Report. 

Dental Implants

When simple teeth whitening and veneers fail to improve the look of teeth, dental implants become the next option if someone wants to avoid dentures, which can slip and not feel as natural. It’s important for surgically implanted teeth to match the tone of the surrounding teeth, if any, in order to appear natural. Missing teeth can cause a more “sunken-in” appearance and add wrinkles to the face. The effects of gum disease building over generations can impact the look of our smile as well and may require grafting to restore receded gums. It’s comforting to know that age doesn’t disqualify us from having a better smile.

Explore Cosmetic Dentistry Options for a Whiter, More Youthful Smile

No two people age in exactly the same way. Regardless of the condition of the mouth, we can always look better with some effort. With cosmetic dental procedures performed in Tedford Family Dentistry’s Ooltewah TN office, you can enjoy and embrace your age with a more confident, youthful smile that helps you compete for that job or win the attention of that special someone.

Dr. Keith Tedford can consult with patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth and achieve a more youthful look. To meet with him and our staff, call us at (423) 238-8887 or stop by our office at 9380 Bradmore Lane, Suite 108, in Ooltewah TN to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tedford.

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