Dental Implants: Types and Common Misconceptions

Tooth loss is one of the most common problems that many people experience. There are many factors behind it, but the main reason is that some people don’t know how to take care of their teeth. This leads to cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases that become the primary cause of deteriorating oral health, resulting in tooth loss.

A study made by the World Health Organization in 2017 found that over 530 million children suffer from having dental caries or cavities. On the other hand, severe periodontal disease was also a common problem that affected about 10 percent of the global population.

The good thing is there are now multiple ways to solve tooth loss and, one of them is getting dental implants. These are dental devices implanted in a patient’s jaw that act as tooth root replacements. They are made of titanium and serve as the solid foundation for the crown or artificial teeth that will be attached.

Types of Implants

There are three main types of dental implants that your dentist will recommend depending on the best one suitable for your needs. The implant will also be based on the location of your tooth loss and your oral health situation. Listed below are some more information about them.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are also known as the most common type of implant. These look like small screws that are installed into the jawbone. The implant will need time to fuse into the jawbone—a process known as osseointegration—to anchor firmly. As such, an ideal candidate for this kind of procedure should be people with healthy and fully-grown jawbones.

Subperiosteal Implants

If you’re looking into other options, then a subperiosteal implant might be best for you. It’s a procedure where the implant is placed on top of your jawbone and under your gums. This is a recommended procedure for people that require implants but have a shallow jawbone or have inadequate bones in their jaw.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are a relatively new type of implant created to replace the patient’s missing teeth in the upper jaw. This implant involves anchoring the implants into the zygomatic bone or the cheekbone. That’s why it’s also a good alternative for people who need implants but have insufficient bones in the jaw because of trauma, injury, or bone deterioration. It’s a less invasive procedure, and it bypasses the need for bone grafting.

Common Misconceptions

Although there are many types of implants, few people might be familiar with them. This could be the reason why there are a lot of misconceptions about dental implants. Here are some of them and the truth behind these myths.

Myth 1: Dental Implants Are Painful

This is one of the common misconceptions that make most patients fear getting dental implants. But implant surgery is not painful because it involves the use of local or general anesthesia. This will numb the area so that the patient will not feel any pain during the operation. However, once the anesthesia has worn off, patients can expect some mild discomfort which is normal and temporary, as with any other post-operative pain.

Myth 2: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural

The crown, which is attached to your implants, is designed to imitate the appearance of your natural teeth. It is usually made from ceramic material, which your prosthodontist will ensure to match the color and shape of your real teeth. In this way, the crown will look natural.

Myth 3: Dental Implants Don’t Last Long

In contrast to what some believe, dental implants can actually last for a lifetime. This is possible as long as they are maintained properly with regular brushing and flossing. This should also be partnered with consistent visits and checkups with your dentist every six months. On the other hand, the crown may last for about 10 to 15 years until a replacement is needed.

Myth 4: Dental Implants Require a Lot of Maintenance

Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants don’t typically require a lot of maintenance. It’s because these are installed permanently in the patient’s jawbone, which means you won’t need constant replacements. All you have to do is maintain your oral hygiene, like your natural teeth, then there’s nothing you should worry about.

Takeaway

The loss of a tooth or some of your teeth is a common yet preventable problem that can happen to anyone. If you’re experiencing this type of dental issue, there’s no need to worry, as there are now many solutions that can help you. One of which is the many kinds of dental implants. The important thing is that you seek consultation only with the right experts. In this way, you get nothing but credible information for all the questions you may have.