Unveiling the Four Types of Dental Implants: Which One’s for You?

The loss of a tooth does more than alter your smile—it alters the way you chew, the way you talk, and even the way you feel about yourself. The better news? Dental implants offer a permanent fix. And that’s where everyone gets stumped: What type of implant should you get? There isn’t just one right answer. The appropriate implant is determined by your needs, lifestyle, and oral health. Some people will need just one implant, and others will need a full-arch replacement. Well, let’s get to the point and talk about the types of dental implants to see what is best for your dental needs.

1. Single Tooth Implants: A Lifesaver for One Missing Tooth

Not all people who lose a tooth require a full set of replacements. If you have lost just one tooth, Single Tooth Implant is the solution.

• Natural-looking and feeling – No one will ever notice it’s an implant.
• No impact on neighboring teeth – As opposed to bridges, which rely on the supporting adjacent teeth, this implant requires no support.
• Long-lasting – With proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime.
• Re-gains chewing function – No more struggling with chewy foods.

A titanium post is implanted into the jawbone, serving as the root. After healing, a tailored crown is cemented. It’s strong, seamless, and rebirths your smile in an instant.

2. Implant Dentures: Bid Farewell to Slipping Dentures

Conventional dentures can be infuriating—slipping, clicking, and needing adhesives all the time. Implant Dentures fix those issues by securing the dentures onto implant posts.

• Secure and stable – No longer worrying about dentures moving.
• Increased bite pressure – Eat foods you couldn’t with conventional dentures.
• Jawbone preservation – Prevents bone loss that typically happens with conventional dentures.
• Comfortable – No bulky adhesives or daily removal is needed.

These dental implants (typically four to six) are employed to support a complete set of replacement teeth. The result? A worry-free, confident smile.

3. All-on-4 Implants: Full-Arch Restoration in One Sitting

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, all-on-4 implants are a game-changer. This technique places four strategically positioned implants in your jaw to hold a complete set of teeth.

• Fewer implants, full results – Just four implants support an entire arch of teeth.
• Minimal healing time – Faster recovery compared to traditional full-mouth implants.
• Fixed solution – No need to remove them daily.
• Enhanced facial structure – Keeps cheeks from looking sunken due to missing teeth.

The procedure is typically completed in one visit, so you have a new smile the same day.

4. Zygomatic Implants: The Alternative for Low Bone Density

Many patients are told that they cannot have normal implants due to low bone density. That is where Zygomatic Implants come in. These implants go into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than the jawbone.

• Ideal for severe bone loss – No grafting of bone required.
• Provides stable support – Even with late-stage jawbone loss.
• Shorter recovery time – Recovery time is shorter than with extensive bone grafting.

Zygomatic implants are an advanced solution, but for the right patient, they allow for implants where otherwise they wouldn’t be.

Which One Is Best for You?

When choosing among types of dental implants, a variety of factors apply:

• Number of missing teeth – One, multiple, or the whole arch?
• Bone density – Sufficient to support conventional implants, or do you need zygomatic?
• Lifestyle needs – Favor a fixed solution, or okay with removables?
• Long-term goals – Do you desire longevity, looks, or both?

A consultation with a dentist is the best way of determining which implant is most appropriate to your own needs. Schedule an appointment today and start your journey to regaining your confident smile.