Learning about the different types of dental implants can help you make a confident choice about restoring your smile. Implants are a reliable, long-lasting way to replace missing teeth, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right type depends on your bone, your health, and how many teeth you’re replacing.
At Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake, our implant dentist completed a two-year residency focused on dental implants, and our Mohegan Lake, NY practice offers a range of implant options for different needs. Here’s how the main types compare.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium or zirconia, that support replacement teeth or dental prostheses. They replace both the function and the look of natural teeth, which makes them a strong option for people who’ve lost teeth to decay, injury, or other dental problems.
Once healed, an implant lets you bite into an apple, laugh at the dinner table, and stop covering your mouth in photos. For many people, that’s the part that matters most.
Common Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They go directly into the jawbone, look like small screws, and serve as sturdy posts for single crowns, bridges, or dentures. This option is usually recommended for patients with a healthy jawbone.
Subperiosteal Implants
For patients without enough jawbone density, or who can’t have bone augmentation, subperiosteal implants might be an alternative. They sit under the gum but on top of the jawbone, using a metal frame to hold the prosthesis.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are less common. They’re used when the upper jaw doesn’t have enough bone to support endosteal implants. Instead, they anchor into the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, which can provide a stable option for people with severe bone loss.
Specialty Dental Implants and How They’re Used
Beyond the traditional types, specialty implants like mini implants and full-arch systems solve specific problems. Mini implants are smaller in diameter and can be used where standard implants won’t fit. Full-arch options such as All-on-4 or All-on-X replace a whole arch of teeth on just a few implants, offering a less invasive path to complete teeth replacement. At Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake, full-mouth dental implants are one of the ways we help patients who are missing most or all of their teeth.
Dental Implant Options by Material
Titanium Implants
Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants because it’s strong and durable and bonds well with bone, a process called osseointegration. Over time, the bone grows tightly around the implant and holds it in place.
Zirconia Implants
Zirconia implants are a metal-free alternative, often chosen for their tooth-colored look and biocompatibility. They can be a good fit for patients with metal sensitivities or who prefer a more holistic approach.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Initial Consultation and Planning
At your first visit to our Mohegan Lake office, Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake reviews your oral health, talks through your dental history, and takes digital scans or X-rays to decide on the right implant plan for you. This is a great time to ask about sedation, timelines, and what recovery will look like.
Implant Placement
Using advanced techniques like robotic-assisted surgery, your implant is placed into the jawbone with a high level of precision. The Yomi robotic system guides the placement based on your treatment plan, which can help make the procedure more accurate and less invasive.
Healing and Osseointegration
After surgery, a healing period lets the implant fuse with your jawbone. This step gives the implant its long-term stability and usually takes a few weeks to several months. Soft foods, gentle cleaning, and follow-up visits help this phase go smoothly.
