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There are multiple options available if you’re considering dental implants. Your dentist will select the best one for you based in part on the amount of healthy jawbone you have.
Let’s take a look at the options available and the difference between implants and other common dental alternatives.
1. Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of implants. If you have enough healthy jawbone to support it, your provider may recommend an endosteal implant.1
Endosteal implants resemble small screws. Your dental surgeon will surgically insert the implant deep into your jawbone. The screw takes the place of the missing tooth's root. Unlike natural tooth roots, an implant can anchor several teeth instead of just one. Over time, your natural jawbone will grow around the dental implant, making it stronger and more stable.1
The surgeon attaches replacement teeth (crowns) to dental implants with a metal extender called an abutment. The provider attaches the abutment during the initial implant procedure2 or within several months.1
These procedures are anxiety-producing for some people.3 That's completely understandable, but know that dental implant surgery has a 90 to 95% success rate.1
Endosteal dental implants can last a lifetime, particularly if you have good oral hygiene habits such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks. The crowns may, however, require replacement every 10 to 15 years.4
2. Endosteal Implant With Bone Augmentation
If you don't have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant, bone augmentation procedures are sometimes done ahead of time to replace or build up bone.2 This eliminates the need for a subperiosteal implant and may provide a more permanent, stable option for you.
Bone augmentation is also referred to as a bone graft. During this procedure, the doctor places bone from either your own body or another source in your jaw or below the sinus cavity. In some instances, they will use a synthetic, bone-like material instead.2
The bone grafting material promotes new, healthy bone growth. This creates enough bone to hold and maintain an endosteal dental implant.2
3. Subperiosteal Dental Implants
When there isn't enough jawbone to support an endosteal implant, your doctor may use a subperiosteal implant. This procedure isn't common and these implants aren't as sturdy as endosteal implants.5
Subperiosteal implants are surgically inserted under the gums to sit on or above the jawbone. They are not drilled into the bone itself. If you have a subperiosteal implant inserted, the metal implant post remains visible above the gumline, until the provider affixes an artificial tooth to it.5
4. Single vs. Full Implants
A single implant replaces only one tooth, while a full set of implants replaces all of the teeth in your mouth. The type of implant used varies based on what is best for the patient.6
For some patients, a dentist may recommend replacing each individual tooth with a single implant. This is the most expensive and surgically intensive option. In other cases, patients may receive implant-secured dentures,6 also called an implant-supported bridge.7 Implant-secured dentures consist of a row of false teeth secured with as few as four implants along the upper or lower jawline.6
5. All-on-4
For those missing most of the teeth along the top or bottom of their mouth, a good option might be the All-on-4. The All-on-4 is a row of dentures secured with four dental implants along the upper or lower jaw that avoids having to do a bone graft.2 An All-on-4 is a permanent solution but the overdenture is removable for dental cleanings and exams.8
6. 3-on-6
The 3-on-6 consists of three individual dental bridges attached to six dental implants. This is similar to the All-on-4 but provides additional dental implants to stabilize the bridges.8
7. Implant-Supported Bridge
For those with several missing adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge can replace them. Here, a single implant anchors several teeth together on a bridge.7
8. Zygomatic Implants
For patients with significant bone and gum loss, zygomatic implants allow patients to skip bone graft surgeries. These implants are longer than traditional dental implants and require special skill and training to place.9
9. Immediate-Load Implants
Also referred to as "Teeth in a Day," these implants let you walk out of your initial appointment with a temporary set of teeth attached to the implant until the area around the implant heals. Later, your dental surgeon will add a permanent crown to the implant, but in the meantime, you have the look and feel of real teeth.10
Dental Implant vs. Alternatives
You may be wondering what the difference is between a dental implant and other common dental solutions. The answer is, it depends on the alternative.
Dental implants vs. bridge
Unlike a dental implant, a dental bridge doesn't replace the root of a missing tooth. Instead, it's made up of one or more false teeth (pontics) that are held in place on either side by healthy teeth known as abutments. The doctor drills down the abutment teeth and covers them with crowns when placing the bridge. In some instances, your provider will use a dental implant as an abutment to secure a bridge.11
Dental implants vs. veneers
For damaged and infected teeth, a dental implant can fully replace the entire tooth. A dental veneer is a resin-composite or porcelain shell that a dentist bonds to the front of an existing healthy tooth, improving its shape and appearance without actually replacing it. Veneers are less expensive than implants and require no surgery.12
Dental implants vs. dentures
Implants offer those with missing teeth a permanent solution. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums which you remove for daily cleaning and require an adhesive to stay in place while being worn. Dentures are full or partial. Unlike implants, dentures don't require surgery but you can't eat chewy or crunchy foods with them.13
Dental implants vs. crowns
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth while a crown is a type of cap used to protect and save an existing tooth. Crowns are made from the same material as the top portion of a dental implant.14
Dental implants vs. root canals
When your provider removes your tooth, a dental implant can replace it. A root canal, on the other hand, saves the tooth. With a root canal, the dental surgeon removes all infected tissue within the tooth and replaces it with filling material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a dental crown is also placed on top to protect the tooth.15
Financing Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card
Whether you're getting dental implants or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.
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