What are the Three Main Types of Dental Implants?

11 July 2024

What are the Three Main Types of Dental Implants?

There are three main types of dental implants; they are placed into bone; they can be screwed into the bone and they can be cemented directly into the bone. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before undergoing the procedure.

Screw Implant

Screw-in dental implants, also known as screw-retained dental implants, are a type of dental implant that uses a screw to attach the implant crown to the implant post.

In traditional dental implant procedures, the implant crown is cemented onto the implant post using dental cement. However, in screw-in dental implants, the crown is screwed onto the implant post, providing a more secure and stable connection.

Screw-in dental implants are often used in cases where the implant crown needs to be removed for maintenance or repair. Since the crown is attached with a screw, it can be easily removed without damaging the implant post or surrounding tissue.

Additionally, screw-in dental implants can provide better access to the implant post during the healing process, allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Overall, screw-in dental implants can be a good option for patients who want a secure and easily removable implant crown, or for cases where easy access to the implant post is important for maintenance and cleaning. However, they may not be appropriate for all patients or situations, and your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to provide more information about whether screw-in dental implants are a good option for you.

Core-Type or Ball and Socket Implant

Ball and socket dental implants, also known as ball attachment dentures, are a type of implant-supported denture that use a ball-and-socket mechanism to attach the denture to the implant posts.

In this type of dental implant, a metal ball is attached to the implant post, and a socket is attached to the underside of the denture. The ball and socket mechanism allows the denture to snap onto the implant posts, providing a secure and stable fit.

Ball and socket dental implants are often used to support lower dentures, which can be more difficult to keep in place due to the shape and movement of the lower jaw. By providing a secure attachment to the implant posts, ball, and socket dental implants can help to improve the stability and function of lower dentures.

However, ball and socket dental implants may not be suitable for all patients, and your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to provide more information about whether they are a good option for you. Additionally, proper care and maintenance of the implant-supported denture is important to ensure the long-term success of the dental implant.

Cemented Implant

Cemented dental implants, also known as cement-retained dental implants, are a type of dental implant that use dental cement to attach the implant crown to the implant post.

In this type of dental implant, the implant post is first placed into the jawbone, and then a custom-made implant crown is created to fit onto the post. The crown is then attached to the post using dental cement, which is placed inside the crown before it is positioned onto the post.

Cemented dental implants are a popular choice for many patients, as they provide a strong and durable connection between the implant post and the crown. Additionally, cemented dental implants allow for a more natural appearance of the implant crown, as there is no visible screw or other attachment mechanisms.

However, one potential drawback of cemented dental implants is that the cement can sometimes become loose over time, which can lead to bacteria accumulation and infection around the implant site. For this reason, regular check-ups and maintenance by a dental professional are important to ensure the long-term success of the dental implant.

Overall, cemented dental implants can be a good option for many patients, and your dentist Stockport or oral surgeon will be able to provide more information about whether they are a good choice for your specific dental needs.

Dental implant Care Advice

Our dentists would typically give the following advice to a patient considering dental implants:

1. Oral health evaluation: Before considering dental implants, it is important to undergo a thorough oral health evaluation to assess the health of your gums and teeth, as well as the strength and density of your jawbone. This will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
2. Proper oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential for the long-term success of dental implants. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to maintain healthy gums and prevent infection.
3. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the health of your dental implants and detect any potential problems early on. Your dentist will also clean your teeth and implant crowns to help prevent plaque build-up and ensure the longevity of the dental implants.
4. Implant care: Proper care of dental implants is important to ensure their long-term success. This includes avoiding hard and sticky foods that can damage the implant crowns, as well as wearing a mouthguard during sports to protect the implants from trauma.
5. Lifestyle considerations: Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking or chronic teeth grinding, can negatively affect the success of dental implants. Your dentist may advise you to quit smoking and address any underlying dental issues before undergoing dental implant surgery.
6. Follow-up appointments: After undergoing dental implant surgery, you will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the implants are integrating properly with the jawbone.

Overall, dental implants can be a great option for patients with missing or damaged teeth, but it is important to work closely with your dentist to ensure the success of the procedure and maintain the health of your implants over the long term. They’re also more affordable than other options such as bridges or dentures because they last longer and don’t require regular upkeep like those other types of replacement teeth do. If you have any questions about which type of implant is right for your situation, please contact us today!