Types of Tooth Implants

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

There are different implants available, each designed for a specific function. Most are made of titanium, a metal that is very effective when fused with living bone—called osseointegration. Your body will not reject titanium implants as it does foreign objects.

Titanium develops a thin film on its surface that protects it from corrosion. Incredibly strong for its weight, this metal is also resistant to acids and salt solutions and is almost entirely non-magnetic.

Titanium implants come with many types of surfaces, including:

• Plasma sprayed
• Acid etched
• Grit blasted
• Hydroxyapatite coated

There are several different types of dental implants.

Root-Form Implant

The most popular type of implant, root-form implants are called endosseous or endosteal implants, meaning they are placed in the bone. These implants are the closest is shape and size to the natural tooth root. They look like screws, thick nails or cones, and come in various widths and lengths. For a root-form implant to be successful, your bone must be deep enough and wide enough to provide a secure foundation.

Root-form implants can be inserted in a two-stage process, which is the traditional way of placing them—or they can be placed in a single procedure. In the two-stage procedure, the implant is "buried" under the gum tissue for three to four months, and it is then exposed during a second surgical procedure. In a single-stage procedure, the implant is placed in the bone and remains exposed in the mouth.

Plate Form Implant

This implant is used when your bone is so narrow that it may not be suitable for the root form implant, and bone grafting is not an option. Plate form implants are flat and long so they can fit into the narrow jawbone. After your bone is prepared to accept the implant, incisions will be made—depending on the number of implants—and you new implant will be carefully placed. Like root form implants, there is often a healing period for osseointegration, although some plate form implants are designed for immediate restoration.

Subperiosteal implant

If you do not have enough jawbone width or height for the root form or plate form implant, a subperiosteal implant may be the right fit. This type of implant is custom made and designed to sit on top of the bone, but under the gums. A subperiosteal implant may be planted using a “dual surgery” method, where a model is created and used by a dental laboratory to create a custom fit implant. In a second procedure, your jawbone is exposed, the implant placed and your gums are sewn shut. For the "single surgery" method, a CAT scan will be taken of your jawbone and your custom designed implant will be created.  A surgical procedure is then carried out where the jawbone is exposed, the implant placed, and your gums are closed with several stitches and your replacement teeth are placed.

Ramus-Frame Implant

This type of implant can be used if your lower jawbone is too thin for a root-form or subperiosteal implant. A ramus-frame implant is embedded in the jawbone in the back corners of the mouth, near the wisdom teeth, and also near your chin. Once it is inserted and the tissue heals, a thin metal bar is visible around the top of your gum, in which dentures can be made to fit into. This implant also stabilizes weak jaws and helps safeguard them from fracturing.

If you are wondering which dental implant is best for your particular situation and you live in the Beverly Hills/Los Angeles area, please contact our office today. Our talented and experienced staff can help you achieve the smile you have been longing for. Please call today.