Types of dental implants

In dentistry in general, great advances have been made in recent years, which has had a particular impact on the more complex branches of dentistry, such as implantology. Not in vain, since the first dental implant was placed in a person in 1965, according to the data currently being handled in macro-studies, a success rate of between 97 and 98% has been achieved for this technique. 

However, despite this, it remains one of the most difficult branches of dentistry to bring closer to patients. That is why I, Fernando García Vélezmedical director of the Vélez y Lozano Dental Clinic and expert in dental implants in Murcia, I have decided to write and publish a new book on the subject in an informative tone and with the intention of bringing this knowledge closer to patients and the general population. 

That is why I have decided to talk today about types of dental implantsas a brief foretaste of what is to come:

Single crowns

It is the 'classic' implant that everyone thinks of when they think of an implant. That is, it is the one that is used to replace one tooth and it is a relatively simple procedure, the implant is placed and then the crown is screwed onto it. 

Depending on whether only the crown of the tooth or the crown and part of the root of the tooth is replaced, the following are required Type I or Type IIrespectively. They are made of porcelain metal or simply zirconium and are highly aesthetic. 

Type I and II bridges

We use them to replenish 2 or more teeth usually lost, usually lost. It is a continuous prosthesis where the crowns are joined together, which serves to improve the stability of the implants, in the first place, and to reduce the number of implants to be placed for support. In other words, if we want to replace a total of 3 teeth, we can use a bridge, which can be placed on only 2 implants, instead of placing 3 single crowns on 3 implants. 

Even so, it is not advisable to make excessively long bridges, and in my experience it is best to make them with a maximum of 3 or 4 crowns, as exceeding this number usually results in fractures of the prostheses or implants. The materials of choice for this type of prosthesis are also usually metal-porcelain or zirconium and can be Type I or Type II depending on whether they replace the crown or the crown and part of the root, such as single implants. 

Type III Bridges

The difference is that these do replace the gumThe union between the natural gum and the prosthesis is covered by the lips when we speak or smile. This type of prosthesis is made of metal composite or metal porcelain.

Hybrid prosthesis

These prostheses are often used for treatments All on 4 o All on 6which, as the name suggests, refers to a surgical procedure whereby we place the complete denture on only 4 or 6 implants. They are usually bulky prostheses, but they cushion forces better and are easy to repair in the event of a problem with them. They are made of metal. 

Overdenture

Overdentures are adaptations of complete prostheses to make them more comfortable. We choose this type of prosthesis for patients who have a lot of tissue loss (bones, teeth and/or gums) and who need good support. They are used when the patient would not be able to maintain good hygiene with a fixed prosthesis.

There are upper or lower, depending on where they are placed. 

And this has been all about types of dental implants! If you found this interesting and would like to learn more about implants, stay tuned for more information in the social networks of Vélez & Lozano o my ownwhere I will announce the release date of my next book 'Implantology for Patients', from which I have extracted the material necessary to write this post. 

If you are considering having an implant, I urge you to make an appointment for an assessment with me on 968 28 46 28 or at this form.