Did you know that a surprising 58 percent of Americans ages 50 and older have fewer than 21 teeth (out of the usual 32)? If you fear you will one day share this fate—or already do—here’s some good news: There are different types of dental implants, and chances are good that one of them will be right for you.
What are dental implants? They are tiny titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the bone, where they act as “roots” to anchor prosthetic teeth—crowns, bridges or dentures—that top the posts. Here’s a snapshot of the different types:
- All-on-4™: Using one of the latest advances in implant technology, our popular “Teeth in a Day” procedure makes it possible for us to remove teeth and place fully functional implants in one office visit. All-on-4™ implants support a full dental bridge that is fixed within your mouth, a welcome alternative to removable dentures that can be inconvenient, unattractive and downright uncomfortable.
- Zygomatic implants: If you’ve been told in the past that you’re not a candidate for dental implants because you lack adequate bone in your upper jaw, it’s time to reconsider. A recent advance in dental technology called zygomatic implants makes it possible to place implants in cases of severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Better yet, the implants can be placed in one procedure—not after complex bone grafting procedures that span multiple stages. You’ll walk out of surgery with a brand-new smile.
- Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most common type of dental implant, with each implant holding one or more prosthetic teeth.
- Subperiosteal (on the bone): Commonly recommended for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height, these implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis.
To learn more about dental implants and find out if they are right for you, contact Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at our Arcadia or Tempe office.