Different Dental Implant Systems
Over the past several years, dental implants have become increasingly popular as a tooth replacement option. Despite improvements in dental care, losing teeth is still something many people face. And with people living longer than ever, the desire to maintain both a confident smile and the ability to enjoy food well into their later years has grown too.
Dental implants continue to grow in popularity as more people seek long-term solutions for missing teeth. With high success rates and increased awareness of the procedure, the demand for implants has steadily risen. The aging baby boomer generation is a key driver in growing demand for long-term tooth replacement solutions. At the same time, advancements in technology have made implants more efficient to place and more accessible to a wider group of patients. A large part of this rising demand comes from more public awareness of the procedure and its impressive success rate, which is over 95%. At the same time, advancements in dental technology have made getting implants more efficient and predictable, making it an excellent choice for many people.
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from tooth loss, you may be wondering what your options are. There are several types of dental implant systems out there and knowing which one is right for you is very important. Read on to learn more about them to help you understand which might be right for you.
Why replacing teeth matters
Many people don’t realize how important it is to replace a missing tooth quickly. Besides the impact it has on appearance, tooth loss can also affect your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper nutrition. It can also lead to jawbone loss, increased risk of infection, and eventually changes in your facial structure. Teeth help hold the shape of your face, and the longer they are missing, the more likely it is that facial structure and oral function will change over time. Replacing missing teeth with a dental implant is one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term oral and overall health.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone. Once fused, it acts as an anchor for a replacement crown. The result is a prosthetic tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Most people with implants find that they can chew, speak, and smile with confidence again. But not all implants are the same. Different systems exist and have different advantages depending on the person.
Cementable vs. screw-retained systems
One of the key differences between systems is how the crown is attached to the post. The most common types are cementable abutments and screw-retained implants.
Cementable abutments
A cementable abutment system works by attaching an abutment to the post. The crown is then cemented to the abutment. This is the part that connects the implant to the visible tooth.
One of the benefits of this system is that there is no visible screw. This can make the implant look more natural and may be especially helpful when replacing a front tooth. Also, because it’s cemented, there’s no need to have the screw hole perfectly aligned, which can simplify placement.
That said, there are some disadvantages. If the crown needs to be removed later for any reason, it can be hard to remove without causing damage to either the crown or implant. Also, with dental cement, there’s always a chance that some leftover cement might get stuck under the gums. This can lead to irritation or even infections if it’s not thoroughly cleaned out.
Screw-retained implants
Screw-retained systems attach the crown directly to the implant or abutment using a small screw. The screw goes through the top of the crown and into the implant post or abutment, anchoring the crown into place.
This system has some key benefits. The biggest advantage is that the crown can be removed if necessary. If repairs or adjustments are needed later, the dentist can easily remove the crown and reattach it. This makes maintenance much easier. Also, because there isn’t cement being used, you won’t have to worry about cement being left behind and causing issues around the implant.
The downside is that there is a chance that the hole for the screw might show a little, especially on front teeth. This might affect how the tooth looks. This hole can be filled with material that matches the tooth color, however, which can help ensure that it’s not too noticeable. Additionally, placing a screw-retained crown requires more precision from the dentist. This precision is necessary especially with getting the screw hole in the right spot. This can pose challenges in hard to reach teeth that aren’t as easily accessible.
Titanium vs. zirconia
Another key difference in implant systems is the material the implant is made from. There are typically two materials used, titanium and zirconia. Both haved their own advantages and disadvantages.
Titanium is the material used the most for dental implants. This is because it integrates well with bone, which is essential for implants to work. This means that once the implant is placed, the bone grows around it, keeping it securely in place. Titanium implants are known for their high success rates, which is typically around 95% or higher. While actual allergic reactions to titanium are very rare, a small percentage of people may be sensitive to other metals in the alloy that is used today in place of pure titanium. In fact, about 5% of people have sensitivities to nickel, often found in the alloy, which can lead to concerns about using metal in the body.
For individuals worried about potential allergies to metal, zirconia implants offer an alternative to titanium. Even though they are not entirely metal-free, since small amounts of hafnium and yttrium are included to enhance strength, zirconia is often classified as a ceramic material. Like titanium, zirconia integrates well with bone, making it a reliable choice for implants. Zirconia has not been used for as long as titanium, however. This means that there is less long-term data available on its success.
Titanium implants have been used for many years, with excellent results. One of their biggest advantages is their versatility and success rate. Dentists can use them in different designs, depending on the needs of the patient. Additionally, titanium can support both fixed and removable tooth replacements. Zirconia on the other hand is usually designed as one piece. This means the crown must be cemented on. That makes it a bit trickier to place because it needs to be done with precision. It’s also important that there’s enough bone to support the implant, as there’s less room for error compared to titanium. On the other hand, zirconia has some clear benefits. It doesn’t conduct heat or cold, and it won’t rust or corrode over time. Its ceramic color also blends naturally with the gums, so you won’t have to worry about any metal showing through. For most patients, titanium is still the best choice because of its long history and reliability. If someone prefers to avoid metal altogether, however, zirconia is a good alternative.
Stock vs. custom abutments
There are two types of abutments used in dental implant systems, stock and custom. Abutments are the connectors between the implant and the crown. They hold the crown securely in place on the post. Understanding these options is important because they have an impact on the overall appearance, comfort, and function of the implant.
Stock abutments are standard-sized and affordable. They are often used in non-visible areas but may require adjustments for a good fit. Custom abutments are tailored specifically to the patient and the circumstance. They offer a more precise fit and better appearance, especially for visible teeth. They are more costly, but they can provide more natural and predictable results.
Choosing the right system
When deciding on the right implant system for you, it is important to first understand your needs and any underlying circumstances that might impact which system will be most beneficial for you. Each person is different. Therefore, your needs are different. You can learn more about your needs from your dentist. Your dentist will also be able to help guide you through the different systems that are available and that they offer as a practice. They will be able to provide consultation on which system might be your best choice.
You can also do your own research on the types of systems available. This will allow you to enter the conversation with your dentist informed and ready to advocate for your needs. When doing research, consider the pros and cons of the different systems and prepare questions you’d like to have your dentist speak to. If you need tooth replacement, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to answer questions you have about the different systems and help guide you toward the system that is right for you.