Dental implants are one of the best methods for replacing lost teeth, offering great durability, aesthetics, and functionality that closely resemble natural teeth. In this article from the specialized magazine of Dr. Babak Damaghani Poor’s Dental Clinic, we explore the types of dental implants, their features, advantages and disadvantages, treatment stages, and the cost of dental implants in Iran.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Preserves jaw structure and prevents bone resorption
- Highly similar to natural teeth
- No need to trim adjacent teeth
Types of Dental Implants
1-Endosteal Implant (Endosteal)
This is the most common type of implant, placed inside the jawbone. The Endosteal implant is the most popular dental implant, placed directly into the jawbone. It is designed as a small screw or cylinder made of titanium, which is implanted into the jawbone. After it fuses with the bone, it acts as the base for placing the dental crown.
Advantages of Endosteal Implant:
- High strength and durability
- Highest success rate among all implant types
- Excellent compatibility with jawbone
Suitable for whom?
- People with healthy and sufficient jawbone
- Patients who do not want to use dentures
Implantation Process:
- The dentist prepares the jawbone and creates a small hole to place the implant base.
- The titanium base is implanted into the jawbone and takes a few months (typically 3 to 6 months) to fuse completely.
- After fusion, an abutment (connector piece) is placed, followed by the dental crown.
2-Subperiosteal Implant (Subperiosteal)
This implant is placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone and is suitable for people with weak jawbones. Unlike the Endosteal implant, it is not placed inside the jawbone but sits on top of the bone and beneath the gum. The Subperiosteal implant typically consists of a metal frame placed on the jawbone, with posts that emerge from it to support the dental crown.
Advantages of Subperiosteal Implant:
- Suitable for individuals who do not have enough jawbone for Endosteal implants
- Shorter recovery period compared to bone-embedded implants
- No need for bone grafting in some cases
Suitable for whom?
- Patients who do not have sufficient bone density
- People who cannot undergo complex bone grafting surgery
- Those seeking a less invasive method
Implantation Process:
- The dentist creates a mold of the patient’s jawbone.
- A metal frame is custom-made based on the shape of the jaw and placed in the appropriate position on the bone.
- The posts from the frame emerge from the gums to support the dental crown.
3-Zygomatic Implant (Zygomatic)
This type is less common and used for individuals who do not have enough bone in the upper jaw.
The Zygomatic implant is one of the less common but highly specialized types. Unlike the previous two types, which are placed in the jawbone, this implant is inserted into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). The Zygomatic implant is used when the patient has lost significant upper jawbone and cannot use an Endosteal implant.
Advantages of Zygomatic Implant:
- No need for bone grafting
- Suitable for those with severe upper jawbone resorption
- Very high strength and durability
Suitable for whom?
- Patients with very little bone density in the upper jaw
- People who have previously used dentures and have experienced bone resorption
- Those who do not wish to undergo bone graft surgery
Implantation Process:
- The dentist uses 3D scanning to assess the remaining bone in the jaw.
- Longer implants (about 30 to 50 mm) are placed into the cheekbone.
- After several months, the dental crown is placed on the implant base.
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Different Methods of Dental Implant Placement
- Traditional Method (Two-Stage): In this method, the implant base is placed first, and after a few months, the crown is placed.
- Immediate Method (One-Stage): In this method, a temporary crown is placed immediately after the implant base is inserted.
Material of Dental Implants and Its Impact on Price
Titanium Implant
The most common type of implant, which is strong and more affordable. Titanium implants are one of the most popular and widely used types in dentistry. Made from titanium, which is naturally highly compatible with the body, this material has specific properties that make it ideal for implants.Advantages of Titanium Implants
- Biocompatibility: Titanium naturally integrates well with the body, and the immune system does not recognize it as a foreign object. This feature allows the implant to fuse well with the jawbone.
- Strength and Durability: Titanium is very strong and durable, so titanium implants have a long lifespan and can function well for many years.
- Lightweight and Corrosion-Resistant: Titanium is lighter than other metals and resistant to corrosion and discoloration, which are important qualities for dental implants.
- Suitable for Most Patients: Titanium implants are generally suitable for most people seeking tooth replacement treatments. Due to its specific properties, it rarely causes allergic reactions.
Disadvantages of Titanium Implants
- Metal Color: Titanium has an earthy or silver color, which may be visible in areas with thin gums or areas where the gums have receded.
- Cost: Titanium implants generally have a higher cost compared to other methods, though the cost is worthwhile given the durability and high quality.
Process of Titanium Implant Placement
- First, the dentist performs necessary evaluations and checks the patient’s jawbone condition.
- After preparing the area, the titanium implant is placed into the jawbone.
- The implant fuses with the bone for several months to gain the necessary strength for placing the crown.
- Once the implant fuses with the bone, the dental crown is installed.
Zirconia Implant
Zirconia implants are another type of dental implant made from zirconium ceramic. This type of implant is particularly favored for its highly aesthetic features and excellent biocompatibility with the body. Zirconia implants are an excellent choice for those concerned with the appearance and aesthetics of their implants. Although they are more aesthetically pleasing, they come at a higher price.Advantages of Zirconia Implants
- Aesthetics and Natural Appearance: One of the biggest advantages of zirconia implants is their natural and beautiful appearance. They have a color similar to natural teeth, making them look very much like natural teeth when placed in the front of the mouth.
- High Compatibility: Like titanium, zirconium is highly compatible with the body and has a very low risk of allergic reactions. This is especially suitable for individuals sensitive to metals.
- High Strength: Zirconium is one of the strongest ceramic materials used for implants. It is very durable and can withstand the pressure from chewing food.
- Non-Discoloring: Unlike titanium, which may sometimes show discoloration in certain areas of the mouth, zirconia implants never discolor and remain naturally white in the mouth.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Implants
- Lower Resistance to Fracture: Although zirconia is strong, it may be more brittle than titanium and can break under severe impacts.
- Higher Cost: Due to more complex production and aesthetic features, zirconia implants are usually more expensive.
- Not Suitable for Lower Jaw: Due to its higher hardness and brittleness, zirconia implants are generally not recommended for the lower jaw, where greater pressure is applied.
Process of Zirconia Implant Placement
- First, the dentist evaluates the condition of the patient’s jawbone.
- Then, the zirconia implant base is placed into the jawbone. This step is similar to the titanium implant placement.
- Once the implant fuses with the bone, the zirconia ceramic crown is placed on the base to achieve the maximum aesthetic and color match.
Steps of Dental Implant Placement
- Initial examination and evaluation of jaw condition
- Implant base placement
- Healing period and implant fusion with bone
- Placement of permanent crown
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on many factors. Below are some of these factors:- Brand of the implant
- Dentist’s expertise
- Need for additional surgeries, such as bone grafting
- Geographical location of the clinic
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Post-Implant Care
- Avoid hard foods in the first few weeks
- Maintain oral hygiene
- Regular visits to the dentist for implant checkups
Potential Complications of Dental Implants
- Infection
- Implant rejection
- Damage to nerves or sinuses
Who Should Not Get Implants?
- People with uncontrolled diabetes
- Smokers
- Individuals with insufficient bone density who are not interested in bone grafting
How to Choose the Best Implant Specialist?
- Check the dentist’s experience and qualifications
- View previous work samples
- Read reviews from previous patients
