Your Guide to Dental Implant Types in Huntingdale & Thornlie

Exploring the different types of dental implants is vital for anyone considering this form of dental restoration. Here’s a detailed look at each type:

• Endosteal implants:
  These are the most commonly used implants inserted directly into the jawbone. Suitable for patients with a healthy jawbone, they usually consist of titanium screws that support the artificial teeth.
• Subperiosteal implants:
  These are positioned on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are an effective option for patients who lack the necessary bone height for endosteal implants.
• Zygomatic implants:
  These are the least common and involve more complexity. Instead of the jawbone, the implant is placed in the cheekbone. They are ideal for patients with significant bone loss in the jaw who cannot undergo bone augmentation.
• Mini implants:
  As the name suggests, these are smaller than traditional implants and are primarily used to secure lower dentures. They are less invasive, which can be beneficial for patients looking for a quicker recovery.

While there are many available dental implant types in Huntingdale & Thornlie, we only focus on performing single-tooth dental implants at the clinic. This focused approach allows us to provide tailored treatments for individual tooth replacement needs.

To determine which type of dental implant is suited for you, consult with your dentist at the dental clinic. They will consider the following factors:

1. Jawbone density:
   The suitability of an implant heavily depends on the condition of your jawbone. A denser jawbone can support endosteal implants, while a weaker bone might require subperiosteal implants.
2. Oral health:
   The health of your gums and remaining teeth plays a significant role. Good oral health supports the longevity of the implants.
3. Medical history:
   Conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can influence implant success, requiring a comprehensive review of your medical background.
4. Aesthetic expectations:
   Your expectations regarding the look and feel of the implants are considered in order to match the treatment plan and results.
5. Budget and timeframe:
   Financial considerations and the treatment duration are discussed to match your circumstances and expectations.

Choosing the right dental implant involves more than just assessing your current dental health; it also considers your future well-being and comfort. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, our dedicated professionals use these evaluations to make a customised treatment plan that aligns closely with your long-term dental health goals.

Endosteal implants, particularly those with porcelain or ceramic crowns, often appear more natural than other types of dental implants. These materials mimic the translucency and colour of natural teeth. Porcelain and ceramic are noted for their ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, reflecting light similarly to dental enamel. This makes endosteal implants with these crowns a preferred choice for a natural appearance.

We don’t have specific data for the longevity of each tooth implant type. However, dental implants, in general, last between five and 15 years for the crown, bridge, or denture, while the implant post can last at least 20 years. Here, we explain how different types of dental implants might have different longevity:

• Endosteal implants:
  These integrate directly into the jawbone, often providing longer-lasting support due to this strong integration.
• Subperiosteal implants:
  Placed on top of the jawbone but under the gums, subperiosteal implants may have a shorter lifespan due to less stability.
• Zygomatic implants:
  Anchored in the cheekbone, their longevity varies based on individual bone quality. They are suitable for those with insufficient jawbone.
• Mini implants:
  These smaller implants are often used for less invasive dental procedures, but they can have reduced durability over time.

The lifespan of each implant type can vary depending on factors like the patient’s oral hygiene, overall health, and the materials used. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we provide personalised guidance to help you understand how all types of dental implants might perform over time.

Here are the benefits and potential drawbacks of each type of dental implant:

Endosteal implants

• Advantages:
  • Strong integration with the jawbone provides stable support.
  • Suitable for a lot of patients with sufficient jawbone density.
  • Offers a long-lasting option with proper care.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires a healthy jawbone for successful placement.
  • The procedure involves surgery, which may not be suitable for all patients.
  • Longer healing time due to the need for bone integration.

Subperiosteal implants

• Advantages:
  • Suitable for patients with insufficient jawbone density.
  • Less invasive than endosteal implants as they sit on top of the bone.
  • Faster healing time compared to bone-integrated implants.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less stable than endosteal implants due to a lack of bone integration.
  • Higher chance of implant failure over time due to less secure placement.
  • It is not ideal for patients needing strong, long-term support.

Zygomatic implants

• Advantages:
  • Suitable for patients with severe jawbone loss.
  • Avoids the need for bone grafting by anchoring in the cheekbone.
  • Provides an option for patients who cannot receive other types of implants.
• Disadvantages:
  • A more complex surgical procedure compared to other types.
  • Higher risk of complications due to the location of the placement.
  • Usage is limited to cases with insufficient jawbone.

Mini implants

• Advantages:
  • Less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time.
  • It can be used for the temporary stabilisation of dentures.
  • Suitable for patients with narrow bone ridges.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less durable and may not last as long as other implants.
  • Usually used for temporary purposes rather than long-lasting options.
  • Limited to specific situations and may not be suitable for all patients.

Each type of dental implant has unique benefits and potential drawbacks that must be considered. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we help you evaluate these factors to choose the implant that aligns with your dental needs and lifestyle.

Getting single-tooth dental implants is usually not painful due to the local anaesthesia used during the procedure. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain. Post-procedure discomfort can occur but is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. For anxious patients, our clinic offers the following sedation options to ease your experience:

• Nitrous gas:
  This is also known as laughing gas. It helps you relax while remaining conscious. You inhale it through a mask, and it wears off quickly.
• Oral sedation:
  You take a pill before the procedure, which makes you drowsy and relaxed, though you remain awake.
• IV sedation:
  Administered by an anaesthetist, this provides deeper sedation for more complex cases. You will be semi-conscious and may not remember the procedure.

These sedation options help make the implant process more comfortable for those who are anxious. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we focus on your comfort and provide tailored sedation choices to suit your needs.

Most patients are not put to sleep for a dental implant procedure. Local anaesthesia is usually sufficient to numb the area and manage pain during the procedure. For those who are particularly anxious or undergoing more complex procedures, sedation options are available to help them relax. These methods allow patients to remain conscious but comfortable, allowing them to have a stress-free experience during the dental implant procedure.

Yes, you can switch from one type of dental implant to another, but it involves additional requirements and procedures. The initial implant may need to be extracted, and the area might require healing before placing a new implant. This process depends on various factors, such as the condition of your jawbone and the type of implant you currently have.

If you are considering switching from single-tooth dental implants to full-mouth dental implants or vice versa, consulting an experienced dentist is essential so they can evaluate your case and determine the feasibility of switching implants.

To replace five missing teeth, you will need two to three implants, depending on their location and your jawbone health. This dental implant placement is often referred to as an implant-supported bridge. The implants act as anchors for a bridge or individual crowns, providing stability and distributing chewing forces evenly. Your dentist will evaluate your specific case to determine the exact number of implants needed.

Yes, it’s possible to replace all teeth with dental implants through a procedure known as full-mouth dental implants. This treatment involves placing several implants in the jawbone, which act as anchors for a full set of artificial teeth. Usually, four to six implants are used per arch to support a full denture. Full-mouth dental implants offer a stable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures.

Yes, there are risks associated with different dental implant types. Here are the potential risks for each type based on how they work:

Endosteal implants

• Infection:
  Infection can occur at the implant site due to poor oral hygiene or bacteria introduced during surgery.
• Nerve damage:
  Improper placement can lead to nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the lips, gums, or chin.
• Bone loss:
  Over time, insufficient bone integration can lead to bone loss around the implant.
• Implant failure:
  If the implant does not integrate properly with the jawbone, it can fail, requiring extraction and replacement.

Subperiosteal implants

• Instability:
  These implants may become less stable over time because they do not integrate with the bone.
• Gum irritation:
  The placement under the gums can cause irritation or inflammation if not properly managed.
• Implant failure:
  Higher risk of failure due to less direct bone support compared to endosteal implants.

Zygomatic implants

• Sinus issues:
  Placement in the cheekbone close to sinus cavities can lead to sinus infections or other sinus-related dental issues.
• Nerve damage:
  Risk of nerve damage due to the complex nature of the placement.
• Infection:
  Higher risk of infection due to the proximity to sinus cavities.

Mini implants

• Fracture risk:
  Smaller size makes them more susceptible to fractures under pressure.
• Bone loss:
  Less integration with the jawbone can lead to bone loss over time.
• Implant failure:
  Higher likelihood of failure due to their smaller size and less stable placement.

Having knowledge of these risks helps you make a decision about the type of dental implant that suits your needs. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we discuss these risks with you to provide a comprehensive understanding before proceeding with any implant treatment.