While dental implants have been around for some time, we are frequently asked about what dental implants are made of and the different types. In this article, we’re exploring the different types of dental implants, their purpose and the benefits of this revolutionary dental treatment.

The Two Main Types of Implants

Over the years two main types of dental implant have been used; the endosteal and the subperiosteal. Endeosteal refers to those implants which are fixed into the bone, whereas subperiosteal were implants that rested on top of the bone beneath the gum tissue. The latter are no longer used thankfully as their long term results compared to the other type were very poor!

The purpose of dental implants

While a dental implant has the primary function of replacing a lost tooth or teeth, they can also play a vital role in several other dental procedures. Due to their stability and inability to decay, dental implants are often used as anchors for those dentures held in place by wires. These wires hook around the implants and provide more comfort and stability than those which have to be secured by adhesive.

Bridgework is a very popular dental procedure but a bridge is only as strong as the teeth it is attached to. Bite on a bridge anchored to weak or loose teeth and you will have the equivalent of London Bridge falling down in your mouth! By using two implants to support your bridge, you can relax in the knowledge that not only is your bridge more stable, but you will have the confidence to eat what you want when you want without fear of it coming away.

Temporary dental implants

Did you know there was such a thing as a temporary dental implant? These are known as TAD’s, or temporary anchorage devices. They are employed as part of the cosmetic procedure aimed at moving crooked teeth, or those which have moved to compensate for a missing tooth, back into their optimum position. These are very small, hence the term mini implant and are fixed to the bone rather than drilled into it. Thus making them much easier to remove once the teeth are back in position.