Dental implants are one of the permanent solutions used to replace missing teeth and support the jaw structure. Implants are generally classified into two main types: endoesteal and subperiosteal. Endoesteal implants, placed in the jawbone and made of titanium, are the most commonly used type. Subperiosteal implants, placed above the jawbone and under the gums, offer an alternative option for patients with insufficient bone height. The implant application process requires care; proper placement and the compatibility of the bone with the implant are crucial for the healing process.
What are the Differences Between Endosteal Implants and Subperiosteal Implants?
Endosteal and subperiosteal implants are the main types of implants used to replace missing teeth. Both implant types differ in terms of structural features and application techniques, offering a solution tailored to the patient’s jaw structure and needs:
- Endosteal Implants
- Screw-shaped or cylindrical
- Made of biocompatible materials
- Placed directly into the jawbone
- Acts as an artificial root
- Subperiosteal Implants
- Have a special metal framework
- Positioned on the jawbone
- Located under the gum
- Supports dentures with vertical projections
With endosteal implants, the jawbone is surgically opened and the implant is placed. In a process called osseointegration, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a solid foundation. Once this process is complete, the abutment and prosthetic teeth are placed. Conversely, with subperiosteal implants, a metal frame custom-made to the patient’s jaw structure is placed on the jawbone. As the gums heal, the frame is stabilized, and the prosthetic teeth provide support.
What Are Mini Dental Implants and When Are They Used?
Mini dental implants (MDI) are a smaller-diameter implant type, particularly suitable for patients with narrow jawbones or insufficient bone density. Because they are thinner and have a single-piece structure than traditional implants, they are usually placed directly into the jawbone without cutting the gums, making the procedure less invasive. Mini implants are less than 3 mm in diameter, making them ideal for patients with tight spaces or limited bone structure. Prosthetic teeth can be placed the same day, expediting the treatment process.
Key features of mini dental implants:
- Small diameter
- One-piece construction
- Instant loading
- Insertion without gum incision
Advantages of MDIs include requiring less surgery, offering a faster healing process, and being more economical compared to traditional implants. These implants are particularly effective in securing loose dentures; they reduce denture movement, providing more comfortable wear for the patient. They also eliminate the need for bone grafting in patients with limited bone volume.
Mini implants can be chosen based on various clinical needs. Commonly used areas include:
- Denture fixation
- Replacing small teeth or teeth in tight spaces
- Using as a temporary retainer in orthodontic treatments
However, mini implants may not be suitable for every patient. They are not recommended for areas with high chewing forces or for replacing molars. Due to their smaller diameter, their durability is limited and they are less resistant to high pressures. Therefore, the suitability of MDIs should be carefully evaluated for each patient; a comprehensive examination by a dentist is crucial to determining the right treatment option.
What is the All-on-4 Implant Technique?
The All-on-4 implant technique is an innovative method developed to provide a quick and permanent dental solution for patients who have lost teeth or whose teeth are severely damaged. In this technique, four implants are strategically placed, and a complete fixed prosthesis is placed on them. The success of the All-on-4 method relies on the specific angle and positioning of the implants, providing a stable structure even in areas with low bone density.
Features of this method:
- Suitable for patients with complete edentulousness or severe tooth loss
- Successful for patients with sufficient bone density in the anterior region
- Provides a stable and long-lasting dental solution
The All-on-4 procedure consists of several basic steps. First, a clinical evaluation is performed.The patient’s jawbone condition and general health are thoroughly analyzed through examination and imaging. Implants are then placed; the anterior implants are fixed vertically to the jawbone, while the posterior implants are fixed at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees. This angle ensures adequate stability even in patients with bone loss and reduces the need for additional bone grafts.
The post-treatment recovery period typically takes 2-3 months, and the patient has a functional temporary prosthesis from the first day. The permanent prosthesis is then placed in the final stage, achieving a natural and aesthetic appearance.
How Does the Zygomatic Implant Technique Address Severe Bone Loss?
Zygomatic implants are a treatment option specifically developed for patients experiencing severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Used when there is insufficient bone volume in traditional implant applications, this method is placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the upper jawbone. The zygomatic bone, with its denser structure, provides a strong and durable foundation for the implant, allowing patients to wear a fixed prosthesis quickly after surgery.
Advantages of zygomatic implants:
- No bone graft required
- Treatment time is shorter
- No sinus lift required
- Uses the zygomatic bone instead of the upper jawbone for support
- Provides high stability
- Temporary prosthesis can be applied immediately after surgery
Zygomatic implants differ from traditional implants in their length and angle of insertion. These implants, at 30-52.5 mm, are significantly longer than standard implants and are placed at an angle, allowing them to pass through the jawbone and anchor themselves in the zygomatic bone. This special insertion technique, unlike traditional methods, provides rapid function and offers a permanent solution for patients with bone loss. Zygomatic implants provide significant aesthetic and functional benefits, effectively eliminating the problems caused by bone loss and increasing patient satisfaction.
What are the Basic Steps of the Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant procedure is a comprehensive treatment process designed to provide a permanent solution for replacing lost teeth. Each step is meticulously planned, taking into consideration the patient’s health, the implant’s durability, and its aesthetic appeal. The basic steps in this process are as follows:
- Initial assessment
- Medical history review
- Clinical examination
- Dental imaging
- Treatment plan preparation
- Anesthetic administration
- Gum incision
- Osteotomy creation
- Implant placement
- Suture closure
- Osseointegration process
- Bone healing
- Abutment placement
- Second surgery (if necessary)
- Healing cap placement
- Prosthesis impression taking
- Prosthesis fabrication
- Prosthesis placement
