Did you know that there are several different kinds of dental implants? The words dental implants are often used to talk about the entire tooth replacement, but the actual implant is a titanium rod placed in your jawbone. There are different kinds of implants, perfect for holding different restorations.
If you are considering dental implants, here is your guide for when Dr. Martin says “Neodent, Endosteal, Pterygoid, or Zygomatic” implants.
How Does a Doctor Decide Which Implant to Use?
We use different implants based on where the implant is needed in your smile. Different implants will be placed in different places in your jaw so they are secure. Dr. Martin will determine which implants need to be used to keep your implants secure and long-lasting.
Many doctors will use digital imaging to see your jaw bone shape and density. They will use digital planning software to determine which implants should be used to ensure longevity and comfort.
Stability for Implants
One of the main priorities for implants is making sure they are stable; they are meant to be used like a natural tooth. That is why some of the implants we have are slightly bent or placed diagonally.
If an implant needs to be placed in an area where there is a lot of use of the tooth, the doctor will make sure significant amounts of the jaw bone can stabilize the implant. Certain implants are also used when the jawbone has begun to deteriorate so going further into the jawbone is necessary.
High-Quality Implant Types at James Martin, DMD
Neodent® Implants
Neodent implants are a special brand of implants that can be used in almost every place in your smile. The implant is hollow and has a second screw that will be placed into it to keep the implant stable and the abutment secure. Neodent implants can be restored immediately after, making it easy for them to bring you cosmetic restoration immediately.
Some Neodent implants are not made of titanium, some are made of ceramic, making them flexible and easy for your jaw to accept.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are named after the Greek word “endo,” meaning “inside,” because they are placed directly into the bone (“osteal”). This placement allows them to fuse with the jawbone for a stable foundation for dental restorations.
These are the most common implants. These are straight rods, shorter than pterygoid and zygomatic implants, and can be placed in the bottom or top jaw. They are not hollow, instead, they have an abutment placed on top and then the restoration is placed on that.
Pterygoid Implants
These implants are the longest lasting implant option and are placed for teeth in the back of the mouth. Pterygoid implants are named after their placement in the pterygoid bone—located near the back of the upper jaw. These implants connect to this bone because it provides a strong foundation for stability.
They are placed diagonally, connecting to the bone close to your TMJ. Pterygoid implants are used in moderate to severe cases when All-on-X implants or straight implants cannot be held by your jaw.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are named after the zygomatic bone, which is located near the cheekbone. These implants anchor into this bone, providing stability in cases where there isn’t enough upper jawbone for traditional implants. Their design includes a slight bend to securely fit beneath the sinus area, making them useful for replacing teeth in the side or front of the upper jaw.
Zygomatic implants have a small portion of a straight rod, and then they are bent to hold into the bone below your sinus. They are shorter than pterygoid implants and are used more often than pterygoid implants.
These are often used for side teeth that face forward or slightly to the side.
Is the Placement Process Different for Different Implants?
The implant placement process will be similar for every kind of implant. Dr. Martin will use sedation dentistry to help you relax, whether that be full sedation or local anesthesia.
Some implants will take a longer time to heal than others. Neodent implants and endosteal implants will take a shorter time to heal and can be restored quicker because they are healed faster.
Abutments will be placed once an implant is healed, and then the restoration will be placed on top.
Learn More About Implants from Dr. Martin
Dr. Martin can help you learn the ins and outs of dental implants, one of the best methods to restore a missing tooth. You can call him to learn more about dental implants and which kind of implants would be best to replace your missing tooth!
