Types of Dental Implants
Portland, OR Dental implants have become one of the most reliable and long-lasting tooth replacement options available today, offering patients a solution that functions and feels like natural teeth. Losing a tooth, or several teeth, changes more than just your smile. It affects how you chew, how you speak, and even how your jawbone develops over time. But not all implants are the same. Depending on your oral health, bone structure, and how many teeth need to be replaced, Dr. Arend may recommend one of several different implant types. Understanding what each option involves can help you feel more confident coming in for a consultation with East Portland Dentistry.What Are Dental Implants?A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once the post integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached on top. The result is a stable, functional replacement tooth that does not shift, slip, or require removal. Dental implants also help preserve the jawbone by providing the stimulation that natural tooth roots would normally supply, which prevents the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss. Endosteal ImplantsEndosteal implants are the most commonly placed type and are considered the standard approach for patients with a healthy, adequate jawbone. The word "endosteal" refers to placement within the bone. The dentist places the titanium post directly into the jawbone, where it fuses over a healing period of several months. After healing is complete, an abutment and crown are attached to complete the restoration. Endosteal implants are appropriate for most adults who are missing one or more teeth and have sufficient bone density to support the post. They offer excellent stability and longevity, and they closely replicate the look and function of natural teeth. If bone volume is insufficient, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended beforehand to build up the area before implant placement. Subperiosteal ImplantsSubperiosteal implants offer an alternative for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant and prefer to avoid bone grafting. Rather than being placed inside the bone, a subperiosteal implant consists of a metal framework that rests on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. Posts attached to that framework protrude through the gums, and the restorations are secured to those posts. While subperiosteal implants are less commonly placed than endosteal implants, they remain a practical option for patients with significant bone loss who still want the stability that implants provide. Your dentist will evaluate your bone structure through imaging to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your situation. Zygomatic ImplantsZygomatic implants are a specialized and far less common option reserved for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw where traditional implants cannot be placed. Rather than anchoring into the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored into the cheekbone, or zygoma. This approach bypasses the need for extensive bone grafting in cases where the upper jaw has deteriorated significantly. Because of their complexity, zygomatic implants are typically placed by oral surgeons or specialists with advanced training in this technique. They are not a first-line option, but for patients who have been told they are not candidates for conventional dental implants, zygomatic implants may make restoration possible when it otherwise would not be. Single Tooth ImplantsWhen one tooth is missing, a single tooth implant replaces it completely without affecting the neighboring teeth. One implant post is placed, and a single custom crown is attached on top. This approach preserves the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth, which would otherwise need to be shaped down if a traditional bridge were placed. Single tooth implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth and can last many years with proper care. Multiple Tooth ImplantsFor patients missing several teeth in a row, multiple tooth implants offer an efficient solution. Rather than placing one implant for every missing tooth, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge. Two or more implant posts are placed at either end of the gap, and a bridge spanning the missing teeth is secured to those posts. This approach restores several teeth at once while using fewer implants overall, making it a well-suited option for patients with multiple adjacent tooth loss. Mini Dental ImplantsMini dental implants are smaller in diameter than standard implants and are used in situations where the available bone space is narrower or where a less invasive procedure is preferred. They are often used to stabilize lower dentures or to replace smaller teeth. The placement procedure is typically simpler and involves less recovery time than conventional implants. While mini implants are not appropriate for every case, they can be an excellent solution for patients who qualify, particularly those who want improved denture stability without a more involved surgical process. Implant-Supported DenturesFor patients who are missing all or most of their teeth, implant-supported dentures provide a significant improvement over traditional removable dentures. Rather than resting on the gums and relying on adhesives, implant-supported dentures snap onto or are fixed to a series of implant posts anchored in the jaw. This eliminates the slipping, discomfort, and dietary restrictions that many denture wearers experience. There are two primary styles: removable implant-supported dentures, which can be taken out for cleaning, and fixed implant-supported dentures, which remain in place and are cleaned like natural teeth. Both options provide far greater stability and confidence than conventional dentures, and both help maintain jawbone health over time. Find the Right Solution for Your Smile in PortlandEvery patient's needs are different, and the right implant type depends on your bone health, the number of teeth being replaced, and your overall oral health history. At East Portland Dentistry we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your situation and walk you through every option available to you. If you are ready to explore whether dental implants are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our team today. Call us at (971) 484-1652. |
 Phone(971) 484-1652 HoursMonday – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday – 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday – 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Thursday – 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
