Tooth loss is no joke. If a missing tooth goes untreated, the jawbone’s density slowly begins to dwindle through a process called resorption due to the lack of stimulation in that area from chewing. Thankfully, dental implants are the best, most effective tooth replacement. They stop resorption from continuing and get the patient’s oral health back on track.
Just like most things in life, though, dental implants aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal, and there are plenty of effective implants for tooth replacement—which dental implants work best depends on the patient’s mouth structure, composition, and personal preferences. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the different kinds and the materials implants are made of.
There Are Two Types of Placements for Dental Implants
The first two types of dental implants that are generally considered fantastic options are differentiated by the placement of the implant.
Endosteal Implants are the Golden Standard for Tooth Replacements
Endosteal tooth implants are placed directly in the jawbone. The titanium post typically has a screw-like shape that neatly slots right into the bone. Over time, through osseointegration, the post directly fuses with the jawbone.
Endosteal implants are given to patients with sufficient (not necessarily perfect) bone density that allows their jawbones to withstand the oral surgery. Patients who don’t present with sufficient density or have severe bone loss qualify for the next type of implant. Scientific evidence suggests that this is the best type of dental implant in the context of placement.
Subperiosteal Implants are an Alternative to Endosteal Tooth Replacements
Subperiosteal implants are another term that refers to the placement of the abutment and crown. Instead of going into the jawbone, these tooth replacement options are placed on top of the jawbone and under the gum tissue. These are not nearly as common as endosteal implants nowadays.
Patients who present with drastic bone loss in the jaw are typically given subperiosteal implants. Because of their placement, they don’t stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to further bone deterioration. These dental implant tooth replacements must be cleaned diligently and regularly. Since they sit right under the gum tissue, the implant can create pockets where bacteria thrive and multiply. Thankfully, these aren’t used a ton, and more than most patients will end up with the far superior method of replacing missing teeth, endosteal implants.
Titanium and Ceramic Are the Most Common Materials Used for Tooth Implants
The best tooth implants have to be made out of something, right? Look no further than two tried-and-true materials used in creating long-lasting dental tooth replacements. Titanium has been the standard for decades, with ceramic—or zirconia—implants trailing behind in recent years as a newer, widely accepted material. But how do they stack up against each other?
Titanium Teeth Replacements Have Long Been the Standard
Dental implants made out of titanium are considered to be the single best tooth replacement material available. They’re completely biocompatible, and there are decades of clinical success showing that titanium is a dependable material. Titatnium implants are durable, predictable, and they’re typically a cheap dental implant option compared to zirconia.
When it comes to the best implants for missing teeth, it doesn’t get much better than titanium. The titanium post directly fuses to the jawbone, creating a sturdy and stable foundation. With proper care and upkeep, these durable implants can last a patient multiple decades.
The only major drawback is the potential aesthetic concern — it’s barely noticeable, but since the post is metal, it can sometimes show as a grayish color through the bottom of the gums. Additionally, though rare, titanium allergies aren’t unheard of. In this case, the patient might be recommended to stick with zirconia tooth replacements.
Dental Implants Made from Zirconia Are Rising in Popularity
A relative newcomer to the dental scene, zirconia tooth implants are made entirely from durable ceramic and are a completely holistic option for tooth replacement. Zirconia implants are probably the best dental tooth replacement for patients who want implants that are white and will match the rest of their teeth near-perfectly.
Zirconia also has a reputation for being a cleaner material than titanium and reducing the likelihood of plaque buildup that can lead to infection. However, there are a few drawbacks to zirconia as a material. Due to its specialized manufacturing and the fact that it’s not as widely available as titanium, zirconia does come with a higher out-of-pocket cost compared to cheaper methods of tooth replacement. There’s also not quite as much long-term scientific data proving its effectiveness over time. While data is still incredibly promising, studies are showing that ceramic tooth implants might not be quite as durable as their titanium counterparts.
At the end of the day, the best dental implant depends entirely on the patient’s individual needs. While the most popular tooth replacements tend to be titanium endosteal dental implants, there might be a case where a subperiosteal implant made out of zirconia is the best option. If you’re looking for quality dental implants done by experienced oral surgeons, our office is just a phone call away.
