Loss of teeth may affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Thankfully, dental implants provide a permanent solution to fill the gap of missing teeth and regain oral function. Being one of the most advanced procedures in restorative dentistry, implants are engineered to resemble the natural tooth root and serve as a stable support for artificial teeth.  

There exist three types of dental implants that are used to treat different oral conditions: 

  1. Endosteal Implants – The Gold Standard

    Endosteal implants are the most standard and usually recommended. They are implanted directly into the jawbone and function similarly to artificial tooth roots. Once they have become attached to the bone (an osseointegration procedure), they support crowns, bridges, or dentures. 
  • A titanium screw is surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw.  
  • A period of a few months passes, and the implant fuses to the bone.  
  • Following the healing process, an abutment and crown are placed to finalize the restoration. 

Best Candidates:  

  • Individuals who possess healthy, firm jawbones 
  • Individuals who have lost one or multiple teeth and are willing to have them permanently restored 
  • Individuals interested in going through a short surgical procedure 

Advantages:  

  • Excellent stability and longevity. 
  • Outcomes that strongly resemble the natural teeth and have a long duration. 
  • Extremely high success rate (up to 98%) 

Endosteal implants are occasionally the dentist's initial preference, particularly for patients who require long-term, low-maintenance restorations.  

 2. Subperiosteal Implants – The Non-Surgical Option 

Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone, but below the gums. Instead of screws into the bone, they consist of a metal frame that supports the prosthetic tooth from above. 

  • A specially made metal frame, tailored to fit the patient's size, is inserted between the jawbone and gum.  
  • The frame holds one or more posts that extend through the gum, securing the replacement teeth.  

Ideal Candidates:  

  • Individuals with inadequate bone height or density. 
  • Those who are unable to undergo bone grafting. 
  • Those seeking a less invasive, faster alternative  

Advantages:  

  • Less invasive than endosteal implants. 
  • Ideal for individuals who are afraid of undergoing extensive dental surgery. 
  • Shorter recovery time  

If your jawbone is not thick or dense enough and you are not a candidate for grafting, your Modesto dentist might suggest subperiosteal implants as an ideal alternative.  

3. Zygomatic Implants – The Specialized Solution  

Zygomatic implants are the most rare and complicated kind. They are applied if there is extreme bone loss in the upper jaw, and conventional implants are not possible without extensive grafting. These implants are placed into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jaw.  

  • Following extensive imaging (typically 3D CT scans), longer-than-usual implants are placed into the zygomatic bone.  
  • They can replace the full arch of upper teeth.  

Ideal Candidates:  

  • Patients with extensive upper jawbone loss. 
  • Those who prefer to avoid sinus lifts or bone grafts. 
  • Patients needing full upper arch restoration  

Advantages:  

  • Eliminates bone grafting requirement . 
  • Can bear fixed dentures. 
  • Immediate loading is usually feasible  

Because of the complexity of this procedure, your Modesto dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon or implant specialist for zygomatic implant placement. Typically, it is only reserved for complex cases.  

 How Do You Know Which Is the Right Implant Type for You?  

The type of dental implant suitable for you depends on:  

  • Health of your jawbone.  
  • Overall condition of your mouth.  
  • How many teeth are missing, and where the gap is.  
  • Your preferences and dental background.  

A thorough oral examination to evaluate these factors — and probably some 3D and x-ray technology — is important.  

Dental Implant Benefits  

All dental implants have several advantages over bridges and dentures, regardless of type: 

  • Prevent jawbone loss. 
  • Improve speech and chewing function. 
  • Improve the aesthetics of your facial features. 
  • Don't rely on adjacent teeth to obtain support. 
  • Permanent and stable solution with care  

What to expect after implant placement.  

Healing will differ depending on the implant type and whether other surgeries, such as bone grafting, were undertaken. Generally: 

  • You will notice swelling and soreness for a couple of days 
  • Healing would take weeks to months 
  • Regular follow-ups and good oral hygiene are essential. 

Final Thoughts  

Dental implants are an impressive innovation in restorative dentistry. Whether you have one missing tooth or require a full-arch replacement, there's an implant type to suit your needs — from endosteal for standard cases to zygomatic for complicated bone loss.  

 If you're looking into dental implants, don't go it alone. Meet with a skilled and experienced Modesto dentist to discuss your options and get a smile that's not only functional, but really life-altering.