Dental Implant Types
Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry, providing a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
Advancements in technology have made various types of dental implants available to cater to different patient needs.
At University Avenue Dental, we’d like to take some time to explain the different kinds and their benefits, specifically shedding light on mini dental implants.
Traditional dental implants
Traditional dental implants, also known as standard or full-sized implants, have been widely used for years.
These implants have two main components: a titanium screw that serves as an artificial tooth root and an abutment connecting the post to the prosthetic tooth.
Traditional dental implants are highly durable and offer other benefits as well, such as:
- Creating a stable foundation between each tooth and implant
- Providing long-term durability, possibly lasting decades to a lifetime, with proper care
- Being a highly customizable option, seeing as how we place each prosthetic on its own implant and abutment
All-on-4 and all-on-6
All-on-4 and all-on-6 implants are implant-supported dentures offering a patient solution for multiple tooth loss or requiring full-arch restoration.
With all-on-4, our dentist strategically places four dental implants in the jawbone to support a full-arch prosthesis. Similarly, the all-on-6 method uses six implants for enhanced stability.
Both provide fixed and natural-looking sets of replacement teeth, restoring function AND cosmetic appeal.
The benefits of these dental implant types are:
- Receive them in as little as one appointment
- Leave the office with a restored smile because our dentist may situate a temporary prosthesis on the implants
- Reduced treatment time because these require fewer implants
- Receive better stability than with standard removable dentures
Mini dental implants
Mini dental implants (MDIs) are a remarkable innovation in dental implantology. As the name suggests, MDIs are smaller in diameter than traditional implants. They’re typically less than 3 mm in diameter, while standard implants range from 3 to 6 mm.
MDIs consist of a titanium post with a ball-shaped attachment that connects to the prosthetic tooth.
Mini dental implants offer several unique advantages, including:
- Minimally invasive procedure as a result of their smaller size
- An option even if you have reduced bone density
- Less healing time than traditional implants
- Opt for this option if you need a bridge, single tooth, or complete arch
Deciding on the Right One
As you can see, each dental implant has its share of benefits. For example, people with inadequate jaw bones can opt for the all-on-4, all-on-6, or mini dental implants, while traditional implants are a reliable and time-tested solution.
However, mini dental implants aren’t for everyone. Some people may benefit from a traditional dental implant or all-on-4 or all-on-6, more so than MDIs.
At University Avenue Dental, we offer dental implants in Muncie, IN, and understand that each patient is unique regarding their oral health, especially with tooth replacement options.
Therefore, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and review your medical and dental history before we make any recommendations.
We’ll also discuss price because it’s often a deciding factor for patients. Moreover, if it’s a procedure we don’t offer at our practice, we can direct you to a reputable office we trust.
Dental implants transformed how dentists restore missing teeth, offering exceptional functionality and natural esthetics. Traditional implants, all-on-4/all-on-6 implants, and mini dental implants are the main types of dental implants for patients seeking long-term tooth replacement solutions. Some are more time efficient, while others offer customization.
If you’re considering dental implants, consult our qualified dental professional to determine the most suitable implant variety for your specific needs. With the advancements in implant dentistry, a solution is available!
Give us a call today to start your dental implant journey!
Or:
- Call us at: 765-288-6121
- Email us at: info@drgregpyle.com
We’re in Muncie on University Avenue. (It’s even in our name!) But people to the north, east, south, and west of us can also benefit from our dental implant services, including those in Yorktown, Parker City, Eaton, Daleville, Shamrock Lake, Fowlerton, Upland, and Woodlawn Heights.