What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

types of dental implants​

Missing teeth can shake your confidence and make simple things like eating with friends uncomfortable. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. 

Familiarity with the different types of dental implants will help you make the best decisions for your oral health. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or need a full-arch restoration, there’s an implant option designed for your unique situation.

Getting Dental Implants in Surrey BC: What To Expect

If you’re considering dental implants in Surrey, BC, you should know both the benefits and what the procedure involves. Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, which helps preserve jawbone structure and maintain facial shape. 

After removing your natural teeth (if necessary), the surgeon implants a titanium post into the jawbone. Following a healing period that allows the implant to fuse with the bone, they’ll attach a custom crown to restore function and appearance with a natural-looking tooth. 

Patients appreciate that implants allow them to eat and speak comfortably, and many find that implants feel so natural they forget they’re not their original teeth. However, good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular dental visits are essential to oral health.

How To Choose the Right Type of Dental Implant

The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging to assess your bone density and oral health. Your surgeon will look at your bone quality, count the number of teeth that need replacing, and review your medical history to determine whether you’re a candidate for implants.

The goal is always to restore your teeth in a way that looks natural and feels secure while keeping your mouth healthy for years.

The Main Categories of Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants fall into two primary groups depending on how and where they are placed in relation to the jawbone.

The most common option is the endosteal implant, which is durable and suitable for patients with healthy bone structure. These implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Once the area has healed, a crown is placed to complete the restoration.  

The second category is the subperiosteal implant. Instead of being placed directly into the jaw, this implant sits underneath the gum tissue on top of the bone. It uses a metal framework that supports replacement teeth. These implants are sometimes recommended for patients who don’t have a healthy jawbone or prefer not to undergo bone grafting.

When comparing endosteal vs. subperiosteal dental implants, the key differences center on bone support and healing time. Most patients are candidates for endosteal implants, which have excellent success rates, but it typically takes several months for the implant to fuse with the bone. Subperiosteal implants may heal faster since they don’t require the same level of bone integration.

Single Tooth vs. Multiple Tooth Solutions

The number of teeth you need to replace also influences dental implant options for missing teeth. A single-tooth implant is exactly what it sounds like: a single implant post and crown replaces one missing tooth. This option protects nearby teeth because it uses adjacent teeth for support, unlike traditional bridges.

For multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges may be the better choice. These use two or more implants to anchor a bridge that replaces several adjacent teeth.

If all your teeth in the upper or lower arch are missing, you may benefit from full-arch implant solutions like All-on-4 implants or implant-supported dentures. These solutions offer greater stability than removable dentures and can significantly enhance comfort and chewing ability.

Each of these solutions falls under the broader types of dental implants available today, but the final choice depends on oral health, bone density, and personal goals.

Take the First Step Toward a New Smile

Modern implants are durable, natural-looking, and can dramatically improve your quality of life by making it easier to talk and eat. While some patients may experience mild dental implant sensitivity during initial healing, this typically resolves as the implant fully integrates with the bone.

Comparing different types of dental implants is the first step toward restoring your smile. Whether you need a single-tooth replacement or a complete full-arch solution, there’s an implant option designed for your needs. 

When you’re ready to explore your options and have different types of dental implants explained in greater detail, contact New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery at (604) 507-0514 to schedule a consultation. The team will walk you through what works for your situation.

How To Speed Up Bone Graft Healing

how to speed up bone graft healing

Is the dental bone graft recovery process the only thing keeping you from getting dental implants? If you’re eager to move forward with the procedure, you’re probably wondering how to speed up healing. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. 

This guide outlines the key factors affecting bone graft healing timelines and ways to expedite your recovery. 

Why Would Someone Need Dental Bone Grafting in Surrey, BC?

Patients who undergo dental bone grafting in Surrey, BC, typically do so to prepare for the insertion of dental implants. Gum disease and other oral health issues could lead to tooth loss, as well as reduced bone volume in the jaw. To compensate, dentists, periodontists, or oral surgeons make a small incision and place the grafting material into the gum, which promotes new bone tissue growth. 

Bone grafting often preludes dental implant insertion. However, professionals may also recommend this procedure to help stabilize loose teeth, combat bone loss due to gum disease, or increase the volume of one’s jawbone. It could even be necessary after some sort of dental trauma that damages the tooth bone.

Prioritize Post-Operative Care After Bone Graft Procedures

The bone graft success rate ultimately depends on how patients handle their recovery. You can expect post-operative discomfort for about one to two weeks, though the full healing process can take up to 12 months. If you’re wondering how to speed up bone graft healing, following your doctor’s care instructions is an excellent starting point. 

Common post-op instructions include:

  • Taking oral antibiotics to prevent infections
  • Not touching the incision site
  • Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial solution
  • Attending follow-up appointments

Your Diet Matters 

Did you know that you can expedite your recovery by eating certain foods? In the days following your procedure, stick to a soft food diet to avoid irritating the incision site. Get key nutrients through foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and fruit smoothies. 

Don’t bite down on hard foods like pretzels, nuts, or popcorn. In addition, sticky substances like gum or chewy candy can also slow your recovery. 

After the initial healing period, make sure your diet includes the proper nutrition for bone regeneration. Opt for protein-rich meals with lean meats. Leafy greens, fresh fruits, and dairy products should also be diet staples, as they are rich in calcium and vitamins C and D.

Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle

Smoking and drinking alcohol after a bone graft procedure has shown to slow the recovery process. Experts recommend quitting smoking before the procedure for the best results. 

If you’re fairly active, pause any intense workouts during your initial healing period, as this may increase the risk of bleeding or swelling. Once your doctor clears you for exercise, start with light workouts like walks around your neighbourhood.

Consult Our Oral Surgery Experts About Your Options

For help with fully understanding bone grafting and how to speed up bone graft healing, turn to New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Our team offers various dental, oral, and cosmetic facial procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and chin implants. Call (604) 507-0514 to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable doctors today.