What are the three different types of dental implant in NZ?
Dental implants are a fantastic dental restoration option. If you’re missing one or more teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental implant to fill the gap.
There are three different types of dental implants available in New Zealand, and it can help to understand what those options are. In this article, we’ll outline the different types, what they are and when you might need them.
What is a dental implant?
In short, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root. It is a piece of material, usually metal, that is implanted into or onto your jaw or cheekbone to create a secure platform for a prosthetic tooth.
After you have recovered from dental implant surgery, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant, and finally a crown (artificial tooth) will be placed on top to restore your natural bite.
Why would I get a dental implant?
Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth or groups of adjacent teeth, as well as to support full sets of dentures.
Where multiple adjacent teeth are being replaced, you don’t need an implant for each tooth. Instead, two implants can be placed at either end of the gap, and a bridge can be connected to the two abutments.
For full sets of teeth, an all-on-four procedure is required. This is where one dental implant is placed in each quadrant of the jaw, and a single implant bridge is permanently affixed to replace the full set of teeth.
Learn more: All on 4 (or more) implants
How much does a dental implant cost?
The cost of your dental implant can vary significantly depending on the number of implants needed, the number of teeth being restored, and the existing condition of your teeth and jawbone.
A single endosteal implant, including abutment and crown, starts from $5,112. Meanwhile, a full set of upper or lower removable dentures on four implants starts from $15,799.
Your dentist can provide a quote for any work beforehand, and help you understand your different finance options so you can afford the work you need.
Learn more: Affording the dentist in Northland: What help is available?
Types of dental implants
There are three main types of dental implants. Here, we’re talking about the prosthesis that is surgically implanted into your jaw – not to be confused with the abutment or crown.
1. Endosteal implants
What is an endosteal implant?
The word endosteal means “within bone”. This is because endosteal implants are essentially metal posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone.
Who are endosteal implants best suited for?
Endosteal implants are the most common kind of implant, and are suitable for all patients with a healthy jawbone.
Why would you need an endosteal implant?
Often, endosteal implants are the first and best option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. This is because the jaw bone provides a strong base for the implant, and mimics the natural relationship between the jaw bone and a real dental root.
How is an endosteal implant placed?
An endosteal implant is placed by first numbing the area around the implant site. Then, the gum is cut to reveal the jawbone, and a hole or holes are drilled to provide a place for the implant. The endosteal post is then placed, and the gum is closed over the post.
You’ll then have to wait 2-6 months while osseointegration occurs. This is where the jawbone grows into the implant, fusing them together to create a solid base for the new tooth.
2. Subperiosteal implants
What is a subperiosteal implant?
Subperiosteal means under the periosteum. The periosteum is a membrane covering the bones in your body. So, a subperiosteal implant sits just below this membrane, rather than penetrating or sitting within the actual bone.
Who are subperiosteal implants best suited for?
Subperiosteal implants are the next best option after endosteal implants, and are typically recommended for patients where the lower jawbone is unable to support an endosteal implant.
Why would you need a subperiosteal implant?
If your jawbone is deteriorated, it may not be able to support an endosteal implant. Some dentists may offer a subperiosteal implant if a patient is not comfortable having their jawbone drilled into.
However, subperiosteal implants are generally very rare.
How is a subperiosteal implant placed?
While an endosteal implant is a bit like a screw that is placed within the bone, a subperiosteal implant is more like a frame. To place a subperiosteal implant, your dentist will numb the area around the site first, then cut into the gum.
With the jawbone exposed, your dentist can affix the subperiosteal implant over the jawbone and close the gum back over it. The frame itself should hold onto the jawbone, while the gum heals to hold it in place. Posts protrude from the frame, to which an abutment and crown can be attached.
3. Zygomatic implants
What is a zygomatic implant?
Zygomatic implants are placed in your cheek bones, rather than your jawbone. These implants are intended to replace teeth in the upper jaw only, and are extremely rare.
Who are zygomatic implants best suited for?
You may be recommended a zygomatic implant if your jawbone mass is inadequate to support an endosteal implant.
Why would you need a zygomatic implant?
Zygomatic implants are usually only an option when the jawbone cannot support an implant. They are suitable for supporting single teeth or full sets of teeth on the upper jaw.
Your dentist may recommend a combination of zygomatic, endosteal and subperiosteal implants depending on the condition of your jawbone.
How is a zygomatic implant placed?
Unlike an endosteal implant, a zygomatic implant does not have a long recovery time. You will be given anaesthesia, and your dental surgeon will angle the implants through the upper jaw, into the zygoma or cheekbone.
The dense structure of the cheekbone, plus the angle of the implant, makes this very secure and removes the need to wait for osseointegration. So, your prosthetic teeth can be attached to the implants during the same surgery.
Which is the right implant for me? Endosteal vs subperiosteal vs zygomatic
In the vast majority of cases, you’ll be recommended an endosteal implant. These are typically the best implants for permanent replacement teeth, as osseointegration helps to create an extremely secure base while also supporting the continued strength of your jaw.
If your jaw is lacking bone mass, does not meet the minimum bone height, or you otherwise do not meet a dentist’s criteria to be eligible for an endosteal you may be recommended a subperiosteal implant instead.
If you are concerned about the long recovery time of an endosteal implant, you might like to ask your dentist if a subperiosteal implant is a viable option for you.
Finally, a zygomatic implant may be an option if you are missing one or more teeth in your upper jaw, and the upper jawbone is unable to support an endosteal implant. You might also prefer to enquire about a zygomatic implant if you are concerned about the recovery time of an endosteal implant.
Your dentist can help to answer any further questions you have about dental implants. If you’re interested in a type of implant that hasn’t been recommended to you, your dentist can explore that option with you or help you understand why you aren’t eligible for it.
Need a dental implant? Pop in for a stress-free consultation
If you’re missing a tooth or are concerned you may need an extraction, we’re here to help. We can talk you through everything you want to know about dental implants or other restorative dentistry options.
We’re on Maunu Road in Whangarei if you need us. Call us on 09 430 0707 to make an appointment, or book online.