Whether it's the durable and aesthetically pleasing replacement of a single tooth or the solution for multiple missing teeth, implantation currently represents the most modern and effective alternative.
The advantage of an implant is that it can restore the properties of a tooth not only aesthetically but also functionally, as a high-quality implantation can provide patients with an even stronger foundation than their natural teeth.
As almost all tooth deficiencies can be solved nowadays with the help of implants, manufacturers provide dentists with several types, who can thus always adapt the solution to the current problem.
What types of dental implants are there, and what are their characteristics? Below, we present the most important types, supplemented with related information.
If you need a dental prosthesis:dental implant in Budapest.
How to choose between dental implant types?
Before we present the main types of dental implants in more detail, the first and most important task is to be aware of the selection criteria.
It's important to know that implants are among the more expensive dental treatments, which is why many people opt for the cheapest solutions, and this is not always the best decision.
It makes a difference - for our wallets - whether we choose a cheap implant but have to replace it in 10 years, or a more expensive one that will serve us for the rest of our lives, fit better and even look more aesthetically pleasing.
Therefore, we always ask for the advice of a qualified implantologist when making a choice, and consider the following criteria:
- Only choose implants of good quality from a well-known manufacturer.
- The procedure should be carried out by a reliable implantologist with extensive experience.
- Always choose the implant for the tooth deficiency and the circumstances, as this form of tooth replacement is optimally for life.
At NaturaDent, for example, we work exclusively with premium-quality BTI implants made from pure titanium, and the clinic’s lead implantologist is Dr Márta Fülöp Papp, M.Sc., M.Sc., M.Sc., who holds an MSc. In Lasers in Dentistry qualification, which is unique in Hungary; implant procedures are carried out under her professional supervision insertion.
Standard and mini implants
The first thing we need to discuss regarding dental implant types is the difference related to their size, as these prostheses can come in various diameters and lengths, so that the procedure can always be tailored to the patient's needs.
In most cases, standard implants are required when a single tooth or an entire edentulous jaw needs to be permanently replaced. The standard diameter of 3–4.2 mm is the perfect choice when replacing front teeth and even side teeth. The smallest diameters are used when the patient has limited bone volume, or perhaps a very dense set of teeth, meaning the gap is small in size.
Larger implants, 4.5 to 6 mm, are ideal for replacing larger chewing teeth where extra support is essential.
Mini implants, which have a diameter of 2–2.5 mm, represent a distinct category in this range and are particularly suitable for securing removable dentures.
In the latter case, mini implants may be sufficient, as they provide a more secure hold than traditional dental bonding solutions, while promoting good oral hygiene and preventing permanent gum chafing.
Single and two-part implants
The other major group of dental implant types can be distinguished from each other in terms of their design, as we can talk about one-piece and two-piece replacements.
One-piece implants are those that consist of just one piece, meaning the root that sits in the jawbone and the abutment are the same.
The main advantage of this type is that a single procedure is sufficient to create a denture, but it can only be used in cases where mini implants are used to fix the denture.
Bipartite implants, on the other hand, as their name suggests, are made up of two parts, so they require at least two procedures to create.
In such cases, the artificial root – that is, the titanium screw that is implanted into the jawbone – and the intermediate component that secures the dental crown to it consist of separate parts.
These solutions generally provide better support even when the patient's bone stock is not very significant, but bone grafting is not yet necessary.
While the majority of one-piece implants can often be loaded immediately, two-piece types require much more time, although thanks to advances in technology, there are cases where a two-piece implant can be loaded immediately.
Distinguishing between types of fog implants in terms of base materials
Most modern implants are made exclusively of titanium or titanium alloy. The reason for titanium is that it does not cause allergies in the body in 99.9% cases, and its load-bearing capacity and durability are outstanding.
Alongside titanium, there are also implants made of zirconium dioxide, which are also extremely hard, resistant, and do not cause allergies.
This is a particularly hard solid ceramic solution that heals faster than titanium, but if it needs to be removed for any reason later on, it can cause considerable difficulties.
It is also important to mention here that dental implants are now all surface treated. Thanks to these, the artificial root heals much faster after implantation, helps the bone tissue to adhere, and there are even coatings that can reduce the likelihood of inflammation.
Using multiple implants at once
We have already discussed, in relation to mini-implants, that it is possible to use several of them at the same time so that a complete removable denture can be secured.
If you want a fully fixed denture on a completely edentulous jawbone, you can use a range of dental implant sizes to achieve the right result. In this case, typically at least five or six implants need to be placed in the jaw to achieve a sufficiently durable and safe result.
For this reason, it is also important that the patient pays attention to the choice of the right dentist, implantologist and implant, as this can prevent a lot of inconvenience later on.
Distinguishing types of dental implants by manufacturer
Finally, but by no means least, it is very important that we also talk about manufacturers in relation to types of dental implants. Many companies produce dental implants today, but there are still few who pay close attention to impeccable quality.
An implantologist who takes pride in their work therefore uses only high-quality implants backed by appropriate independent certifications, from a manufacturer that has been established on the market for a long time and typically offers a lifetime guarantee on its products.
This is a particularly important factor in the longer term, as if there were ever any problems with the implant later on, it could practically be replaced anywhere in the world.
To name a specific manufacturer, NaturaDent, for example, now uses only high-purity BTI implantuses them because they are reliable.
