Dental implants are becoming a more popular choice for Australians who need to replace missing teeth. For some, the idea of dental implants might sound scary at first, but they are a great way to get your teeth fixed and improve your oral health.
Do you want to get permanent implants, but you’re not sure which type is best for your needs? Getting dental implants is indeed a big decision, and there are many options to consider. This article will provide an overview of the common type of implants you may find available, as well as what kind might be best for you.

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into your jawbone to anchor the replacement tooth crown. They are a great alternative to traditional dentures or dental bridges. With metal implants, you can have a complete set of teeth that look and feel like natural teeth.
Implants are the best way to maintain healthy, natural-looking teeth and jawline. If your teeth have been removed or you’ve had a significant injury that caused them to be lost, dental implants can support the underlying jawbone and prevent bone resorption. The lack of stimulation when a tooth is lost means that the supporting bone in your jaw can dissolve, but dental implants can minimize this.
With dental implants, you can regain your confidence and smile without having to worry about anything coming loose or falling out of place as dentures do. You’ll also be able to chew food better than before, which will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
They are typically made out of titanium, but ceramic ones are also available for metal allergies and sensitivities. Furthermore, they can also help support dentures or bridges.
There are many types of dental implants that you should consider when planning your surgery. However, it would help to talk with your dentist first since not everyone is a candidate for implant procedures. Those who have existing gum problems, health compromised patients, especially those with autoimmune disease and systemic diseases, may need to consult first as it may cause complications. Moreover, patients who regularly smoke or use tobacco products have a higher implant failure rate than those who don’t.
Want to learn more? Read our detailed guide: What Are Dental Implants: Complete Guide
A Dental Implant Is Composed of Three Parts
Metal implant or screw – acts as the artificial tooth root that secures the replacement tooth in place. The healing time after the implant surgery is about four to six months.
Abutment – the metal part that connects the implant and the dental crown. It is attached after the osseointegration period is completed. The recovery time is around two weeks, after which the dental crown will be fitted.
Crown – it is the false teeth that are fitted on the abutment. It’s usually made from porcelain to match the colour and look of your natural teeth.
Two Types Of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implant

Implants placed inside the bone are referred to as endosteal implants. The metal post is made from titanium, a biocompatible material, which means it won’t irritate or become rejected by the body.
These metal screws are placed in your jawbone and eventually implants bond to the bone. Once it has fused to the bone and the soft tissues have passed the healing phase, minor surgery will be done to install the abutment.
Subperiosteal Implant

Patients who do not have sufficient bone to support endosteal implants may find subperiosteal implants a better option. Subperiosteal implantation is different from the other method because it sits below your gum line and above the jaw bone, so they are not surgically placed into the natural bone.
What Are the Different Types of Implants
Single Tooth Implants

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they can replace one missing tooth and still provide aesthetics, comfort, and function. A single dental implant composed of a crown attached to an implanted metal post in your jawbone or gum tissue. Unlike dental bridges that require reshaping or grinding down the adjacent teeth, implant dentistry is self-supporting and doesn’t damage any tooth structure.
The dentist will help you select the correct size and shape for your teeth by taking accurate measurements of your natural teeth. Furthermore, they are designed to simulate the look and feel of natural teeth. With a proper oral regimen, implants can be maintained the same way as you do with your other teeth to prevent plaque and dental caries. Furthermore, they have a 97-98% success rate.
If one or more teeth are missing, they can be replaced with either a single implant-supported crown or hybrid bridges supported by implants. The advantage of both types of treatment options is that they offer similar benefits to patients who have a single tooth implant.
Implant-Supported Bridgework

Implants-supported bridges are typically recommended for people who have lost several teeth. A dental bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of a gap which stabilizes and enhances the teeth’s function. In addition, they look and feel like natural teeth.
They are often called fixed bridges, so as the name implies, there is no need to remove them daily, unlike the traditional partial denture.
Traditionally, a dental bridge has two crowns at both ends of the span of a tooth-borne bridge connected by a pontic tooth. However, dental implants may replace missing teeth if the span is too long or a patient does not have any healthy teeth to support both ends. It avoids reshaping existing teeth.
Therefore, dentists can use dental implants to replace traditional bonded bridges that could become loose when the glue fails or when the tooth root gets damaged. Another benefit of implants is that they are more resistant to dental decay than conventional bridges, which leave tooth structures behind.
Implant-Supported Dentures

The lack of teeth in your mouth would cause bone loss over time. You are then forced to replace these lost bones with your removable denture’s pink plastic, which gradually gets replaced more and more every time the removable appliance is renewed to counterbalance the continuing bone loss.
A complete denture can be supported and secured with implants. Options are determined according to the individual needs of the patient. Fixed overdentures are fastened to the implant through screws that join them together. Your dentist can remove them for cleaning and maintenance but should not be taken out by the users themselves.
Furthermore, overdentures can also be removable, and selected patients may prefer this feature for convenience. The dentures are attached to the implants but can be unclipped by the patient when needed.
All-On-Four Dental Implants

All-on-4 implants provide a reliable option for many patients with missing teeth. This solution is aimed at restoring the entire upper and lower jaw or both arches.
Though this is considered a permanent tooth restoration, it can be removed for cleaning when necessary.
Dental Implants vs Dentures

Dental implants can help you feel confident in social situations since they don’t feel bulky inside the mouth. Implants work by firmly attaching themselves to your jaw bone and will stay in place even through periods of gum shrinkage caused by periodontal disease. Unlike dentures which can slide around in your mouth if they don’t fit well enough, dental implants create stability for each tooth.
Longevity
Dentures should be replaced at least every 5 to 8 years, but dental implants will last for 15-20 years.
Practicality and Functionality
Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures or other artificial replacements because they offer stability and durability in your mouth. After recovering from dental implant surgery, patients can usually chew food just like they did before and speak.
Dentures are an affordable and attractive alternative for those who cannot afford dental implants, but they have disadvantages. Compared to dental implants, dentures are not as sturdy. While advancements have been made in denture development, they still cannot match the sturdiness of dental implants. Dentures can become loose and frequently slip over time, making it difficult for patients to eat and speak while wearing them.
Appearance
A crown on a dental implant mimics the shape, colour and feel of real teeth. It prevents a person’s mouth from looking unnatural or disproportionate to other teeth. For single tooth replacements, the dentist will match the size and thickness of your existing teeth as closely as possible. If you’re replacing all of your teeth, then the dentist will find the perfect size and shade to complement both the shape of your mouth as well as enhance its appearance.
Today’s modern dentures are so life-like that many people don’t know they’re wearing them. The best dental centre will customize your denture to look as natural as possible, and this is especially true for those who are willing to spend a little more money. However, dentures won’t prevent you from losing jaw bone structure, so the shape of their face will change over time.
Comfort
Some dentures are a lot less pleasant to wear. Most patients complain about bulkiness, excessive saliva, soreness, and irritation it caused. Also, you must be wary of the slippage and fragments of food or other substances getting stuck beneath dentures, which may cause discomfort while speaking and eating. Furthermore, traditional dentures should be taken out each night for cleaning.
Titanium implants are fused to your jawbone, and they do not typically cause any discomfort. As a result, they feel like natural teeth in your mouth. In addition, they are the most effective permanent type of restoration to the loss of a tooth as they are fixed firmly in place, eliminating any chance of them slipping.
Cost
When considering the cost of dental implants, it is essential to realize that teeth may need repair work before dental implant placement can be done. Additional procedures such as tooth extraction, gum surgery, and bone graft will necessitate more spending in the short term but are worth it because they help ensure stability. The initial cost for dental implants is higher than procedures like dentures, but long-term savings may eventually benefit from this increased investment.
In contrast, dentures are cheaper at first glance. Still, they may end up costing more over time because of visits for replacements and adjustments needed not only during that period of time between replacements but also throughout the life of the teeth attached to a particular set of dentures.
Dental Implants vs Bridge

Dental implants are proven to be more sustainable and successful than many other dental treatments. According to numerous studies, the implant success rate is 90% – 95%, the highest among tooth restoration procedures.
Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are the ideal substitute for a damaged tooth, and they typically offer better stability than bridges or dentures. However, if the tooth has been removed for some time, there may not be enough bone left to support dental implants. Dental procedures beyond implanting will need to be done beforehand to support what remains of the jawbone.
With an average of 15 to 20 years, dental implants offer many benefits, including comfort and healthier gums. Implants are usually made from titanium which fuses to the jawbone through the process of osseointegration. They are also highly durable because they’re made from strong material that resists tooth decay and gum disease better than bridges do.
In the past, people with missing teeth have had to install a dental bridge. The process requires work on adjacent healthy teeth by removing a layer of the tooth surface or enamel to create the bridge for support.
The life expectancy of a dental bridge is, on average, ten years. However, the underlying tooth structure built upon can suffer from tooth decay and gum disease.
Appearance
Implants can be superior to dental bridges for both their functional and cosmetic qualities. Implants look natural because they match the shape, colour, and feel of regular teeth.
Though bridges give a similar aesthetic function as dental implants, they don’t offer the same benefits as implants. They are like regular partial dentures that are supported by nearby teeth.
Cost
It can seem more expensive at first, but implants are often cheaper in the long run as they last longer than other treatments.
Although the dental bridge costs less up-front than a dental implant, it has to be replaced at least ten years after installation.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog has helped provide you with some information on dental implants and their benefits. The best thing about them is that they are a safe, reliable and cost-effective way to replace missing teeth. Thus, they can help you look better and feel better since having healthy and stable natural teeth is vital for effective chewing and smiling.
The type of implant treatment you choose will depend on your oral health, lifestyle and budget. Your dentist at Narre Warren Dental Care can help you make the best decision for your dental implants based on these factors.
No matter which implant type you choose to undergo, it’s essential that a qualified dentist be consulted before the surgical procedure. The dentists at our practice will provide all the information required so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with this treatment option. Contact us at 03 8771 4137 today to set up an appointment with our team of experts.