TWO AND ONE-PIECE IMPLANTS
A short article on the best dental implants and their different types.
TWO-PART IMPLANTS
The most commonly used implants are in two parts. They consist of the implant body and the implant structure (abutment). The implant body is the part of the implant that is inserted into the bone. There he takes over the function of the tooth root. After complete healing, the implant body is connected to the implant abutment. This is done either by cementing or screwing. The abutment is the interface between the individually selectable implant body and the visible part of the denture (superstructure).
ONE-PIECE IMPLANTS
In the case of one-piece implants, the implant body and implant abutment are “from a single source.” With this variant, the abutment protrudes from the gums during healing. This increases the risk of excessive premature stress – with corresponding adverse effects on the healing process.
One-piece implants have a smaller application scope than two-piece implants because they cannot combine the implant body and abutment. Nevertheless, they represent an excellent solution for specific indications. In many cases the relatively inexpensive one-piece implants is used to attach temporary dentures or the replacement of smaller teeth.
DIFFERENTIATION ACCORDING TO THE IMPLANT SHAPE
SCREW IMPLANTS – USUALLY THE FIRST CHOICE
Threaded screw implants are the most commonly used implants in modern dentistry. Conventional screw implants are screwed into a hole of the standard size previously milled in the bone. Other types of screw implants have a self-tapping thread and can be screwed into the jawbone without prior hole milling. This makes the procedure even gentler than it is thanks to computer-navigated implantology.
HOLLOW CYLINDER IMPLANTS – THE BETTER CHOICE ONLY IN SOME CASES
Hollow cylinder implants have no thread but are “hammered” into the jawbone with light tapping movements. For this, too, the dentist first creates a standard-sized cavity. The advantage of smooth hollow cylinder implants is their relatively large contact area with the bone. Unfortunately, the amount of bone that is inside the cylinder is less well supplied with blood. For this reason, the hollow cylinder implant is the better choice only in some instances.
MINI IMPLANTS
Mini implants, also called narrow jaw implants, have an average diameter of 2.3 mm, significantly smaller than standard implants (from 3 mm). They are in one piece to ensure excellent stability despite their comparatively small size. Their material also contributes to stability. Unlike conventional metal implants, mini implants are not made from pure titanium, but from somewhat more stable titanium alloys. Material reinforcement is essential because the mini implants sit less rooted in the bone and are thus more stressed. In many cases dentists use the innovative mini-implants in Herne to attach full dentures or to replace smaller front teeth. As so-called “interim implants” (mini-implants), mini-implants can also significantly improve the fit of temporary bridges and dentures. Mini-implants are often inserted at the same time as the final implants, which can then be protected and healed without stress. Mini implants are less flexible than conventional implants and are only indicated for specific indications. However, within the scope of their possible applications, they represent an excellent supply. The metal alloys, which in rare cases cannot be tolerated, can prove to be disadvantageous.