Modern dentistry is continuously evolving, and we are thrilled about it since a well-maintained smile always remains in style. In recent years, dental implants have become a significant advancement in the field of dental artistry.
There are several main types of dental implants:
- Endosseous (Intrabony): This procedure is performed only when there is sufficient height of the alveolar ridge.
- Endodontic-Endosseous: This type is used to restore damaged or mobile teeth, provided there is at least 3 mm of healthy periodontium around the tooth root.
- Subperiosteal: Suitable for cases with insufficient height of the alveolar part of the jaw.
- Submucosal: Used in cases of atrophy of the alveolar ridge of the upper jaw, such as developmental defects of the palate. This technique improves prosthesis fixation and provides interprosthetic stability.
- Transosseous: Indicated for significant atrophy of the lower jaw and used for securing removable dental prostheses.
Implant materials fall into several categories:
- Bioinert: Titanium, titanium nickelide, gold, corundum ceramic, zirconium, carbon glass.
- Bioactive: Metal implants with coatings of tricalcium phosphate ceramic, hydroxyapatite, and other materials.
- Biotolerant: Cobalt-chromium alloys, stainless steel.
Currently, biotolerant materials are rarely used in implantology because they form a thick fibrous capsule around the implant and do not ensure long-term success. Ceramic is an ideal material for dental implants, but titanium is the most optimal in terms of osseointegration. Endosseous implants can come in various forms: resembling natural teeth, cylindrical, screw-shaped, plate-like, with cortical overlays, stepped, or tubular.
