Exploring options for tooth replacement? Learning about the types of dental benchmark implants can help you find a reliable solution. Implants are known for lasting results and for giving you a foundation that works much like your natural teeth.
At New Creation Dental Care in Lake St. Louis, MO, we help patients sort through their options so they can make a confident decision about their dental health. Here’s a clear look at the main implant types and how to choose.
What Are Dental Benchmark Implants?
Dental benchmark implants are posts or frames placed in or on the jawbone beneath your gums. Once they’re in place, your dentist can attach replacement teeth to them. They’re usually made from titanium or zirconia and act like tooth roots, holding the replacement tooth firmly in your mouth.
Because they’re anchored, you don’t have to worry about a tooth shifting when you talk, laugh, or bite into something crunchy. That’s a big change for people who’ve been living with gaps or loose dentures.
Why Choose Dental Benchmark Implants?
These implants have plenty of benefits, including a better appearance, clearer speech, more comfort, and more confidence. Unlike removable dentures, they work like natural teeth, so there’s nothing to take out and soak at night. Dental benchmark implants also help prevent bone loss and keep your facial structure, something traditional bridges and dentures can’t do.
When a tooth is missing, the bone underneath slowly shrinks because it isn’t being used. Over time, that can make your face look older and change your bite. An implant gives the bone a reason to stay.
Different Types of Dental Benchmark Implants
There are several main types, and the right one depends on your bone, your health, and how many teeth you’re replacing.
Root-Form Implants
These are the most common. They’re shaped like a tooth root and work for most patients who have enough jawbone depth. They can hold a single crown, a bridge, or a full-arch restoration.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are an alternative when the upper jaw doesn’t have enough bone density. Instead of the jawbone, they anchor into the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone. They’re used less often and require specialized planning.
Subperiosteal Implants
These sit on top of the bone, under the gums, rather than inside it. They’re designed for people who can’t wear conventional dentures or who have very little bone height.
Factors Affecting the Choice of Implants
Low bone density, limited space, and medical conditions like diabetes can all affect which implant fits you. A thorough evaluation, including scans and a review of your health, helps decide the right option. Sometimes a bone graft first opens up more choices.
The Implant Procedure and What to Expect
Getting implants happens in stages: evaluation, implant placement, osseointegration (when the implant fuses with your bone), and restoration. If you’re replacing a whole arch, full mouth dental implants follow a similar path. After placement, recovery includes rest, soft foods, and follow-up visits so your dentist can check your healing.
Cost Considerations and Insurance
The cost of dental benchmark implants can vary a lot based on how complex your case is and the materials used. Many insurance plans cover part of the cost under restorative care, but details vary. New Creation Dental Care accepts insurance and offers flexible financing, and the team can walk you through your options.
FAQs About Dental Benchmark Implants
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with healthy gums and enough bone are candidates. If you’ve lost bone, grafting may help.
How long do dental implants last?
They usually last for decades with proper care.
How well do dental implants work?
Implants work well for most people who are good candidates and keep up with brushing, flossing, and checkups.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable during the procedure, and most discomfort afterward is manageable with medication.
How can I care for my dental implants?
Brush, floss, and keep up with regular dental checkups, just as you would with natural teeth.
Your Next Step Toward a Full Smile
The right practice makes all the difference. At New Creation Dental Care in Lake St. Louis, MO, our dentist offers thorough evaluations and treatment tailored to your needs. Contact New Creation Dental Care to schedule a consultation and find out which type of dental benchmark implant fits your smile.
