Types of Dental Implants Explained

There are a few different types of dental implants, which are typically created out of titanium and attached directly to the jawbone. Though various types of dental implants are available, we at Dental Restorative Group choose to examine each patient individually in order to choose the correct type for their own health. Our top choices of implants include same-day implants and the innovative All-on-4 option which uses dental implants to anchor a fixed bridge.

Types of Implants

Implant Types, Sizes, and Options

Dental implants are attached directly to the jawbone and fuse with your natural bone tissue, forming a stable and solid base for replacement teeth.

Dental Restorative Group offers several types of implants for our patients in Belmont, Cambridge, and nearby areas in Massachusetts.

Dental implants also come in a variety of sizes and heights, including standard and narrow, or “mini.” Our implant specialists in Belmont and Cambridge are trained to help you choose the best option for your case, depending on your condition.

Same Day Implants

Same Day Implants and Immediate Loading

Same Day Implants, also known as Immediate Load Dental Implants or Teeth in a Day® allow the dentist to place temporary crowns over the implants in a single treatment session. Over a period of three to six months, the dental implant will fuse with your natural bone, and the temporary crown will be replaced with a permanent custom crown. The procedure is suitable for Belmont patients who have enough natural bone to successfully secure an implant that can support the pressure of immediate placement of the crown.

All-on-4® Implants

The All-on-4® approach is used to replace an entire arch of damaged or lost teeth at one time using a combination of implants and a bridge. Four dental implants are used to anchor and stabilize the prosthesis. These implants are placed in any available bone within our patients’ mouths. A temporary prosthesis containing a full set of replacement teeth that is placed on the same day and will remain in place while your gums heal and the implants fuse with your natural bone. During this period, you may have to observe a soft diet that will not damage the temporary prosthesis. After a period of three to six months, your final, custom prosthesis will be put in place, replacing the temporary prosthesis, and you may gradually resume a normal diet as you get used to your new set of teeth. The all-on-four approach requires multiple treatment sessions and a six-month healing period to give you a stable, long-lasting new smile.

Mini Implants

Mini and Narrow Diameter Implants

Though this option is not recommended at Dental Restorative Group, we like our patients to be aware of all their options. Mini dental implants, sometimes called small diameter or narrow diameter implants, are smaller than standard-size dental implants and require a less-invasive procedure to place in the mouth. These implants measure less than 3 millimeters in diameter, while standard implants typically measure 3.25 – 5 millimeters in diameter. Mini Implants may be recommended for Belmont patients who do not have enough healthy bone tissue for traditional dental implant surgery.

Choosing the Right Implant in Belmont

The best and most long-lasting option today for replacing lost or damaged teeth is a dental implant fitted with a crown. To learn more about how dental implants can give you a healthy new smile, contact our office in Belmont today at (617) 489-1470.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of dental implants?

Dental implants are typically created out of titanium and attached directly to the jawbone. Options include standard implants restored with a crown, same day implants, the All-on-4 approach for a full arch, and mini or narrow diameter implants. Sizes range from standard to mini.

What are same day dental implants?

Same day implants, also known as immediate load dental implants or Teeth in a Day, allow the dentist to place temporary crowns over the implants in a single treatment session. Over three to six months the implant fuses with bone and a permanent crown follows.

Am I a candidate for same day dental implants?

The procedure suits patients who have enough natural bone to successfully secure an implant that can support the pressure of an immediately placed crown. Our implant specialists in Belmont and Cambridge examine each patient individually to choose the correct type for their own health.

How does All-on-4 replace a full arch of teeth?

Four dental implants anchor and stabilize a bridge that replaces an entire arch of damaged or lost teeth. A temporary prosthesis goes in the same day while your gums heal and the implants fuse. The final custom prosthesis follows after three to six months.

What are mini dental implants?

Mini implants, sometimes called small diameter or narrow diameter implants, measure less than three millimeters across, while standard implants typically measure 3.25 to 5 millimeters. They require a less invasive placement, though this option is not recommended at Dental Restorative Group.

Which type of dental implant is best?

The best and most long-lasting option today for replacing lost or damaged teeth is a dental implant fitted with a crown. Because each mouth is different, we examine every patient individually before recommending an implant type, size, and restoration for their case.

Different Types of Dental Implants