4 types of dental implants: types, material selection and processing methods explained

The development of dental implant technology provides patients with tooth loss with a more stable and beautiful restoration solution.

There are various types of implants, currently mainly including 4 types of dental implants: endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, intramucosal implants, and intradental endosteal implants.

Each of these 4 types of dental implants has its own applicable materials, processing methods and surface treatment methods. This article will analyze in detail 4 different types of dental implants and their respective materials and processing methods, in order to provide a reference for the manufacture and application of dental implants.

1.The first type of the 4 types of dental implants: endosteal implants

Endosteal implants are implants implanted into the maxillary and mandibular tissues to support dentures, which is equivalent to artificial tooth roots implanted under the gums to be installed. It is currently the most widely used type of implant in clinical applications. Depending on the shape and type, different surgical methods and surgical instruments are required for implantation.

(1) Types

1) Spiral implants

Spiral implants are the most common type of implants. They feature a spiral structure on the surface that increases the contact area with bone tissue, thereby accelerating the bone integration process. This design allows spiral implants to quickly stabilize after implantation and is suitable for a variety of bone conditions. Its structure is similar to that of natural tooth roots and can provide good support and retention effects, especially in areas with loose bone. The advantages of spiral implants are more obvious.

2) Columnar implants

Columnar implants are straight columnar in shape, and the surface is usually specially treated to enhance bone integration. This type of implant is suitable for situations with sufficient bone volume and can provide high stability. The design of columnar implants gives them good mechanical properties when subjected to chewing pressure, and is suitable for high-load environments in the posterior teeth area. In addition, the processing of columnar implants is relatively simple, low-cost, and has a high cost-effectiveness.

3) Leaf-shaped implants

The leaf-shaped implant has a unique design and its shape is similar to that of a leaf. It is suitable for situations with insufficient bone volume or special anatomical structures. Leaf-shaped implants can effectively utilize existing bone volume for implantation without adding additional bone grafting surgery. This design is particularly suitable for patients with insufficient maxillary or mandibular bone volume, which can reduce surgical complexity and recovery time.

4) Anchor implants

Anchor implants are mainly used for cases with special anatomical structures or requiring special retention, such as maxillary sinus lift. The special shape of this implant enables it to be effectively anchored in bone tissue and provide strong retention. The design of anchor implants enables it to perform well in complex oral environments, especially when special restorative operations are required, and it can provide reliable support and retention effects.

(2) Commonly used materials

1) Titanium and titanium alloys:

They are widely used due to their good biocompatibility and superior physical and chemical properties.

2) Ceramic materials:

Such as alumina, zirconium oxide, etc., with high strength and wear resistance.

3) Composite materials:

Combining the advantages of different materials, such as spraying ceramics on the surface of titanium alloys, to improve the performance of implants.

(3) Processing methods

1) Machining:

Machining is the most basic processing method, which produces the basic shape of the implant through cutting, drilling and other processes. The surface of the machined implant is smooth and suitable for patients with good bone conditions.

2) Surface treatment:

In order to improve the bone bonding ability of the implant, surface treatment technology is widely used. Titanium slurry spraying is to spray a layer of titanium slurry on the surface of the implant to form a porous structure and increase the attachment area of ​​the bone tissue. Surface oxidation treatment forms an oxide film on the surface of the implant through oxidation reaction to improve biocompatibility.

Hydroxyapatite coating is to coat hydroxyapatite on the surface of the implant to simulate the composition of human bone tissue and promote bone bonding. Sandblasting and acid etching are to make the surface of the implant rough and increase the contact area of ​​the bone tissue through sandblasting and acid etching. Hybrid treatment combines multiple surface treatment technologies to achieve the best effect.

3) Precision machining:

Modern implant processing technology also includes precision machining technologies such as CNC machining and 3D printing. CNC machining can accurately control the shape and size of the implant to meet personalized needs. 3D printing technology can directly print out implants that fully match the patient’s oral structure based on the patient’s oral CT data to achieve precise implantation.

2.The second type of the 4 types of dental implants: subperiosteal implants

Subperiosteal implants are located under the periosteum, straddling the alveolar ridge and the surface of the bone base, and are in the shape of a grid. This implant has a long history of application and is suitable for those with insufficient alveolar ridge width and height and who find it difficult to use other intraosseous implants to achieve functional effects.

(1) Types

1) Scaffold-type implants:

Scaffold-type implants are divided into standard type, mandibular ramus extension type, tripod type, anterior limited type, and mandibular segmented type according to their shape and implantation site. Scaffold-type implants provide stable support through the scaffold structure and are suitable for patients with full mouth edentulousness.

2) Granular implants:

Granular implants are composed of multiple small particles that can fill the space under the periosteum and provide dispersed support.

3) Porous implants:

The surface of porous implants has a porous structure, which is conducive to the growth and integration of bone tissue.

(2) Commonly used materials

1) Cast cobalt-chromium alloy:

It has good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

2) Surface coating materials:

Such as alumina, ceramics, etc., to improve the biocompatibility and stability of the implant.

(3) Processing methods

1) Casting processing:

The most commonly used material for subperiosteal implants is cast cobalt-chromium alloy, and the basic shape of the implant is made through casting. Casting processing can produce complex structures to meet the needs of different implant sites.

2) Surface treatment:

The surface of subperiosteal implants is usually sprayed with alumina, ceramics, etc. to improve biocompatibility and mechanical strength.

3.The second type of the 4 types of dental implants: intramucosal implants

Intramucosal implants, also known as letter button implants, are usually made of titanium or titanium alloy and are mushroom-shaped. The mushroom cap part is implanted in the mucosa, the mushroom stem-shaped part is exposed outside the mucosa, and the end is concave and embedded in the retention hole of the denture base tissue surface to form a retention effect.

(1) Types

1) Standard implants:

Standard intramucosal implants are suitable for most patients and have the characteristics of strong retention and good stability.

2) Micro implants:

Micro intramucosal implants are small in size and suitable for patients with limited oral space.

(2) Commonly used materials

1) Titanium and titanium alloys:

They are widely used due to their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

2) Polymer materials:

Such as polyethylene, etc., are used in certain specific parts of the implant to improve the retention effect.

(3) Processing methods

1) Machining:

Intramucosal implants are machined to produce a mushroom-shaped structure to ensure that the implant can be firmly fixed in the mucosa.

2) Surface treatment:

The surface of intramucosal implants is usually polished to reduce irritation to the mucosa and improve comfort.

4.The second type of the 4 types of dental implants: intradental bone implants

Intradental bone implants are also called root canal implants or root canal fixators. The implant is needle-shaped, with a diameter of about 0.8 to 1.5 mm and a length of 20 to 30 mm. It has a smooth or threaded surface and is commonly made of cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium alloy, tantalum, vanadium and other materials.

(1) Types

1) Smooth implant:

Smooth intra-dental bone implants are suitable for teeth with straight root canals and larger diameters.

2) Threaded implant:

Threaded implants increase retention through a threaded structure and are suitable for teeth with thin root canals and higher retention requirements.

(2) Commonly used materials

1) Cobalt-chromium alloy:

It has good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

2) Titanium alloy:

It is widely used due to its good biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

3) Metal materials such as tantalum and vanadium:

These materials have good biocompatibility and mechanical properties and are suitable for implantation in specific situations.

(3) Processing methods

1) Mechanical processing:

The intradental bone implant is made into a needle-shaped structure through precision mechanical processing to ensure that the implant can pass through the root canal smoothly and be fixed in the jawbone.

2) Surface treatment:

The surface of the intradental bone implant is usually polished to reduce the stimulation to the surrounding tissue and improve biocompatibility.

5.Comprehensive analysis of 4 types of dental implants

The above has introduced in detail the types, applicable materials and processing methods of the 4 types of dental implants. The following will comprehensively analyze the performance comparison of these materials, the impact of different processing methods on implants, and what kind of patients the 4 types of dental implants are suitable for.

(1) Material performance comparison:

1) Titanium and titanium alloy:

It has excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and elastic modulus, and is the most commonly used implant material.

2) Ceramic material:

It has good biocompatibility and bioactivity, can be organically combined with bone tissue, and promote the growth of bone tissue, but the mechanical strength is relatively low.

3) Composite materials:

Combining the advantages of different materials, it can improve the overall performance of the implant, but the processing is relatively complex.

4) Cobalt-chromium alloy:

It has good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, but poor biocompatibility and is gradually replaced by titanium alloy.

(2) Influence of processing methods:

1) Mechanical processing:

It can accurately control the shape and size of the implant, but it has a certain impact on the mechanical properties of the material.

2) Surface treatment:

It can significantly improve the biocompatibility and bone bonding ability of the implant, and is a key link in implant processing.

3) Coating technology:

It can form a layer of bioactive substances on the surface of the implant, promote the bonding between the implant and bone tissue, and improve the success rate of the implant.

(3) Clinical application selection of the 4 types of dental implants:

1) Endosteal implant:

It is suitable for the repair of most tooth loss and is the most widely used type in clinical application.

2) Subperiosteal implant:

It is suitable for patients with insufficient alveolar ridge width and height, and can provide better support and stability.

3) Intramucosal implants:

Suitable for the retention of complete dentures and free-end dentures, but the long-term effect is poor.

4) Intradental bone implants:

Suitable for the fixation of loose teeth and restoration after root canal treatment, which can reduce tooth extraction and retain real teeth.

6.Summary

In summary, these 4 types of dental implants have their own characteristics in material selection and processing methods, so they need to be selected according to specific circumstances during the manufacture and clinical application of dental implants. The reasonable matching of implant type and processing method is the key to improving implant performance and success rate.