What Are Types of Implants?

Implants used to be produced mainly in a thin, flat plate shape called a "blade" 20 years ago, but this has changed and they have evolved into a cylindrical shape that closely mimics the anatomy of a natural tooth root in modern dentistry. While there are still some types of implant that are cylindrical, they are rare, and the plate-shaped ones are completely discontinued.

Currently, most of the implants used and successfully applied worldwide are those that mimic the shape of a natural tooth root. While artificial teeth generally have a similar shape, each implant brand and manufacturer has its own unique surface and shape differences.

Classification of Implant Types can be made in 5 Categories:

♦ Classification according to design

♦ Classification according to connection mechanism

♦ Classification according to macroscopic structure

♦ Classification according to surface

♦ Classification according to material used

Classification Based on Design:

♦ Endosteal implant types (pieces placed inside the alveolar bone)

• Thin flat plate pieces

• Ramus Frame implant types (stainless steel pieces shaped like horseshoes placed inside the jawbone)

♦ Dental root-shaped implant types (most commonly used implant types today)

♦ Superiosteal implants (placed under the periosteum onto the surface of the cortical bone)

♦ Transosteal implants

♦ Intramucosal implants (placed inside the oral mucosa)

Classification According to Connection Mechanism:

♦ Fibrointegration (complete encapsulation of the implant with soft tissue)

♦ Osseo-integration (direct connection between bone surface and implant) This is the most commonly used method.

Macroscopic Classification Based on Structure:

♦ Cylinder tooth-shaped (implants with a cylinder structure)

♦ Toothed implants (the surface of the implant is toothed like a screw, thus increasing the surface area of the implant. This is the most commonly used type)

♦ Plate-type (shaped like a reverse cone)

♦ Perforated tooth implants

♦ Solid dental implants (circular cross-section without any grooves or protrusions)

♦ Vented implants (cylinder-shaped)

♦ Hollow implants (implants with a hollow at the top)