Know the Difference
One piece versus two piece implants
| Difference | One Piece Implant | Two Piece Implants |
|---|---|---|
| The section that implants into the jaw is fused to the abutment (the tooth above the gums) | The implant is a separate piece to the abutment. If the abutment is secured by a screw into the implant then really it is 3 pieces | |
| Basic design | Simple, no joint, one piece | Complex, two pieces joined by a screw |
| Procedure | Single appointment, no surgical procedures. | Complex, surgical procedures, over 2 or 3 appointments 3- 6 months apart |
| loading | immediate | Delayed minimum of 3 months |
| Prosthodontic Procedure | Conventional impressions of the implants can be made just at bridgework. Less time consuming | Same |
| Size and design | Wide range of sizes and designs are available suiting various bone types and measurements. The designs even help avoid bone augmentation and sinus lifts. | Limited sizes and designs are available limiting their application. |
| Cost | Cost effective in comparison with two/ three piece implants. | Expensive costs of the implants as well as extra time taken for multiple procedures. |
| From Patients point of view | Simpler procedure, fewer sittings | Takes longer to complete waiting for healing time, much more expensive |
| Screw loosening | Absent, because there is no separate abutment, screw or implant assembly. | Very common. Because of two pieces, the relation between the root and abutment can present problems. Studies show that two piece implants experience higher mechanical stress. |
| Long term maintenance | Being a single piece, the strength of the implant is excellent and there is no separate root portion from the abutment portion. Maintenance is very simple. Same as conventional bridge work. | Maintenance of these implants is more complex. Screw often needs to be tightened at periodic intervals as there will be micro- movement between the implant and the abutment |
