Types of Dental Implants and Which Is Right for You

Dental implants have become popular in recent years. Many people consider this technology as the best long-term solution to replacing missing teeth and support dental bridgework or dentures. Implants stimulate bone growth, maintain the integrity of the jawbone, and look just like natural teeth.

Two Main Types of Dental Implants

As you may already know, dental implants are metal posts that are placed into jawbone underneath your gums. Once in place through surgery, the dentist will mount the replacement teeth onto them. Thanks to different dental implants available, you can now replace a lost tooth with a permanent one. The best part is that when you smile, no one should be able to tell the difference. Read along to learn more about the two types of dental implants and find out which is the best treatment option.

• Endosteal Implants. An endosteal implant is an artificial root planted in your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth. This implant is usually made of tiny screws from titanium, ceramic, or polymeric material. The procedure starts with a dental implant dentist determining whether you qualify for dental implants or not. An oral surgeon may also validate the findings and treatment recommended. The implant placement involves numbing your gum tissue and making an incision on the area to expose your jawbone. Holes are then drilled to embed the endosteal post in your jawbone. Your gums will then be stitched closed over the titanium post. Endosteal implants are the more common type and generally what many dental implant dentists prefer to use.

• Subperiosteal Implants. However, not all patients can qualify to get endosteal implants. If your jawbone is shallow or of poor quality, your dental implant dentist will likely recommend subperiosteal implants as an alternative solution. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants use a metal framework that sticks up through your gums to attach bridges or crowns. The procedure generally involves a two-part surgery. Your oral surgeon will cut your gum tissue and make an impression to fit the contours of your bone. The second procedure consists of cutting your gums open again to insert the custom-made frame over your jawbone. The gums are then stitched close. Dental bridges or crowns are placed on the metal frame. Some surgeons also take a CT scan of their patient’s lower jaw to make the frame. So, it’s possible to get everything done in one surgical procedure. Subperiosteal implants generally appeal to those who want a less extensive implant process.

If your dentist confirms that your jawbone cannot support dental implants, other techniques can be used instead. These include bone augmentation, sinus lift or elevation, or ridge expansion.

Dental implants can help provide you with the chance of restoring your dream smile. But, if you are still unsure which type of dental implant is best for you, visit The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today. You can also call us at our Destin or Panama City Beach offices in Florida at 850-810-0300 and 850-810-0600, respectively.