Different Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants can feel a little bit like science fiction if you’re not familiar with the technology. Your dentist will put a screw in your gum and then give you fake teeth that you can brush as if they’re your natural teeth. If that sounds a little overwhelming, you’re not alone.
But after decades of study and development, dental implants are one of the best, longest-lasting, and safest options to replace missing teeth. They give you back your smile, your favorite foods, and your confidence.
Not everyone can have or even needs the same kind of dental implant. While the results are positive for the vast majority of patients, the methods that work best vary depending from person to person. If you’re considering dental implants to replace your dentures or fix your smile, there are two main types of implants your dentist may discuss with you.
Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are a common type of implant and are most often used in a two-stage dental implant procedure. They’re shaped like little screws and typically made of titanium. Surgery is performed to place the implant into your jawbone. Temporary teeth will be placed over the implant so you leave the dentist’s office with a beautiful smile.
After several weeks or a few months, your mouth will be left to heal with periodic checks by your dentist to measure your progress. At the end of the healing process, a second minor procedure will be scheduled to attach the dental implant abutment and the permanent crown. This type of implant is most commonly used with patients who have healthy jawbones and or who choose bone grafting procedures to augment their jaw.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are made of a metal framework, instead of small screws. They are typically placed on top of your bone instead of directly into your jaw. Instead of the implant being placed down below your gums and being barely (if at all) visible, it’s exposed in order to hold your bridge or crown. This option is generally used for patients who don’t have a healthy jawbone and can’t or don’t want to have a bone grafting procedure done.
Subperiosteal implants are often placed as part of a single-stage implant procedure. Instead of a second, minor surgical procedure to expose the implant, the abutment is more easily placed once your mouth heals properly. This option may also be used if you want to anchor a full set of dentures rather than get typical dental implants.
Which Dental Implant Option is Best?
The only way to determine the best dental implant option for you is to visit a dentist in Mesa or Phoenix who specializes in dental implants. At that appointment, your unique situation will be assessed to make sure you’re a good candidate for dental implants, and if so, what kind will work best for you. Some patients due to health conditions that cause a lot of bone loss may not be good candidates.
At Dental Brothers, we offer a same-day dental implant procedure that works well for most patients. Any necessary bone grafting and the installation of your dental implant can typically be completed in one day. You’ll leave the office with a temporary tooth so no one has to know you’re missing a tooth. We’ll check your progress as you heal. Once your bone fuses to the implant and you heal completely, we can install your permanent crown or bridge. The type of dental implant that works best will be unique to you, but the outcome will be the same — a beautiful smile you can be proud of!
Conclusion
The type of dental implant your dentist uses needs to be made of the highest quality and work well for your specific health concerns and situation. While most patients will be good candidates for the endosteal dental implant, a subperiosteal implant might be the best implant for other patients. What’s most important is that you work with a dental implant specialist who has the skills and experience to know what dental implant will work best for you and help you have the best outcome possible.
