There has been a continual rise in periodontal disease for decades. In fact, it’s estimated that two in three people across the United States have at least one tooth missing. It’s not just older populations, it’s an issue that people of all ages face. The purpose of dental implants is to restore your smile if you’re missing a tooth or teeth with a cosmetic solution that looks a lot like your natural teeth.
Dental implants have changed over the years. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth because it’s long-lasting and allows you to get back to your normal life. This means eating your favorite foods and smiling with confidence. Since there are a variety of different dental needs, not everyone can have the same type of dental implant. Your dentist will help you choose the option that’s best for your situation.
Let’s review the different types of dental implants.
Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are most commonly used because they accommodate a variety of different needs. They involve the use of small screws that are often made of titanium and require a two-part surgical procedure. The best candidates for this type of procedure usually have a healthy jawbone. This is necessary because the procedure requires bone grafting in order to augment your jaw.
The procedure for endosteal dental implants includes placing the implant directly into your jawbone, at which point temporary teeth are placed over the implant. This ensures you’re able to maintain a beautiful smile as your gums heal. It usually takes a few weeks or months for your mouth to fully heal, and your dentist will make the decision regarding when it’s time to perform the second minor surgical procedure. The second procedure involves attaching what’s called a dental implant abutment along with a permanent crown.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are used for patients who need work beyond typical dental implants, such as anchoring a full set of dentures permanently. Specifically, instead of little screws, subperiosteal dental implants involve the use of a metal framework that’s placed over the bone, unlike endosteal dental implants where screws are placed into your jaw. The metal framework used for subperiosteal dental implants holds your crown or bridge into place.
Subperiosteal dental implants are often used for patients who cannot endure bone grafting because they don't have a healthy jawbone. This procedure is a little less complex in that it only requires one surgical procedure because the placement of the implant is relatively easy.
Choosing Dental Implants
Your dentist will assess your specific situation to make a determination about which procedure is best for you. Health conditions that may have contributed to bone loss will be a factor when making a decision about whether endosteal dental implants or subperiosteal dental implants are the best options. The idea of getting dental implants can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, new technology has contributed to advancements in dental implant materials and methods that have contributed to the success of procedures. In fact, advancements in 3D imaging and other technologies have made dental implant surgery faster, with results that are more predictable than they were in the past.
It’s estimated that the success rate for dental implant surgery is greater than 95 percent because of the ability to analyze a patient’s jaw without having to perform surgery. This capability is also responsible for reducing the recovery time of surgical procedures because it provides the dentist with a clear map of the problem in advance.
Whether you have one tooth that needs to be replaced or several teeth, there’s a solution that can restore your smile, and we're here to help you.
