Dental implants replace missing teeth. They give a fixed solution compared to other false teeth, such as dentures, because they are surgically attached to parts of your mouth.
If you're considering using an implant to replace or more teeth, then take some time to learn about the different types of implants you can use. There are three basic implant types, all of which work in slightly different ways. Read on to learn more.
Endosteal Implants
Most people have traditional endosteal dental implants. These implants are attached to bone in the jaw.
So, your dentist will insert a holding post into your jawbone over or under the site of the missing tooth or teeth. The post goes into the bone through your gum; the top part of the post sits above your gumline.
After a period of time, your bone fuses around the post. Once this process is complete, the post becomes part of your bone. Your dentist can then attach a false tooth to its top end.
While endosteal implants are effective in principle, they don't work well for every patient. If you don't have enough bone to hold an implant, then the post won't fuse in place. Your implant might work for a while, but it might not last. It might loosen or fall out.
While some people can have a bone augmentation procedure to increase bone density in the area so that they can have an endosteal procedure, this increases your costs and treatment time. Alternatively, you can consider other types of implants.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are typically used if you don't have enough bone to hold an endosteal post. They are also an option for people who aren't suitable candidates for significant oral surgery or who don't want to have an augmentation procedure
The posts of these implants go in through the gum; however, they sit on top of your jawbone rather than in it. They are held in place by the gum tissue that grows around them during the healing process.
This different placement does reduce the strength of these implants, so they won't work for everyone. As an alternative, you might be able to use an implant that uses different bone areas.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants work in the same way as endosteal implants. Their posts fuse into bone.
However, these implants don't go into your jawbone. They have longer posts so that your dentist can place them into the upper bones of the cheek. If the bone density in your jaw isn't good enough, then your cheekbones might be a viable alternative.
It's important to match a dental implant with your dental and bone density needs. To get advice, talk to your dentist.
Share24 October 2022
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.