Let’s talk about the 3 common types of dental implants and when they are used.
1. Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of implant, and they are the safest. These are the type of dental implants that most patients need. However, they require the patient to have a healthy jawbone for the implant to fuse to in a healthy way.
Endosteal dental implants are shaped like a screw, which is appropriate because they are basically screwed into your jaw bone. The side protruding from the jaw is a placeholder to hold the tooth crown.
Once these are placed in your jaw, your dentist will allow a little time for the jaw to heal and fuse with the implant. When that has occurred, your false tooth can now be placed onto the post. The false tooth will be made to match the color and size of your natural teeth.
2. Subperiosteal Dental Implants
The other main type of dental implant is subperiosteal implants. Your dentist will use this type of implant if you don’t have enough jawbone for endosteal dental implants.
Subperiosteal dental implants will rest on top of the bone but under the gum. Your dentist will place a metal frame under the gum, and the implant post will then be attached to that. Your gum will heal around the metal frame to keep it in place.
Once the metal frame is in place, your false teeth are attached to the poles that stick out from under your gum. There are several different reasons you might not have enough jawbone for the other kind of dental implants. You might have had an injury, for example, or you might have a chronic disease that has weakened your bone.
3. Zygomatic Dental Implants
These are the least common type of dental implants available. They require a complicated procedure to place. Like the subperiosteal implants, these are used in cases where the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone for endosteal implants.
In this case, the supports for your dental implants are placed in your cheekbone, and they form the posts to which your false teeth will be attached. It’s a much more complex procedure than what is required for the other two types of dental implants, which is part of why it’s rarely used.
Final Thoughts
If you need or want dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, the professional and friendly staff at Aesthetic Dental Partners in San Antonio, TX, will be happy to help you understand which type is right for you!
Image: Freepik
