Dental implants are highly recommended for patients with missing teeth. While traditional dental bridges and removable dentures are popular, adding implant support boosts their benefits because it replaces the tooth roots rather than just the crowns. Additionally, implants provide jawbone support that prevents tooth movement, more tooth loss, and facial sagging. The stability of dental implants also alleviates chewing struggles and improves speech.
Dentists often refer their patients to oral surgeons for dental implant surgery, then the dentist designs and places the restoration. During an initial consultation with the general dentist or an oral surgeon, the type of dental implant and method of placement will be discussed.
Types of Dental Implants
- Endosteal. Endosteal implants include screw types, cylinder types, or bladed types. A dental professional will help you determine the best type of dental implant for you. The safety and efficacy of endosteal implants make them the most popular choice in dental implants today.
Endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone where they take the place of natural tooth roots. In order for the abutment (or base) to be placed, and the crown (or replacement tooth) to be attached, the gum must first heal and the bone must fuse with the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, can take several months. But once completed, the tooth looks, feels, and is as strong and as stable as a natural tooth.
Endosteal implants are known for having one of the most stable, and natural-feeling results.
- Subperiosteal. Subperiosteal implants are mainly used to hold dentures in place in patients who had insufficient bone structure. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone, and held in place only by soft gum tissue. The metal implant post juts out and is exposed through the gums. That metal implant is used to secure the denture.
With subperiosteal implants, the timeline for the healing process is often far shorter than with endosteal implants because there is no need to wait for osseointegration to occur. But because the implants do not fuse with the jawbone, and are held in place only by soft tissue, the level of support offered by subperiosteal implants is much less than that of endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are rarely used today because of this reason.
Dental Implant Methods
- Single-Tooth. Single tooth implants are the method used when a patient has one or just a few missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. A dental crown attached to a single implant fills the space where a tooth is missing, restoring the patient’s natural smile and mouth functionality.
- All-on-4. All-on-4 implants are ideal for individuals who are missing many teeth. It allows the teeth to be replaced with the help of only 4 implants inserted at strategic points in the gum. Dentures are attached to the implants.
- Immediate Load Dental Implants. These implants are designed to attach with the bone right away, and eliminate the healing time needed for other types of implants. A dentist can attach a crown to the implant on the same day the implant is inserted, and they become part of the patient’s normal biting/chewing functions almost immediately.
All Your Dental Implant Concerns Addressed in Duncan, OK
Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center can answer all your dental-implant-related questions and help you make the best decision for your case. Call (580) 255-4880 or conveniently schedule your free consultation online today to get started.
