Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Types Of Dental Implants: In The Bone Or On The Bone

3 December 2014 by Charlotte Beck

Dental implants have become a highly popular option for tooth replacement. A dental implant, generally constructed of durable titanium, is a safe and effective substitute for the tooth root. As a dental implant fuses with your natural bone, it forms a stable base for your replacement tooth. The most common types of dental implants include endosteal (in the bone) implants and subperiosteal (on the bone) implants. Learn more about each type and their unique benefits.

Endosteal Dental Implants

Endosteal is the most commonly used type of dental implant. It is surgically placed into the jawbone using screws, blades or cylinders. Endosteal dental implants feature a shape similar to that of a natural tooth root.

Once an endosteal implant has been drilled into the jaw bone, it forms a solid anchor for a tooth replacement. This process of fusing an implant directly to the bone is called osseointegration. Osseointegration is when bone cells become attached to the titanium dental implant, which locks the implant in the jaw bone.

Each endosteal dental implant is able to hold one or more prosthetic teeth. Options include single tooth crowns, removable dentures or multiple tooth bridges. Once healed, endosteal implants can look and function like your natural teeth.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal, or on the bone implants, are placed on top of the jaw rather than in the jaw like with endosteal implants. This type of dental implant uses a metal framework of posts that protrude through the gums to hold the prosthetic teeth.

As the gums heal, the metal frame becomes fixed in the jawbone. A subperiosteal dental implant is a less invasive procedure than an endosteal implant, but is usually not as stable. This is why subperiosteal dental implants are generally reserved for patients who have minimal bone height or who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Just like with endosteal implants, durable titanium is used to construct the implant framework for subperiosteal implants. To create this metal framework, molds must be taken of the jawbone. Alternatively, a three-dimensional x-ray can help create a custom fit.

Dental implants are an excellent option for people with one or more missing teeth. Not only do dental implants help you replace lost function, they also provide you with a beautiful smile and prevent a number of health problems that occur from prolonged tooth loss. For more information about the types of dental implants or to schedule an appointment for a dental implant consultation, visit a website like http://www.charlottesvilledentistry.com/.

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