Types of Dental Implants

When you have one or more missing teeth when you reach an older age, it is recommended to get dental implants. The benefit of dental implants is that they do not uncomfortably slide around, shift, or fall out. The implant will be fused into (or onto) your jawbones underneath the gums so it can function similarly to your natural teeth.

What are dental implants, and how do they work? Dental implants are metal fixtures that are surgically fastened to your jawbones for an artificial tooth to be mounted. The metal implants become an anchor to your bones through osseointegration (where the bone fuses to the metal implants).

• There are two main types of implants, and it is highly recommended to get endosteal or subperiosteal. Depending on your jawbone’s size, shape, and health, your dentist will be able to offer the best recommendation.
• Endosteal implants are titanium cylinders that resemble a screw or blades that are wide and flat that are surgically inserted into the jawbone.
• An Endosteal implant generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for the bone to osseointegrate to the implant before placing an abutment.
  Caring for Endosteal implants require brushing regularly with silica toothpaste and exceptional attention to the abutment to decrease bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone located under the gum tissues. The osseointegration period will fasten the implants to the jaw over time.
• Dental professionals may recommend subperiosteal over endosteal due to the bone loss or health of the jaw may not support the suitable insertions of the metal implants.
• Subperiosteal the most common procedure that is more viable because the jawbone won’t naturally support endosteal, avoiding bone grafting procedure, obtain new teeth faster, and quicker healing process.
• Caring for subperiosteal implants requires good dental hygiene and follows post-op instructions given by the dental professional.
  Be sure to ask questions that you may have so your dentist can inform you with more clarity and information to help you more comfortable with your decision.