Dental implants are tooth root replacements. It provides a solid foundation for removable, fixed teeth that blend or match your natural teeth. A dental implant is primarily a metal fixture surgically fastened to the jawbone under the gums. On top of the fixture, an artificial tooth is mounted.
The metal implant anchored to the bone provides stable support that patients can rely on while they eat or speak.
Types of Dental Implants
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), there are two dental implant types. These are endosteal and subperiosteal. Numerous factors are kept in consideration to determine the right type of dental implant, such as the jawbone’s:| • | Shape |
| • | Health |
| • | Structure |
| • | Size |
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal dental implants include titanium cylinders like screws and blades. These titanium implants are carefully anchored in the patient’s jawbone through a surgical procedure where the teeth may be missing. In this procedure, the dental surgeon allows the implant to osseointegrate smoothly into the jawbone for about four to six weeks. After that, the abutment is placed, the piece that fastens and connects to the new teeth. Once the procedure is complete, the patient can easily talk, eat, and drink.Subperiosteal Implants
In this dental implant procedure, the jawbone rests on the top but under the gum tissue. These implants are fastened to the bone via osseointegration over time.Although endosteal implants are more popular and commonly used, subperiosteal dental implants are suggested by surgeons in situations where the patient has experienced bone loss in the jaw or the shape or health of the jaw doesn’t support the surgical insertion.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants help restore the individual’s ability to talk and chew. Other benefits of dental implants are:| • | Cosmetic appearance |
| • | Smile restoration |
| • | Prevents jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss |
| • | Improve the quality of life |
| • | Keep the teeth stable |
| • | Improve speech |
| • | Ensure bone and gum health |
| • | Improve oral health |
| • | Offers unmatched convenience (no need to remove them or use messy adhesives to ensure they stay in place) |
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
Dental implants are ideal for patients with missing teeth and who don’t want to get dental bridges or dentures. However, a thorough oral examination is needed to determine if the procedure is suitable for the patient because a dental implant is a surgical procedure. Many chronic illnesses may interfere with the healing process after the surgery, such as diabetes and leukemia. Hence, patients with such health issues are not good candidates for dental implants. Likewise, the procedure may not be recommended to individuals who use tobacco because it can also slow the healing process.For more information, please visit our dental implant FAQ or call us at (480) 900-2771 to schedule a consultation at East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center.
