Different Types of Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are gaining in popularity. In some cases, the choice to undergo dental implant surgery is based on the desire to replace a number of teeth that are lost due to decay and similar issues. At other times, the implants are part of a broader effort to restore the look of the face after some type of accident. Here are some things you should know about implants and how they are used in different types of surgery.

Two Basic Types of Implants

There are currently two types of implants used today. The most common solution is known as endosteal implants. These are usually made of titanium and look somewhat like small screws. These implants are embedded in the jaw, taking the space once filled by natural tooth roots.

An alternative type is known as subperiosteal implants. Slightly different in appearance, these are placed under the gum but not in the jaw proper. Instead, they rest on or slightly above the bone. This type of implant is normally utilized when the bone density is not sufficient to support the more common endosteal implants.

Basic Dental Implant Surgery

Both kinds of implants may be used in surgical procedures. People who are looking for a replacement for their real teeth but are not attempting to restore their appearances after an accident will seek out dental implant surgery. The first thing the dental professional will so is examine the bone and determine if it’s sturdy enough to support the endosteal implants. If so, the procedure can move forward.

Assuming there is healthy bone tissue present, individual implants are an option. While this approach will take more time, the result is a set of implants and caps that look just like real teeth. With proper care, they are likely to last for the rest of the patient’s life.

The patient may also consider what is known as all on four implants. In this scenario, four implants are embedded in the bone and a plate fashioned to resemble a full set of upper or lower teeth is attached. The process is much faster than installing individual implants and will provide excellent performance.

Reconstructive Dentistry

Implants are also used for reconstructive procedures. If you are involved in an accident that causes severe damage to the face, part of the reconstruction will include using implants to replace the teeth you lost. Depending on the severity of the damage, the jaw bone may need to heal before any procedure can commence. In the event that the bone remains too weak for endosteal implants, it’s possible to use subperiosteal implants instead. This is also an option if the patient cannot or chooses to no have any type of bone augmentation done to reinforce the jaw bone.

Whether you are looking for the best replacement for teeth you have lost over time or attempting to recover after an accident left you with no teeth, there is a solution.With the aid of a professional surgeon, you can determine which type of surgery is appropriate, as well as what type of implant would serve you best. Contact your dental office today and learn more about the advance testing and why one approach would be better than the others.