Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing your missing teeth. A typical dental implant consists of a screw inserted into your jaw. Once this site is healed, your dentist will place a crown on the end. They’re sturdy, functional, and look like your real teeth.
There are different types of dental implants that you and your dentist can discuss. Your candidacy for dental implants will depend on the bone in your jaw, your oral health, and the position of the dental implant in your mouth.
Here are the types of dental implants you might consider with your oral health care professional for replacing your missing teeth.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implants. They’re designed for people who have an adequate amount of bone in their jaw and can support a dental implant. Endosteal implants are placed in your jaw bone just like we discussed above. Unless you have any special considerations, these are likely the first type of dental implant your dentist will consider for your smile.
Subperiosteal Implants
This type of dental implant is slightly different than the endosteal option. In subperiosteal dental implants, a frame is replaced on your jaw bone rather than inserted directly into the jaw. This position still allows your gum tissue to heal around it and the frame will become part of your jawbone.
Once the frame is healed and secure, a post is attached and this is where your dental crown will be fixed onto the end. Subperiosteal dental implants are typically reserved for patients who have a weak jawbone and usually aren’t considered for people who can support endosteal implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures. These provide you with an alternative to traditional dentures but eliminate the need for the individual placement of so many dental implants in your mouth.
Sometimes called all-on-four dental implants, implant-supported dentures consist of about four to six dental implants placed in your mouth. These provide secure posts to attach your dentures to, so you won’t have to worry about your dentures sliding around. The implants are secure and they help support bone growth in your jaw.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are used for people who don’t have enough bone in their jaw to support a traditional dental implant. This procedure is less invasive because the post is narrower. While it’s also more budget-friendly, mini dental implants are not recommended for people who can support normal dental implants. This is because mini dental implants are less sturdy as their counterparts but still effective teeth replacements, especially for front teeth.
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace your natural teeth. Whether you’ve been missing teeth for years or you just lost your first permanent tooth, visit your dentist for a consultation for dental implants. With different types to suit just about anyone, you can get your smile back and enjoy life again with dental implants!
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