If you’re like most people, you’re familiar with the concept of dental implants, but you don’t really know what’s involved. The idea of getting a new set of teeth can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The good news is that advancements in technology have produced options for dental implants that will probably ease any concerns that you may have.
People have been getting dental implants for decades because it’s one of the safest ways to restore your smile when you have missing teeth. It’s also a popular choice because it lasts for a long time and allows you to enjoy aspects of life that may have been lost. Specifically, dental implants let you eat different types of food with a greater level of confidence than other options.
Endosteal dental implants and subperiosteal dental implants are two different options for dental implants. Each patient has a unique situation, and what works for someone else may not be a good choice for you. The goal is to ensure the best possible outcome based on your individual needs. A consultation and examination will provide the information necessary to understand which type of implant is likely to yield positive results.
Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implants used today. The surgery for this procedure involves local anesthesia that’s used to numb your mouth while the implant is placed into your jawbone. The actual implants are shaped a lot like little screws. This is a two-part procedure, so once the implant is completed and your gums have had a chance to heal, posts are attached to the frame, which is used to mount your new teeth.
The second stage is a minor procedure that can also include the addition of a permanent crown. Although it sounds complicated, most patients report that the procedure is a breeze and results in a beautiful smile. To put it into context, patients have reported that the procedure feels like having a tooth pulled.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are quite different because they are not placed in your jaw, but instead they are placed below your gums. This type of implant is often used for patients who have problems with bone loss and it’s placed on top of the jawbone. Patients who do not have lower teeth are often good candidates for subperiosteal dental implants.
This procedure is completed in two stages, with the first part involving surgery to capture an impression of the bone under the gum tissue so that the framework can be properly positioned later. The second procedure occurs once your gums have healed and it involves placing the implant onto the bone. In some instances, small screws are used to make sure the implant remains in place.
Since dental implant procedures occur over two appointments, you will receive a temporary tooth until the final procedure is completed. Since you have a temporary tooth, the work you’re having done will not be visible to others. Whether or not you are a good candidate for endosteal dental implants or subperiosteal dental implants will depend on your situation and requires you to work with an expert in the field in order to achieve optimal results.
Regardless of which dental implant procedure you choose, it’s always important to maintain good oral hygiene after the surgery to ensure success. Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions to make sure you understand how to care for your implants and can enjoy your smile for years to come.
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