What Are the Two Types of Dental Implants?

Are you missing teeth? You aren’t alone. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and it’s estimated that about 40 million are missing all of their teeth. However, this doesn’t mean your smile is hopeless. There are many different options when it comes to tooth replacement, and dental implants are among the most common. Continue reading to learn more from your implant dentist about how they work and the different types that are available to replace missing teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Implants are usually made of titanium and replace the missing tooth in order to prevent issues that come along with a gap in your smile. They help to hold a replacement tooth, bridge, and sometimes dentures into place. They are custom-made to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your smile so no one will even be able to tell that it’s there. Implants reduce the likelihood of periodontal disease, misalignment, and jawbone deterioration.

What Are the Two Types of Dental Implants?

There are two different types of tooth implants, each with its own benefits:

Endosteal

This is the most common type of implant. With this method, the titanium implant is surgically inserted directly into the jawbone. Over time, they fuse together in a process called osseointegration. Because it’s replacing the natural root of the tooth, the jaw is getting the stimulation it needs to remain strong. This is the ideal method for many however, some patients don’t have enough bone mass to support this type of implant.

Subperiosteal

These work a bit differently than the endosteal implants. Instead of drilling directly into the jawbone, your implant dentist only drills below your gums and places a metal frame over the top. This is when an artificial tooth is installed above. These are usually recommended for patients who have eroded jaws. This is because these implants are more lightweight and will be less hard on the jawbone.

Which One Is Best?

This depends on your individual needs. Both types of implants have proven to provide patients with long-lasting, natural-looking, functional teeth. Again, endosteal is the most common and most ideal for plenty of patients, but it won’t work for everyone, especially those who have experience jawbone deterioration in the past. Both options are convenient and cost efficient in the long run.

No matter which option your implant dentist recommends, you will be reaping the benefits of a full, healthy smile for many years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Jon Davidson has been providing quality dental care to patients for 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy and has undergone advanced training in dental implants. He works alongside a periodontist and an oral surgeon to give patients the best dental implant experience possible in Skokie, IL. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (847) 329-9801.