Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a long-term solution for restoring your smile.
If you're considering dental implants, it's essential to understand the different types available. As a leading Dental Surgical Arts company in Waco, Texas, Waco Surgical Arts is here to guide you through the three main types of dental implants.
1. Endosteal Implants
Description: Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant, surgically placed directly into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for one or more artificial teeth. These implants offer a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
Material: Typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material, endosteal implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. This process ensures a strong and durable bond between the implant and the jawbone, providing stability for the artificial teeth.
Suitability: Endosteal implants are suitable for patients with sufficient jawbone density and volume. They can support various dental restorations, including single crowns, bridges, or dentures, depending on the patient's specific needs. However, patients with inadequate jawbone may require bone grafting procedures to augment the jawbone for successful implant placement.
2. Subperiosteal Implants
Description: Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. They consist of a metal frame that sits on the jawbone and protrudes through the gums to hold the artificial teeth in place. These implants are used when the jawbone is not strong enough to support traditional implants or when the patient cannot undergo bone augmentation procedures.
Usage: Subperiosteal implants are suitable for patients with insufficient jawbone density or volume to support traditional implants. They offer a viable option for tooth replacement in individuals who are not candidates for bone grafting procedures.
Procedure: The placement of subperiosteal implants involves a surgical procedure to create a model of the jawbone, which is used to custom-make the metal frame. The frame is then placed on the bone and covered with gum tissue. This procedure requires precise planning and careful placement to ensure proper integration and stability of the implants.
3. Zygomatic Implants
Description: Zygomatic implants are used in cases where the patient has severe bone loss in the upper jaw and cannot undergo bone grafting procedures. Instead of anchoring into the jawbone, these implants are anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma), providing a stable foundation for dental restorations.
Advantages: Zygomatic implants offer a solution for patients with significant bone loss who would otherwise be unable to receive traditional dental implants. They provide stability and support for dental restorations, even in challenging cases, improving chewing function and restoring aesthetics.
Procedure: The placement of zygomatic implants requires specialized training and expertise. It involves a surgical procedure to anchor the implants into the zygomatic bone, followed by the attachment of dental prostheses. This procedure requires careful planning and precise placement to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of dental implant depends on your specific dental needs and the condition of your jawbone. Waco Surgical Arts can assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for the best type of dental implant for you. With the right implant, you can restore your smile and regain confidence in your dental health.