Types of Dental Implants: Two Ways to Support a New Smile

When you start researching dental implants, you’re likely to find plenty of information about their various benefits, particularly the way they give your new teeth chewing power and stability that they wouldn’t have otherwise. However, what you may not have realized is that the term “dental implant” can actually be used to refer to two very different appliances – and the right one for repairing your smile could change depending on your situation. Keep reading to learn about the choice your dentist might have to make between endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

What are the Two Kinds of Implants, and How are They Different?

Most implants fall into one of two categories: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.

• Endosteal implants are generally the more well-known kind. They take the form of small screws or cylinders, and they are normally made out of titanium (and occasionally zirconia). Their defining feature is that they fuse directly with the jawbone itself; once they’ve been surgically inserted, the surrounding bone integrates with them as it heals. You can get a single implant for a missing tooth, but you’ll need more than one if your smile has multiple gaps; the exact number normally depends on whether you need individual crowns, a dental bridge, or full dentures.
• Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal framework that sits between the gums and the bone. Unlike endosteal implants, they don’t actually become part of the jaw itself, instead resting on top of it. They’re normally anchored to dentures or bridges.

Which Kind of Implant Should I Get?

Most dentists will recommend endosteal implants over subperiosteal implants due to the way they interface with the jaw. By actually being inserted into the jaw itself, they can help stimulate bone growth. This keeps the jaw strong and stops it from degenerating as time goes on; in turn, this helps you avoid certain oral health issues and ensures that your facial features will continue to receive adequate support from the underlying bone. Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, will have no effect on bone health, and they won’t be as stable since they don’t have the bone itself to hold them in place.

That said, if your jaw has already started to erode somewhat, subperiosteal implants may be the more practical option. Endosteal implants might fail if they don’t have enough bone to join with, but subperiosteal implants only require a healthy ridge to rest on.

Of course, the questions of the best type of implant to get or whether you’re a good candidate for implants at all are best left to your dentist. Get in touch with your practice today to learn more about the implant services they offer and schedule a consultation.

About the Practice

At STEC Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we want you to feel welcomed and appreciated whenever you visit, and we’ve invested in new technologies in order to make sure you stay as comfortable as possible during every procedure. Thanks to our team of experts, we’re able to precisely place and beautifully restore reliable dental implants that can last for decades. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (308) 382-4440.