The Importance of Learning About the Two Types of Dental Implants

If you’ve had dentures for a long time or you’ve had an accident that resulted in a tooth extraction, you’re probably learning about the anatomy and process of dental implants. That’s no surprise to your implant dentist.  Dental implants are the most effective solution to replacing teeth. Not only can they give you back the functionality and aesthetic appeal your smile once had, but you avoid other long-term problems as well.

Issues like shifting teeth and periodontal disease are easier to avoid with dental implants, but it’s important that you keep in mind that there are two types of dental implants available. The more you know, the better you can make your life-changing decision.

What are Endosteal Dental Implants?

Endosteal implants are the most common dental implant used in dentistry, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The parts of an endosteal dental implant include:

• A small, cylinder, screw made of either titanium, ceramic, or polymeric
• An abutment, which connects a dental crown and the screw together.

Endosteal implants are also surgically placed directly into bone and can be used to support bridges and removable dentures.

What are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

Subperiosteal are dental implants made of an entire metal framework, rather than a single cylinder or blade. Instead of integrating with existing bone like typical dental implants, the framework rests on top of the jawbone, but still underneath gum tissue. The posts attached to the framework and protrude through the gum tissue.

The posts are used to anchor anything from dental crowns to conventional dentures. When choosing which dental implant method is right for you, you’ll need to consider the current condition of your jaw and the rest of your mouth.

Which Dental Implant is Best for Me?

When having your consultation with your implant dentist, you’ll likely find out which option is best for you based on your bone’s ability to receive dental implants in the first place. If your dentist believes there’s enough healthy bone available for an endosteal implant to integrate with, they’ll recommend that. However, if there isn’t enough healthy bone and a bone graft isn’t an option to replace it, they’re more likely to recommend subperiosteal dental implants instead.

Furthermore, if you intend on replace multiple teeth at once or are considering a full mouth reconstruction, a subperiosteal dental implant will be more effective at covering more surface area. If a large amount of bone resorption has occurred, a subperiosteal implant would be perfect in tandem with full or partial dentures.

If you’re still unsure of which dental implant is best for you, schedule an appointment with your implant dentist today. They can offer the most professional opinion for your case!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry and since then has stayed current on the newest dental procedures. He’s taken many advanced education classes on dental training and esthetic dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. To learn more about his dental implant treatments and practice, contact him at (308) 382-4440 or visit his website.