The discovery of dental implants has no doubt changed the approach to teeth replacement. Unlike dentures, people prefer dental implants due to their natural-looking feature and the fact that they last longer provided that you take good care of them. If you are looking to try out dental implants in The Woodlands area, Dr. Scott Young and his team of skilled dentists offer various solutions for damaged teeth.
Dental implants vary for everyone in terms of size as well as types. Read on to learn the main types of dental implants and the techniques used to install them
So far, only two main types of dental implants exist
- Endosteal Implant
The endosteal implant is the most commonly used type. There are two types of endosteal implants, namely the blade and cylinder (screw type) implant. Although these two types are different, a patient will still have to get a prosthetic replacement to support the dental implant.
A skilled dentist will determine whether you are the right candidate for endosteal implants by performing tests to see whether your gums are healthy, you have a strong jaw bone, and are in overall good health.
During the placement, your doctor should discuss with you the costs, expectations, and recovery time to make sure you plan accordingly. Once the implant placement is complete, the dentist will wait for close to six weeks to allow the patient’s body to accept the implant. This process is known as osseointegration.
- Subperiosteal Implant
Doctors choose this implant for patients with weak jawbones and those who are not interested in undergoing bone augmentation to restore and fortify their jawbones. Another option for providing a strong bone foundation is undergoing a sinus lift. This process involves the addition of bone under the sinus in areas with missing teeth.
Additionally, you may opt for bone grafting. This procedure requires the addition of bone grafts into ridges and spaces along your upper jaw.
Dentists install subperiosteal implants in two stages. This is because it is a more intricate process that requires custom-making to fit a patient’s specific bone. During the first stage, the dentist will make an incision on the gum tissue. The dentist then takes an ‘impression’ to determine the dimensions for the bridges then closing the incision site. Local anesthesia is used for this step.
The second stage involves reopening the gum tissue and placing the subperiosteal implant. The dentist may leave screws to hold the implant in place and also put a temporary dental bridge to allow the gum tissue to heal above it. Once healing is complete, the dentist can now cement a dental bridge matching the patient’s natural teeth.
A dental implant is a metal post, often made out of titanium, that our dentists at Scott Young, DDS surgically implant into your upper or lower jawbone.
Dental Implant Techniques
- Same-day Implants. This technique allows the dentist to place temporary teeth on the same day as the dental implant appointment. This is a good option for patients with strong jawlines that can support two procedures at once
- Mini dental implants. This is a less invasive technique that is mainly used to support the lower dentures.
- All-on-4. This technique involves placing four dental implants replacing the need for any bone grafts. You will have to eat specific foods to allow the gum to heal. Permanent teeth will then be placed to let you go back to your regular diet.
If you are thinking of getting implants, you should first discuss the available options with your dentist. For more information, please book an appointment with dental experts such as Dr. Scott Young and his team practicing in the Woodlands area.
