Interested In Dental Implants? 2 Types Of Implants & 3 Types Of Implantation Techniques

6 January 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

If you are thinking about getting dental implants, it is essential to understand that there are two primary dental implant types. Additionally, several techniques can be used to place implants into your jawline.

Types of Implants

When it comes to implants, there are two primary types of implants that most dentists use.

Endosteal Implant

The first type of implant is endosteal implants. Endosteal implants are made from titanium. They are shaped to look like a small screw and they are usually placed directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants are the most commonly used implant.

With an endosteal implant, you need to have a natural healthy jawbone or be willing to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild your jawbone.

Subperiosteal Implant

The second type of implant is subperiosteal implants. Instead of being placed into the jawbone, they are placed under the gum right above or on the jawbone. They are not put into the jawbone like endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are custom made to fit around the contours of your bones.

Subperiosteal implants are generally used on individuals that do not have enough healthy natural jawbone for an endosteal implant. Likewise, they are also used for patients who don't want to undergo any bone augmentation procedures that would be needed to reinforce their jawbone for an endosteal implant.

Types of Implant Techniques

Three primary techniques are used to help rebuild your jawbone and provide a sturdy foundation for your dental implant.

Bone Augmentation

First is bone augmentation. Additives are placed into your jaw to help regenerate the bone in your draw line. Bone additives in growth factors will help fortify your bone and provide you with the strong jawbone necessary for a dental implant. This process usually requires a few procedures and time.

Sinus Lift

The second is a sinus lift. This procedure is also referred to as sinus elevation or sinus augmentation. With this procedure, bone is placed below the sinus. This procedure is used to replace natural bone that has deteriorated, usually due to missing upper back teeth.

Ridge Expansion

Finally, there is ridge expansion. This is used if your jawbone isn't wide enough to support a dental implant. With a ridge expansion, a bone graph is placed along the top of your jaw to make it enough to support an implant.

The exact type of implant and implant technique you will need depends on the state of your jawbone and where you are missing teeth. Discuss with your dentist to find out more about what the dental implant process will be like for you. They can provide additional information regarding dental implants.