Different Options for a Dental Implant

A dental implant comes in many different shapes and sizes and can be customized to a patient’s individual needs. A dentist can help a patient determine the right type of implant. There are two main types of dental implants, which include endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Read on to learn more.

Endosteal dental implants

These implants are made from titanium. They are shaped like screws and they are the most common type of dental implant. The dentist will perform oral surgery to place each implant in the jawbone to ensure a strong fit. The tip of the implant will protrude slightly so the dentist can attach the false tooth. A patient will need to have enough bone in the jawbone to support this implant. If there is not enough bone, there are many other options.

Subperiosteal dental implants

This type of dental implant is used for patients who do not have enough bone in the jaw to support an implant. Instead of being inserted into the jawbone, this type of implant is on top of the jawbone. It is supported by the layer of tissue that is between the jawbone and the gumline. Unlike most other dental implants, the subperiosteal implant is not limited by how much bone density the patient has. This type of implant is custom-made to fit the patient’s jawbone shape.

Rebuilding bone

A subperiosteal dental implant is not the only option for patients who are suffering from bone loss. In some cases, it is also possible to rebuild the bone in both the upper and the lower jawbones. Several techniques may be used for this:

• •Sinus lift: In this technique, the dentist will add bone below the sinus. This is ideal for patients who have lost back teeth and do not have enough bone density for implants

• •Bone augmentation: In this procedure, the dentist will work to restore the bone in the jawbone. The dentist may use bone additives to stimulate the growth of the bone

• •Ridge expansion: For patients whose jaws are not wide enough to support implants, the dentist may work to help the jaw widen. This may involve using bone grafts to a space that the dentist created at the top of the jaw

Other implant options

Two other dental implant options include All-on-4 implants and mini implants. All-on-4 uses just four implants for either the upper or lower jaw, allowing an entire set of teeth to be placed. Mini implants use a less invasive technique for the teeth to be placed.

Visit your dentist for a dental implant

Whether patients have high or low bone density, there are options for dental implants. The 3-D digital imaging techniques have made this process quicker and easier. The dentist can now quickly use this technique to look at the patient’s entire mouth and determine the precise location of each implant. Patients who are interested in getting a dental implant should speak with a dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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