When was the last time you went to the dentist? For some people, it’s probably been a while–fear of the dentist is common even among adults. There’s no need to be afraid, though; dentist visits are important for your health.
You’re probably familiar with common dental procedures like fillings and root canals. What you may not be familiar with are the different types of dental implants your local dentist may recommend.
A dental implant is a metal screw that fuses to your jawline and serves as the foundation for a tooth replacement or restoration. There are different kinds of dental implants for different dental needs.
Read on to learn about some of the different types of dental implants.
Endosteal Implants
Most dental implants fall into one of two categories: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are more common; they are screwed directly into the patient’s jawbone.
Endosteal implants are popular in the dental industry because of their remarkable stability: the patient’s jawbone holds them firmly in place. They also give the restored tooth a more natural feel.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants don’t screw directly into a patient’s jaw. Instead, they’re placed under the gum; they rest on the jawbone but are only held in place by the tissue of the gum.
Subperiosteal implants aren’t as stable as endosteal implants, but they’re a better choice for patients with weak or damaged jawbones.
Dental implants of any kind are a serious procedure, so find the best dentist you can before moving forward with the operation.
Single-Tooth Implants
In most cases, dental implants replace a single tooth. When you’re looking at single-tooth issues, there’s an important distinction to be made between a veneer and a crown–check out this article to learn the difference.
In a single-tooth dental procedure, the patient only needs a single post. A crown attaches to the top of the post. It should look and feel virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Bridge Implants
Bridge implants are a bit more complex than single-tooth implants. They’re necessary when a patient has several teeth that need replacing or when they have a gap in their teeth that needs coverage.
A bridge implant consists of two posts–one on each side of the gap. These are topped with crowns, with an extra crown connecting them and filling the gap.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Dentures are full sets of artificial teeth. They’re the perfect option for anyone who is missing most of the teeth in an arc; however, they can be inconvenient. Regular, removable dentures sometimes slide or fall out.
To fix that problem, patients can get implant-retained dentures. These are custom dentures that fasten to a series of four dental implants, offering a permanent solution to denture issues.
Know the Types of Dental Implants
Many people need dental implants; understanding the types of dental implants can help you prepare for future dental treatments of your own. If you need implants, your dentist can walk you through which ones are right for you.
As any dentist will tell you, maintaining oral hygiene is an important part of staying healthy. What about the rest of your body, though? Visit our health page for workout advice, diet tips, and more!
