Your Guide to Different Kinds of Dental Implants

Choosing to invest in dental implants is no minor decision. The procedure requires small surgeries, and the overall process can last months, requiring dedication to restoring oral health and a full smile. The results, however, are well worth the time and effort for most patients.

Before deciding to commit, patients first need to understand the different options for implants and what each specifically addresses in the mouth. While implants are mainly used to replace missing teeth, some persons may benefit from single implants while others do better with implant-retained dentures. The main forms of implants can be separated into two basic types, followed by three different kinds of possible appliances.

Two basic types

The most critical factor in receiving dental implants lies in the jawbone. If someone has a weaker jawbone that is not healthy enough to withstand the surgery and pressure involved with implants, then another implant-like option may need to be considered.

Endosteal

An endosteal implant is the most common type of procedure. The process involves drilling holes for the implant into the patient’s jawbone and inserting metal posts. The bone must then heal completely around the post, creating a functional connection with it to mimic a natural tooth root. For this procedure to succeed, the jawbone must be robust and capable of complete healing.

Subperiosteal

Even after bone grafting, some patients do not have the structural thickness or strength in the jawbone to support endosteal implants. Instead, these individuals can receive subperiosteal implants. In these cases, the metal posts are secured within the gums but on top of the bone.

Three main endosteal implants

Patients go through a number of exams and assessments to make sure the jawbone can undergo surgery without adverse effects. Once candidacy is confirmed, there are three options to consider. The one a patient chooses mainly depends on how many teeth are missing in the mouth.

Single implant

As it implies, single dental implants replace one missing tooth. The gap may be anywhere in the mouth, and one post is secured in the place of the former natural root. Once the jawbone has healed from the placement and bonded to the post, an abutment is attached above the gumline. Lastly, the crown is secured to the abutment, and the gap is filled.

Bridge implant

Implant-supported bridges are necessary when a patient is missing a number of teeth in a row. Instead of drilling many holes in the jawbone for numerous implants, only two implants are placed at each end of the row. The crowns attached to those implants can then support a dental bridge that fills in all the gaps.

Denture implant

An implant-retained denture is for someone missing most teeth. Several implants are secured throughout the mouth, and a full denture is attached to them. This denture can be removable or permanent.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Kinds of Dental Implants in Honolulu, HI

Conclusion

Obtaining an assessment of oral health and missing teeth from a dentist can guide a patient toward a specific implant type. Knowing that another implant option exists provides an alternative for patients who do not have a strong jawbone.

Request an appointment or call Diamond Head Dental Care at 808-450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

Recent Posts

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental implants can help restore you and your mouth to a more natural look and function. Dentists use implants to replace one or more lost teeth. They also sometimes serve as foundations for bridges and dentures. Implants mainly permit you to…

Eight Things To Ask About Dental Implants

Dental Implants are metal rods or screws (typically titanium) that are inserted into gum tissues as a general dentistry procedure. They are combined with restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace missing teeth.Implants help ward off the bone tissue loss that people with missing teeth can find themselves dealing with. The implant transfers bite…

Smile Confidently With Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery can bring back your stunning smile. Tooth loss makes eating, speaking, and even smiling difficult. It affects a person’s self-esteem. Getting implants can make you feel good about yourself again. Here are the details on how a dental implant can help you smile confidently again.People who use removable restorations often complain about…

Diamond Head Dental Care

Share
Published by
Diamond Head Dental Care

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You a Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists…

1 day ago

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin…

1 week ago

Natural Toothache Remedies

Many people use this method first as a way to treat toothache.

1 week ago

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding to Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This…

2 weeks ago

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental…

3 weeks ago

Enhancing Your Smile With a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter…

3 weeks ago