Types of Dental Implants

Having missing teeth can have an impact on your appearance and even affect the way you eat and speak. Dental implants provide a way to hold replacement teeth in place. There are different kinds of dental implants available. The type that would work best for you will depend on certain factors, such as the amount of jawbone you have and the condition of your gums.

Single-Stage Dental Implants

Single-stage dental implants, such as subperiosteal implants, are ones that do not go inside the jawbone. Instead, these implants go into the gums and are attached to the bone. After having an implant placed, dentists wait for the gums to heal before attaching an artificial tooth to it. During the healing process, the gums remain stitched while the top of the implant stays exposed. This makes it easier for dentists to attach the artificial tooth to the implant.

These dental implants are sometimes done for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support a two-stage dental implant. Single-stage dental implants must be custom-fitted to ensure that they stay firmly in place.

Two-Stage Dental Implants

Two-stage dental implants, such as endosteal implants, involve placing a titanium post inside the jawbone, then letting it heal. Once the jawbone has fully healed, dentists go back in to attach a connector piece or abutment that holds the replacement tooth in place. Two-stage dental implants offer a permanent way to keep artificial teeth securely in place.

Two-stage dental implants are typically used more often than single-stage dental implants for those who have enough jawbone and healthy gums. In some cases, patients who do not have enough bone can have a bone graft done to get endosteal implants. Dentists consider certain factors when helping patients decide which kind of implant is the most suitable for them.

If you need additional information on dental implants in Brookeland, please contact Rayburn General Dentistry to set up an appointment. We can help you determine if dental implants are right for you and recommend the right type to replace your missing teeth.