Dental implants are metal fixtures, surgically fastened to your jawbone below the gums, onto which artificial teeth can be mounted. These metal implants actually become anchored to your bone through osseointegration (the bone fuses to the metal). This process provides stable support you can rely on while eating and speaking.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are titanium cylinders (screws) or blades (wide, flat metal) that are surgically inserted into your jawbone at the location of missing teeth. They are the most widely used implants, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Surgeons typically allow about 4-6 weeks for your bone to osseointegrate to the implant before placing an abutment (the connecting piece that your new teeth will be fastened to) into the screw or blade. That may sound like a long time to wait, but don't worry – you can still eat, drink, and talk as you normally do during this process.

Subperiosteal Implants



Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone and under your gum tissue. Through osseointegration, they fasten to your jawbone over time. There are a few reasons your dental professional may recommend them over the more commonly used endosteal implants. You may have bone loss in your jaw, or the shape or health of your jaw may not support the surgical insertion of metal required by endosteal implants. There are two procedures your oral surgeon will perform if subperiosteal implants are determined to be the best option for you. During the first surgery, your gumline will be cut open near the area of tooth loss so a mold can be made of your jawbone. Sutures will then be used to close the incision until the second procedure, when the implant is placed onto the bone. Improvements in imaging, bone grafting, and implant design have made the use of these implants fewer and further between. However, there are still circumstances in which this procedure may be the most viable option for you:

1. * Your jawbone won't naturally support endosteal implants.
2. * You want to avoid bone grafting.
3. * You want new teeth faster than alternative procedures.
4. * You want a faster healing process.