No matter how much we wish it weren’t so, our teeth decay with age. They also take a beating from various lifestyle choices — diet, poor dental hygiene, smoking, or chewing tobacco. In some cases, they are damaged through no fault of our own. Whatever the reason, there may come a time when you need to restore your smile and find yourself considering different types of dental implants.
Dental implants form restorative dentistry used to rebuild smiles after your teeth are lost or damaged due to decay or injury. They offer a potential alternative to bridges or dentures. You and your dentist will choose from several types of dental implants. Once decided upon, the next step is oral surgery.
If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about dental implants, reach out to the restorative dentistry experts at Lovett Dental Pasadena online or call 281-998-8800.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace missing or severely damaged teeth. They consist of several parts. The main one is a screw-like device that dentists will anchor into your jawbone that serves as a post for the new tooth. The false tooth itself is called the “crown,” which is usually made of ceramic and is identical to your natural teeth. Finally, the abutment is the point of attachment of the crown to the post.
Determining which types of dental implants suit your individual needs is an early step that we can address during your free consultation at Lovett Dental Pasadena.
Types of Dental Implants
Because human anatomy is so varied, implants are available in different sizes. They will be customized to suit your mouth in size, shape, and color. Your mouth’s size and state and the teeth you need to be replaced with will determine the details of your oral surgery for dental implants. The two main types of dental implants are:
- Endosteal. These are the most popular and common types of implants, and we use them in most dental implant procedures. Endosteal implants consist of a titanium screw and are installed directly into the jawbone. The implant serves as the base for the tooth.
- Subperiosteal. Some people don’t have enough jawbone to support an endosteal implant. Subperiosteal implants provide a base or a frame to allow the implant to sit just above the jawbone.
Other restorative dentistry procedures may also be possible for people who otherwise would be candidates for subperiosteal implants. Dentists can conduct bone augmentation, a sinus lift, or a “ridge expansion” to make your jawbone implant ready.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Every individual is different, and not everyone is a candidate for either type of dental implant. Among the characteristics of people who can support dental implants are:
- Fully grown jawbone and enough bone to secure the implant
- Disease-free oral tissues
- Ability to receive a bone graft
One of the most important considerations has little to do with your oral health: time. It takes several visits and procedures over several months for implant surgery to be completed successfully. You need to be able to commit the time it takes for the process to work.
Explore Types of Dental Implants with Lovett Dental Pasadena
Having lost or damaged teeth are never ideal, but if you have gone through this experience, there is an action that you can take to repair your teeth. One option is to explore the different types of dental implants. At Lovett Dental Pasadena, we can help you understand your options and the process. Our restorative dentistry staff will examine your situation and build an effective treatment plan. If implants aren’t the right solution, we can offer other options as well. Consider Lovett Dental Pasadena for all your general dentistry needs, such as professional teeth cleaning and other general dentistry procedures. To get started, contact Lovett Dental Pasadena at 281-998-8800 for an appointment.
