25 Apr What Sort Of Dental Implant Will I Need?
Dental implants have fast become the ‘go to’ replacement option for missing or damaged teeth and provided you care for them properly, they have the potential to give you many years of comfortable, hassle-free service.
To be a good candidate for a dental implant your gums need to be healthy, your bone needs to strong, and there needs to be sufficient depth to support the implant and hold it in place. Once the dental implant has integrated with the human bone, it forms a strong platform to support the prosthetic tooth.
Aside from replacing missing teeth, implant-based restorations can also help to:
• Retain facial structures
• Slow down the ageing process and…
• Give you a real confidence boost
While dental implants cost more than dentures and bridges initially, over the long term they average out to be extremely cost-effective.
But what about the types of dental implant available and are they safe?
The Australian Dental Association considers both endosteal and subperiosteal to be a safe type of dental implant. So, what’s the difference?
• Endosteal implants – These are placed directly into the jawbone and are among the most common types. Once the dental implant has fused successfully with the surrounding bone the patient will undergo another small surgery to attach a connecting device to the implant post. An incision is made into the gum to reveal the implant post and the abutment is cemented in place on top of it. This is shaped so that it can securely hold the dental crown in position to complete the dental implant procedure.
• Subperiosteal implants – These are less common than endosteal restorations, and consist of a metal framework. They are designed to be positioned just below the gums but above the jawbone. Small metal posts protrude from the metal frame and these will be used to attach the replacement teeth. This type of dental implant is especially useful in patients who have shallow bone and cannot or don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure to rebuild it.
So there you have it! If you’re considering a dental implant or implants and want to know more, then come and talk to our experienced dental implant team at Smile Gallery Dental. Call us today on (03) 8595 2632 for a consultation.