Endosteal implants are made of different materials, including titanium and zirconia. Titanium is the most popular choice because it is strong and durable. Zirconia is a newer option that is also strong, but it is not as widely used as titanium yet.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants. They are placed in the jawbone and act as a root for artificial teeth.
A subperiosteal implant is placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. This type of dental implant is used for people who do not have enough bone height in their jaw.
The material that endosteal implants are made out of will affect the implant’s cost, efficiency, and durability. Titanium endosteal implants are the most popular choice because they are strong and durable. Zirconia endosteal implants are a newer option that is also strong, but they are not as widely used as titanium endosteal implants yet.
#1: What Is an Endosteal Implant?
An endosteal implant is a type of dental implant surgically implanted into the jawbone as an artificial root to support the replacement tooth. Implants are usually used when a person loses a tooth. Their shape is similar to small screws inserted into the jawbone. They protrude through the gums to hold the replaced tooth.
#2: What Are Subperiosteal Implants?
Your dentist might recommend subperiosteal implants if you need dental implants but do not have enough healthy jawbone to support them. These implants are placed below the gum line and on top of the jawbone in order to hold the replacement tooth. The metal frame fuses with the bones and becomes permanent over time.
Subperiosteal implants are made of different materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy.
Am I a Good Candidate for Endosteal Implants?
Depending on your situation, your dentist or oral surgeon will decide if endosteal implants are right for you. It would be best if you met these important criteria in addition to having a missing tooth or teeth:
- Good overall health;
- Have maintained good oral hygiene;
- Have healthy gum tissue (no periodontal disease whatsoever);
- A fully-grown jawbone;
- Have enough bone in your jaw;
- Do not use tobacco products.
To complete the full procedure, you must be prepared to dedicate several weeks or months to healing and waiting for new bone development in your jaw.
How Does the Endosteal Implant Procedure Take Place?
#1: Consultation with Your Oral Surgeon
First, you will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will assess whether endosteal implants are the best option for you and develop a personalized treatment plan.
#2: Endosteal Implant Placement
If endosteal implants are the chosen route, the next step is to have the implant surgery. This is usually done under local anesthesia, but you may be given sedation if you are particularly anxious.
#3: Osseointegration
A small incision will be made in your gums during the surgery to expose the bone. The implant will then be placed into the bone, and the incision will be closed with stitches.
#4: Abutment Placement
The abutment is a connector piece placed on top of the endosteal implant. It will protrude through the gums and will be used to support the tooth.
#5: Crown Placement
After the endosteal implant and abutment are placed, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These impressions will be used to create your artificial tooth.
#6: Bone Fusion
After the surgery, you will need to wait for the implant to fuse with your bone, a process that can take several weeks. Once the fusion is complete, you will return to have the artificial tooth placed on top of the implant.
#7: Placement of Artificial Tooth
The last step is to have the artificial tooth placed on top of the endosteal implant. This step can be performed by your general dentist in one of two ways. The first option is to have a temporary tooth placed until your permanent tooth is ready. The second option is to have the permanent tooth placed on the same day as the endosteal implant surgery.
How Long Do Endosteal Implants Last?
It is essential to maintain good oral health, including routine and professional cleanings, regular brushing, and flossing in order to preserve your endosteal implant. You can also eliminate bacteria by using silica toothpaste. Depending on your oral surgeon’s recommendations, you may also be asked to avoid hard or chewy foods, tobacco products, and prescribed antibiotics. Apart from that, most patients experience great success with long-term benefits and rarely experience complications!
Endosteal Implant Cost
The cost of endosteal implants can vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of implants used, and the dental practice location.
On average, endosteal implants with the final restoration can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per single implant. The final cost will also depend on whether or not you need a bone graft.
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Choose Loudoun Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Treatment!
Endosteal implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth that can last a lifetime with proper care! Loudoun Orthodontics is dedicated to preserving your beautiful smile for as long as possible. Get in touch with our office in Lansdowne, VA, today for a free consultation! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health!