Different Types of Dental Implants

Some estimates place the number of dental implant procedures in the country to nearly 200,000 annually. These procedures cost patients and dentists almost 80 million $ per year. These figures are expected to increase the ageing of the population and a majority of dentists become trained in oral surgery. Many factors differentiate a type of implant of the next. There are differences in size, shape and materials similarly. The clearest distinction between implants involves how they are placed in the mouth. There are four main types of dental implants currently available.

Endosseous implants are one of the most common types available. These implants simulate the natural root of one or more missing teeth. Implants look like long screws but can also be flat according to the shape of the jaw. The procedure is to open the gingiva and exposing the bone of the jaw. A hole is drilled and an anchor is implanted in the bone. Gums and bone can heal around the anchor. A second procedure is performed later, seeks to insert a message into the anchor. Post protrudes above the gumline and takes several weeks or months to heal completely so that it is held in place. The final step is to fix crowns or bridges for the posts. This procedure is only for individuals with a strong jaw that is large enough for the implants.

Sous-surgery dental implants are designed for people who do not have a bone structure that can withstand drilling or the stress of endosseous implants. These implants are similar to curved pieces of wire or a wire network. The first part of this procedure involves taking a cast of the jaw though exploratory surgery or the creation of a digital model through computed tomography (CT) scans. The implant is built so that it follows the contours of the jaw exactly. The gums are open to reveal the bones beneath. The implant is placed on top of the os and under the gumline. The gums are sutured closed and allowed to heal. The pins for crowns protrude from the implant in the mouth. The implant becomes fused to the bone during the healing process.

Transosteal implants are generally used when the lower jaw became brittle, damaged or otherwise compromised it can no longer withstand the normal pressure to eat or any other action. Transosteal implant consists of a flat plate that contains between two and four posts at right angles to the top of the plate surface. This procedure is to drill a channel through the entire jaw of the region the lowest upwards in the mouth and gums. The implant is passed through the channels with the plate on the bottom edge of the jaw. The posts can support any type of Crown or bridge after healing is complete.

Intramucosal implants are designed to provide additional support for removable dentures. These implants are not considered as commonly as other types. The implants are made up of several small metal rods that have large knobs on the head. Implants are placed in a model arched in the mouth, usually in two rows. Dental prostheses that will be used have corresponding to sockets embedded in the structure. This type of implant allows the use of removable dentures projecting at least in the mouth.