There are two main types of implants used today, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum, but on top of the jawbone. For this blog, we are going to focus on the subperiosteal implants. Here is some information you need to know about these kinds of dental implants in Ft Lauderdale.
While endosteal implants are the preferred implant by dentists, not everyone can get them. They can’t be placed in patients with shallow jawbones or those that have lost too much bone tissue from their jawbone. Bone tissue can be lost as part of osteoporosis or another systemic disease. One of the most common reasons for bone tissue loss is the delay in replacing a missing tooth or missing teeth.
In some cases, dentists can actually restore the bone by using surgery and grafts. This can be a very expensive procedure though that is also uncomfortable and time-consuming. As a result, the more common procedure is the subperiosteal implant. Subperiosteal implants fuse to the bone and provide a permanent base to support prosthetic teeth without the need for the patient to go through an extended bone augmentation process.
A CT scan of the gums and mouth is performed to determine where the implants are needed and for the design. Once they are constructed, they are placed under the gums with a temporary tooth prosthesis. After the implant is fully healed, the final prosthesis is placed.
If you are thinking about getting dental implants, contact us today to learn more or to make a reservation.
