The Pros and Cons of Different Dental Implant Types: Making Informed Decisions for Your Smile

Summary

Missing a tooth or two can adversely affect the aesthetics of your smile and mouth’s functionality. But thanks to the advancements in modern dentistry, dental implants have become an excellent alternative to natural teeth. 

These implants have an impressive success rate of 98%, a testament to their superiority over other tooth replacement options.      

However, there are different types of dental implants, making it difficult to choose the one that best caters to your needs. This comprehensive blog will make this choice more accessible for you with detailed insight into the following topics: 

• Understanding Dental Implants  
• Analyzing Endosteal Implants
• Analyzing Subperiosteal Implants 
• Making The Right Choice: Endosteal or Subperiosteal Implants

Continue reading as we learn more about implants in the following sections. 

Understanding Dental Implants  

Dental implants are medical devices that mimic the natural tooth structure. These implants have two components: the titanium post, surgically placed in the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root. 

The second is an abutment that connects the post to a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture, creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Your dentist in Mississippi will surgically implant these devices into your jaw to help you chew, talk, and smile confidently.  

There are two major types of dental implants that people use based on their dental needs and requirements. 

1. Endosteal implants

Endosteal implants have earned their reputation as a common choice. These screw-like or blade-shaped implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are suitable for most patients with sufficient jawbone density.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed on or above the jawbone. These implants are typically used for patients with limited jawbone height or those who cannot undergo bone grafting procedures.

Analyzing Endosteal Implants 

Most people using dental implants these days prefer endosteal implants for many reasons. These implants offer amazing advantages such as:

• Durability 

Endosteal implants are hardly a match for durability. Made from biocompatible titanium, they offer excellent long-term success rates and can last for decades with proper care.     

• Versatility 

Another upside of endosteal implants is their versatility. They can easily replace single missing tooth or multiple teeth or support a full set of implant-supported dentures.    

• Natural Function and Feel

Endosteal implants are excellent for providing a stable foundation for restoration. This makes chewing, biting, and speaking easier. 

• Bone Stimulation

Bone stimulation is imperative to prevent bone loss in the vacant area of the missing tooth. Endosteal implant placement stimulates jawbone growth, preventing bone resorption that can occur with tooth loss.

• Improved Aesthetics 

Aesthetics are one of the primary reasons for getting implants, and endosteal implants are great at serving this purpose. Even the crowns or bridges attached to implants look and feel remarkably similar to natural teeth, contributing to better aesthetics.    

While the upsides of endosteal implants make them a preferable choice, there are also certain drawbacks to these implants that you need to understand. Some of the potential drawbacks of endosteal implants include:

• Cost:

Endosteal implants are relatively pricey compared to other tooth replacement alternatives. However, their long-term durability and improved quality of life can make them a cost-effective investment.  

• Surgical Procedure:

Installing endosteal implants requires a surgical process, which might be a deal breaker for some. Implant placement requires local anesthesia or sedation. While minimally invasive, it involves a healing period before attaching the restoration.   

• Jawbone Health:

Placing an endosteal implant requires enough bone density to support the implant. If you don’t have the needed bone density, your dentist might recommend a bone grafting procedure to compensate for bone loss in extreme cases.    

Analyzing Subperiosteal Implants 

Like endosteal implants, even subperiosteal implants have certain advantages, making them a preferable alternative for many. Some of the best-known upsides  

• Minimal Surgical Procedures

Surgery is a major concern for many people, especially those with dental anxiety. Since the process requires no comprehensive surgery, recovery is relatively quick. 

• Immediate Fitting 

Another great thing about subperiosteal implants is that they instantly fit into your mouth. Sometimes, subperiosteal implants can support temporary dentures immediately after placement, offering a faster restoration process. 

• Customizable 

One subperiosteal implant does not meet everyone’s needs and requirements. You can easily customize your dentures to meet your requirements and get the perfect and comfortable fit. 

• Seamless Cleaning and Maintenance 

Cleaning and maintaining your subperiosteal implants is easy. Since these implants do an excellent job of replicating natural teeth, proper oral hygiene and health have become much more accessible. 

While there are unique advantages to subperiosteal dental implants in Mississippi, there are also some drawbacks you ought to know about. These shortcomings of subperiosteal implants include: 

• Relatively Less Stable:

While subperiosteal implants are great, stability is not their strongest suit. These implants fail to offer the level of durability you can see in an endosteal implant.

•  Limited Applications:

Subperiosteal implants also lack versatility in terms of versatile applications. Since they lack the versatility of endosteal implants, they might not always be the right choice for everyone.   

• Increased Potential for Bone Resorption:

With enough time, the bone beneath the subperiosteal implant may resorb due to the lack of direct stimulation. You must discuss this concern with your dentist before choosing these implants.   

Making The Right Choice: Endosteal or Subperiosteal Implants 

The best option for dental implants depends on several factors, including your jawbone health, the number of missing teeth, your overall health, and your budget. You must consult a dentist to discuss your goals and determine the most suitable implant type for your unique situation. During the consultation, you can expect your dentist to:

• Review:

The dentist will first review your dental history and X-rays to assess your jawbone health and implant suitability.

• Discussions:

Your dentist will likely discuss your treatment goals and expectations. This will help them ensure these goals and expectations align with different implant types’ potential benefits and limitations.

• Personalized Treatment Plan:

The dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan outlining the implant type, the number of implants needed, and the entire treatment process.

Takeaway 

• Dental implants have an impressive success rate of 98%, a testament to their superiority over other tooth replacement options.     
• Dental implants are medical devices that mimic the natural tooth structure.
• There are two primary types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal implants. 
• To choose to get dental implants, you must evaluate your personal needs and treatments while discussing them with a dentist. 
• Are you still confused with the different implant types? Connect with our experts at Rowan Family Dentistry.