If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry options to replace a missing tooth, dental implants are an excellent solution. They’re long lasting and completely natural-looking. They aren’t all the same, however. There are two different dental implants that need to be considered. 

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal

Endosteal dental implants are the most common and well-known. During the first procedure, a dentist will install a titanium rod shaped like a screw through the empty socket and into the jawbone. It’s a completely painless procedure that can be completed in one session. Once completed, the dentist will place a temporary prosthetic in the socket to cover the surgical site and give you an idea of what your new smile will look like. Once the site has healed, they’ll perform a second, minor procedure to secure an abutment to the implant. The permanent prosthetic can then be fixed atop and with proper care, can last upwards of 15 years.

Subperiosteal

If you don’t have enough healthy jawbone to hold dental implants in place, your dentist will suggest a subperiosteal option. Rather than securing the implant into the jawbone, it will be attached to a metal framework under the gums. The exposed part helps hold a bridge or crown in place and is a fantastic solution for patients that don’t want a bone graft performed. It typically requires one procedure and may hold several prosthetics in the bridge if adjacent teeth are missing.

The best way to determine which dental implants you need is to consult with a dentist. Ronald W. Ristow, DDS in Oconto Falls, WI, has over 15 years of experience and welcomes patients of every age. He’s committed to his patients’ comfort and offers affordable dental care options. Whether you need a basic cleaning or more intricate cosmetic dentistry treatment, call (920) 846-3163 to schedule a consultation. You can explore his practice further online.