If your dentist recently recommended dental implants to replace your natural teeth, you’re likely wondering how the procedure will go. There are two options available: subperiosteal and endosteal implants. Both offer a variety of benefits designed to prevent jawbone deterioration and ensure a beautiful smile. To better understand how they differ and which is right for you, consult the guide below.

Subperiosteal Implants

Installing a subperiosteal implant is considered a single-stage procedure. This option is ideal if your dentist determines you have a shallow jawbone or poor bone quality, or if you’d rather avoid undergoing bone augmentation.

With this option, your dentist places a metal frame underneath the gums and on top of the jawbone. The metal implant sticks up past the gums to allow for the bridge or crown to be attached. Once this piece has been successfully placed, your dentist will stitch up the surgery site, leaving the head of the implant above the gumline.

After the surgery site has fully healed, you’ll go back in for a second appointment, during which the artificial tooth will be attached to the implant head.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal is considered a two-stage implant and requires bone augmentation, so you need a strong enough jawbone to support the procedure. If it’s too weak, the process could damage your jaw.

With this procedure, the dentist places the implant directly within the jawbone. After they stitch up the gum tissue surrounding the implant, they will send you home to heal.

The healing process generally takes two to three months, after which you will go back in for a follow-up appointment. The dentist will then attach a post and the false tooth to the implant.

If you have questions about getting dental implants or otherwise protecting your oral health, talk to the team at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. Serving residents throughout the Anchorage area, these board-certified oral surgeons are proud to offer a broad range of services, from wisdom tooth removal to sedation dentistry. Give them a call today at (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation, and visit the website to learn more about their services.