What Are Endosteal Dental Implants?
Endosteal dental implants are tooth restorations placed directly in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium, they’re the most common type of implant used for replacing teeth. The design of endosteal implants is intended to emulate a natural tooth root and they provide a sturdy base for a permanent fixture like a dental crown to be placed on the titanium implant.
There are a variety of treatment options available when it comes to endosteal implants. Options range from implant-supported dentures to replacing a single tooth, among others. Feel free to contact our dentist in Wasilla today for more information about the different implant treatments we provide at our Alaska dental practice.
Advantages of an Endosteal Dental Implant
An endosteal implant provides various advantages, including:
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care, an endosteal implant can last a lifetime.
- Natural Look and Function: You won’t have to worry about slipping or sliding around, as endosteal implants are secure in the jaw and provide a natural appearance.
- High Success Rates: While there’s always a small risk with any surgical procedure, endosteal implants have a success rate of around 95%.
- Preservation of the Jawbone: By replacing a missing tooth, patients won’t have to worry about jawbone deterioration and will have a healthy bone structure.
- Improved Oral Health: When a lost tooth goes unreplaced, surrounding teeth can shift and create poor oral health. With a full smile, patients can achieve good oral health for years to come.
- Easy Maintenance: There are no special instructions for endosteal implants. Simply care for them just as you would your natural teeth.
How Do Endosteal Implants Work?
Endosteal implants work by replacing the missing tooth root. In the process of placing an endosteal implant, an oral surgeon inserts a small titanium post into the patient’s jawbone. After the surgical placement, the implant is given time to heal and naturally integrate with the bone, a process called osseointegration. When the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the dental surgeon affixes an artificial tooth to the metal post. Although the surgery is completed in one session, the healing period can range from three to six months.
Patients will achieve a beautiful, complete smile that functions just like their natural teeth.
Do You Qualify for an Endosteal Dental Implant?
Your candidacy for endosteal dental implants can be determined by your dentist. To be a good candidate for endosteal implants, you need adequate jawbone density and must be in good overall health. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, or those who smoke or use tobacco products may not be candidates as it increases their chances of implant failure.
Endosteal dental implants aren’t recommended for patients with severe bone loss. For those specific cases, your dentist may consider other tooth replacement options or a supplemental procedure, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.
Ideal candidates for endosteal implants meet the following criteria:
- Excellent oral and general health
- Healthy gum tissue
- Fully grown jawbone and enough bone in the jaw
- Can maintain a pristine at-home oral hygiene routine
- Visits the dentist twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings
Endosteal Implant Alternatives
While an endosteal implant is the most popular type, there are other alternative implants and tooth replacement options. A dental professional may recommend any of the following alternatives:
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): These are smaller than traditional dental implants and are often used when the space for the implant is limited or when less invasive installation is preferred.
- Removable Dentures: These are a non-surgical option for patients who have lost several teeth or all of their teeth. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
- Dental Bridges: A prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to the surrounding natural teeth on either side of the gap.
To determine the best tooth replacement option, your dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss your smile goals. If you’re in Wasilla, contact our dentist today to schedule your implant consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the surgical procedure for endosteal dental implants only takes one visit to the dentist, the entire endosteal implant process typically takes several months to complete. The implant will naturally fuse with the jawbone before the permanent restoration can be placed on top of the metal posts.
Patients can expect the entire treatment to last between three and nine months. However, some patients may need to undergo additional surgery, such as bone augmentation, to create the solid base needed for the implant body.
Endosteal dental implant surgery typically causes minimal pain as only a small incision is needed. The procedure is also usually done with some type of dental sedation. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, but they can manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.
Endosteal dental implants can last a lifetime with proper aftercare and oral hygiene. To increase their longevity, make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist for regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits such as smoking or grinding your teeth.
Fill the Gaps in Your Smile By Scheduling an Appointment
Endosteal dental implants are a highly effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they look and function like natural teeth, but they also help preserve the integrity of the jawbone and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
To learn more about endosteal dental implants, get in touch with our Wasilla, AK, dentist today.