Get the Smile You Deserve with Endosteal Implants!
Are you ready to feel confident when you smile? Replace your missing tooth with a dental implant! Of the various types of dental implants, endosteal implants are the most commonly used. Are you ready to learn more about implant treatments from our dentist in Wylie, TX? Contact Trusted Dental Care today by calling (214) 702-0446 for a consultation.
What Is an Endosteal Dental Implant?
An endosteal dental implant is a tooth restoration placed directly in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium, they’re the most common type of implant used for replacing teeth. Endosteal implants mimic the shape of a natural tooth root as they’re placed into the jaw, creating a secure foundation for a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to be placed on top of the titanium implant.
There are multiple dental implant treatment options available with endosteal implants, including implant-supported dentures, single-tooth replacements, and more.
Benefits of an Endosteal Dental Implant
An endosteal implant provides various advantages, including:
- Durability: With proper care, endosteal implants can last a lifetime.
- Aesthetic appeal: They look and feel like natural teeth.
- Improved oral health: Unlike bridges, implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth.
- Enhanced functionality: Implants restore full chewing ability and improve speech.
- Bone preservation: They prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, unlike dentures that can accelerate bone resorption.
- High success rates: While there’s always a small risk with any surgical procedure, endosteal implants have a success rate of around 95%.
- Easy maintenance: There are no special instructions for endosteal implants. Simply care for them just as you would your natural teeth.
The Endosteal Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation
The journey to getting endosteal dental implants begins with an initial consultation. During this visit, our Wylie dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your treatment options. If you’re a suitable candidate for endosteal implants, we’ll create your treatment plan.
Preparatory Procedures
In some cases, preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts may be necessary to ensure there’s enough bone to support the implants. These procedures are typically performed a few months before the implant surgery.
Implant Placement
The actual implant placement involves several steps:
- Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Incision: Our dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone.
- Drilling: A small hole is drilled into the bone to insert the implant.
- Placement: The implant is screwed or tapped into place.
- Suturing: The gum is sutured over the implant, and a healing cap is placed on top.
Healing Period
After the implant is placed, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is required to allow osseointegration to occur. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant, securing it firmly in place.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fused with the bone, a minor surgery is performed to attach an abutment, which connects the implant to the artificial tooth.
Crown Placement
Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. This crown is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Do You Qualify for an Endosteal Dental Implant?
Endosteal dental implants aren’t recommended for patients with severe bone loss. For those specific cases, our 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:
- Zygomatic Implants: These are longer than an endosteal implant and are anchored into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They’re suitable for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone density in their jaw, and they’re unable to support an endosteal implant.
- 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: Prosthetic devices that replace 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 or oral surgeon will evaluate your dental health and discuss your smile goals. If you’re in Wylie, TX, contact our dentist today to schedule your implant consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, endosteal dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth by placing several implants into the jawbone. Typically, these treatments are known as implant-supported dentures or implant-supported bridges. Your treatment is custom-designed to meet your needs.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
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 Wylie dentist today by calling (214) 702-0446.