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There are various ways of classifying dental implants. Below are the two most common and helpful methods of this classification.

By Placement

An implant is an artificial material that takes the place of your natural tooth root. The dentist can place the implant in your mouth in different ways, as discussed below.

Endosteal

This type of implant is placed directly into your jawbone. They are the most common type of dental implant. However, you need adequate jawbone on which to insert the implant. You may need a bone graft to build up the jawbone if the existing jawbone thickness or density is low.

Subperiosteal

This type of implant is placed under the gums but above the jawbone. It is actually a metal framework with attached metal posts on which the eventual tooth restoration is placed. You may get this implant instead of a bone graft if your jawbone density is low. However, the cost is relatively higher than that of an endosteal implant because the subperiosteal implant is custom-made for each patient.

Transosseous

In this case, the dentist inserts metal rods through your chin (from below) until they are exposed in your mouth. The inserts act as anchors for your tooth restoration. This type of implant involves extensive surgery and is relatively expensive. As such, it is rarely used today.

By Treatment Stages

The dental implant treatment procedure can take two main forms, as explained below.

Two-Stage

The two-stage treatment process is called that because it requires surgeries in two stages. In stage one, the dentist inserts a dental implant into the jawbone so that the top surface of the implant is level with the jawbone. After the surgical site has healed (it takes a few months), the dentist begins phase two where they make an incision in the gums to connect a dental abutment (the bridge between the implant and final restorations), gives you a brief period to heal, and then places the final pieces.

One-Stage

In this case, you only require one surgery. The implant used is long enough to protrude above your jawbone such that you only come back for the final restoration that doesn't require gum incision after the surgical site has healed.

Immediate

In this case, the entire treatment process takes place in one day. There is no waiting period. The dentist inserts the implant into your jawbone, cleans up the site, and then places the final restoration on the implant.

Your dentist will explain the types of dental implants available during your consultation. With the help of the dentist, you can then choose the best implants for your case.

For more information on your dental service options, contact a dentist near you.