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Questions and Answers About Dental Implants

13 November 2015 by Ross Martin

Dental implants are synthetic dental roots that are installed into or onto your jawbone to support a dental crown or bridge. Among tooth replacement options, dental implants function most like natural teeth. Below are a few questions and answers about dental implants.

What makes a person eligible for dental implantation?

A dental implant may be suitable for you if you have good jawbone density, good oral health and no uncontrolled systemic health conditions. Enough jawbone must be present to support an implant, and you should be free of oral health conditions, such as periodontal disease, that could cause implantation problems. In addition, if you have a systemic condition, such as type II diabetes, it should be well controlled.

Oral health problems or systemic conditions that affect wound healing can jeopardize osseointegration, which is the fusion of the implant with the jaw bone. If the implant does not fuse with the bone properly, it will be unable to provide the stability of a natural tooth, and the implant will likely fail.

Are there multiple types of dental implants?

Dental implants can be categorized based on their jawbone placement. Using that criteria, there are two types of dental implants:

Endosteal

An endosteal implant is surgically installed in the bone. This implant, which is the most commonly used, is designed to be the root for one or more prosthetic crowns. 

Subperiosteal

A subperiosteal implant, which is used for people who have less bone depth, is placed on the bone. The posts of the supporting metal frame extend beyond the gum line to serve as a support for the replacement tooth or teeth.

For what types of tooth replacement can a dental implant be used?

Your dentist will help determine the type of tooth replacement needed based on your individual needs. However, implants can be used to replace one or more teeth:

Single Tooth Replacement

One implant and one crown are used in the replacement.

Multiple Teeth Replacement

A dental implant can be used as a support for a dental bridge that replaces several teeth.

Full Palate Dental Replacement

If you have lost all of the teeth of your upper or lower palate, an implant-supported full denture or full bridge can be used.

Dental implants are used to replace teeth that are lost due to decay or trauma. If you are missing one or more teeth, consult with a dentist in your area, such as Dr. James Oline, to determine whether or not you a good candidate for a dental implant.

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