Tooth loss following periodontal disease or trauma calls for a prosthodontist in establishing the best implant procedure to be undertaken on a patient. Most people seeking these tooth implant procedures are often in the dark about the available options to choose from. You need to know the procedures on offer and what they entail before making a decision on which to settle on.

Here, you will learn about the types of the implants available, the surgical specifications for each type and the aspects considered before any operation is considered. This will make it easier for you to choose which procedure works for you.

Endosteal Implants

This implant is a screw, cylinder or blade implant, surgically set in the bone to hold one or more prosthetic teeth. The implant flush is buried within the bone underneath the gum. Though the gum may swell and you may feel the sutures used in closing the incision, within 4 to 5 days, these symptoms abate, and sutures are removed within 10 to 14 days. In about 3 to 6 months, it will heal.

Periosteal Implants

These implants set in the jaw using metal framework posts that protrude through the gum to hold the prosthetic teeth.

A non-submerged one-piece implant is designed to protrude through the gum. After healing, an abutment is connected to the implant, upon which a crown can be fabricated to replace a missing tooth. Alternatively a temporary healing abutment can be attached to a two-piece implant protruding through the gum.

Factors Considered

You should consider these points to decide which one is most ideal for your situation.

• Number of teeth being replaced—Replacing one tooth needs a single implant and crown; many teeth require implant-supported bridges. Replacing all the teeth may require a full denture or implant-supported bridges.
• Special techniques—Some patients may need special procedures such as sinus augmentation and ridge modification.
• Examination results—Before any dental implant therapy is done, the patient is thoroughly examined to find out the type, location and amount of bone available. Other features such as blood characteristics, lung and heart function as well as general health status will help in determining the best procedure.

One procedure may not favour everyone's expectations. These guidelines should help you decide on which procedure resonates with your expectations. It also helps one manage time depending on the procedure duration and healing time involved. A quick chat with your preferred prosthodontist should help clear things out further.