The Different Types of Dental Implants

Missing teeth can cause a number of problems that go beyond mere aesthetics. Eating certain foods can be more difficult even from the loss of a single tooth. In the area of the tooth gap, both bone loss and gum recession are likely to occur since there is no root structure in place. This can cause teeth adjacent to the gap to shift out of place or even become loose.

For these reasons and many others, implant dentistry is a good option. When you meet with a Bossier City or Shreveport cosmetic dentist at our practice, you'll be able to learn much more about dental implants during the consultation process. Right now, we'd like to go over some of the basics of implant dentistry and show you what some of your options are for care.

About Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and gum tissue. These artificial tooth roots are designed to support dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures, thus enhancing the appearance of a smile while also restoring a patient's ability to chew as they normally would.

Best Candidates for Dental Implants

The best candidates for Shreveport dental implants are people who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and have sufficient bone and gum tissue to support an implant. If there is not enough healthy soft and hard tissue in the area of the tooth gap, grafting surgeries can sometimes be performed.

There are different kinds of dental implants that can meet the needs of patients. Let's briefly look at these restorative/reconstructive dentistry options right now.

Single-Stage Dental Implants vs. Two-Stage Dental Implants

First off, there are two ways that the dental implant surgery can be performed: single-stage and two-stage.

• Single-Stage Dental Implants – During single-stage dental implant surgery, the dental implant is placed with an abutment protruding from the gums. This abutment is what will support the dental restoration.
• Two-Stage Dental Implants – During two-stage dental implant surgery, the dental implant is placed and concealed by the gum tissue. When the implant is healed, the dental implant is exposed and the abutment and dental restoration placed. Generally this is done when the need for a dental restoration is not immediate and/or additional assurance of implant integration is required.

Three Basic Kinds of Dental Implants

The three different kinds of dental implants are as follows:

• Endosseous Dental Implants – These kinds of dental implants tend to be screw/root shaped and are anchored into the patient's jawbone.
• Subperiosteal Dental Implants – These kinds of dental implants are surgically latched around the patient's jawbone just beneath the gum tissue.
• Transosteal Dental Implants – These kinds of dental implants go completely through the gum tissue and through the jawbone.

The Best Option for Your Needs

Each of the above options for dental implants allows our cosmetic dentists in Bossier City and Shreveport to achieve the best possible results for patients with different kinds of dental health issues. When you stop by our practice, we will be sure to go over each of the above options in full detail so that you know what to expect during treatment and how it will benefit your dental health and overall wellness in the long run.

Learn More About Your Many Options for Enhanced Dental Care

For more information about implant dentistry and if it's the right option for you and your needs, we encourage you to contact our Shreveport and Bossier City family dental care centers today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.