4 Factors That Determine Your Ideal Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants can restore missing or broken teeth. This surgical procedure is typically well-tolerated, but your dentist can help you decide what type of dental implant procedure is right for you.

These are some factors that will play a role in determining the type of dental implant procedure you receive.

1. Bone Mass 

The amount of bone mass you have will affect the type of dental procedure that is right for you. This is because dental implants are placed in or directly above the jawbone. People without significant bone erosion can take advantage of endosteal implants, which are drilled into the bone. Endosteal implants are sturdy and long-lasting due to their placement. Subperiosteal implants are placed above the jawbone, and these implants can help people with bone erosion and tooth loss. If you and your dentist decide that endosteal implants are right for you but you do not have sufficient bone mass, bone grafts may be performed before your dental implant procedure.

2. Recovery Time

Recovery is always a consideration when undergoing any medical procedure. Endosteal and subperiosteal implants both offer different recovery experiences. Because the subperiosteal implant procedure is less invasive, patients usually recover more quickly. Endosteal implants can take months to fully integrate into your jawbone. Your dentist will have a conversation with you about your lifestyle when scheduling a dental implant procedure. The amount of downtime you expect to have available for recovery can play a role in dictating the type of procedure that you schedule.

3. Extent Of Tooth Loss

The extent of your tooth loss can also determine certain factors about your dental implant procedure. People who are missing a single tooth will typically have a dental crown mounted on their dental implant. This procedure can be performed in a single appointment or during a secondary appointment after your implant has been allowed to heal. People missing two or more teeth may have dental bridges attached to their dental implants instead. This can allow patients to restore more of their teeth without requiring additional invasive procedures.

4. Health

Finally, your overall health can play a role in determining whether or not dental implants are a good choice for you. Dental implants are made from materials that are biologically compatible. However, it's still possible for the body to reject implants or struggle to heal. If you are immunosuppressed or otherwise in poor health, your dentist may suggest getting your health under control before undergoing a dental implant procedure. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed prophylactically for patients who are more prone to infections than others.

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