If you’ve been researching dental implants, you probably have concluded that they are superior to other tooth replacement systems because they fuse to your jawbone, unlike dentures, which are only secured with a paste or bridges, which are held in place via crowns placed on your adjacent teeth. And while that’s true for the vast majority of patients with dental implants who live in Peoria, it isn’t 100% accurate. There are two types of dental implants: one that fuses with the jawbone and one that doesn’t even touch it!
Endosteal and Subperiosteal Dental Implants
If you’re a Peoria resident who’s been researching dental implants, you may be surprised to learn that there are two types available: endosteal, which are placed in the jawbone, and subperiosteal, which are placed underneath the gum tissue, but instead of being placed in the jawbone tissue they’re inserted on or above it. While endosteal dental implants are the most durable and less likely to fail, subperiosteal dental implants are a choice for patients who have insufficient jawbone tissue for regular dental implants and either can’t or don’t want to undergo jawbone grafting surgery.
What’s Jawbone Grafting?
Because endosteal dental implants are secured into a patient’s jawbone tissue, the patient must have adequate jawbone tissue for this placement to be made. If not, a surgery called a jawbone graft is required, which occurs when donor tissue is surgically sewn into the jawbone to help promote the growth of additional jawbone tissue. Several months later after the patient has healed, he or she will be ready for dental implants placement.
However, some patients of AOS in Peoria have unique cases in which even a jawbone tissue graft won’t be sufficient, but both the patient and our doctors agree that dental implants are the recommended tooth replacement system for them. Other times, a patient needs a jawbone tissue graft to have endosteal implants placed, but doesn’t want one. In both of these cases, our doctors will use their discretion to determine if subperiosteal dental implants – that is implants that are placed under the gum but don’t penetrate the jawbone tissue – are an option.
Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants Right for Me?
Ideally, all our patients in Peoria would have endosteal dental implants placed, which are the most secure option available. But if that isn’t an option for you either due to jawbone structure or feelings about jawbone grafting surgery, our doctors will evaluate your unique case to determine if you might be a candidate for subperiosteal dental implants. This isn’t a decision that patients can make themselves, but only one that can be determined after careful examination of your mouth and dental images to determine if subperiosteal dental implants have a high likelihood of success given your unique case.
Discussing Your Options with Our Doctors
The most important thing that Peoria residents should know, especially those who may have been told by a different practice that they need a jawbone tissue graft, is that you have options when it comes to dental implants.
Our doctors are happy to discuss those possibilities with you. If you have questions about dental implants, schedule a consultation with our doctors today by calling (309) 322-9995.
