Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBest CandidatesImplant ProcessAftercareAlternative OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Best Candidates
Implant Process
Aftercare
Alternative Options
Frequently Asked Questions
When you lose an adult tooth, it’s important for your dental health that you get it replaced. If you don’t, you risk teeth shifting, further instability in the mouth, and additionaltooth loss. It may also cause damage to theunderlying bone. One option for replacing lost teeth is anendostealimplant, which is often referred to as adental implant. In a multi-step surgery, this type of implant is permanently embedded into your upper or lower jaw bone.
This article explains who would be a good candidate for an endosteal implant, what the implantation procedure is like, and how to take care of an implant once you have it.
Endosteal vs. Subperiosteal ImplantsThere are two primary types of dental implants used to replace missing teeth:Endosteal: These implants are placedinthe bone. A support structure–such as a specialized screw or cylinder–is put into the underlying jaw bone and becomes incorporated into its structure. This type of implant can be used for one or multiple crowns.Subperiosteal: These implants are placedonthe bone. Instead of drilling into the bone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on top of it and is often connected to the bone through mini implants. Metal posts poke out from the implant, going through the gums to serve as support for the crown. This procedure is usually best for people unable to wear dentures or those who don’t have sufficient bone mass to support an endosteal implant.
Endosteal vs. Subperiosteal Implants
There are two primary types of dental implants used to replace missing teeth:Endosteal: These implants are placedinthe bone. A support structure–such as a specialized screw or cylinder–is put into the underlying jaw bone and becomes incorporated into its structure. This type of implant can be used for one or multiple crowns.Subperiosteal: These implants are placedonthe bone. Instead of drilling into the bone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on top of it and is often connected to the bone through mini implants. Metal posts poke out from the implant, going through the gums to serve as support for the crown. This procedure is usually best for people unable to wear dentures or those who don’t have sufficient bone mass to support an endosteal implant.
There are two primary types of dental implants used to replace missing teeth:
Poj Theveenugul / EyeEm / Getty Images
Best Candidates for Endosteal Implants
Since endosteal implants are embedded into bone, the procedure can be invasive and requires significant recovery time. Thus, the treatment may not be appropriate in all cases. It’s not recommended for children or teens whose jawbones are still growing and developing.
In addition, the following conditions may rule you out as a candidate for endosteal implants:
Before getting an endosteal implant, you may have to undergo treatment for or otherwise manage these conditions.
There are three main steps to the endosteal implant procedure:
If multiple teeth are missing, adental bridge—a false tooth or group of teeth—can be attached to the implant. Also, dental implants can be used to stabilize rows of dentures if many teeth are missing.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure
Supplementary Procedures
If the bone mass in the upper jaw (maxilla)or lower jaw (mandible) is insufficient, they won’t be able to hold the implant in place. To ensure a successful dental implant, additional procedures may be required. These include:
Immediately After Surgery
With every stage of the procedure—and especially following installation of the endosteal implant body into the bone—you’ll feel some after-effects, including:
Within the first week after surgery, a critical period forrecovery, there are several things to keep in mind:
Call your health care provider if you experience:
Home Treatments and Pain Management
Home care after an endosteal implant involves maintaining good dental hygiene; you’ll want tobrush properlytwice a day,floss dailyand keep up with regulardental check-ups. In addition, smoking increases the chance of complications, so you shouldtry to stopif you can.
Early on, you may experience pain and soreness. At-home treatments to help you recover include:
Overall Success RatesThough complications of endosteal implants can be serious, overall, they are relatively rare. It’s a highly successful procedure. A vast majority—about 90% to 95%—of implants successfully incorporate into the jaw and correct the missing tooth without problems or complications.
Overall Success Rates
Though complications of endosteal implants can be serious, overall, they are relatively rare. It’s a highly successful procedure. A vast majority—about 90% to 95%—of implants successfully incorporate into the jaw and correct the missing tooth without problems or complications.
If the underlying bone structure is insufficient or there are too many underlying health conditions, endosteal implants aren’t likely to be successful. Other means of correcting missing teeth include:
Summary
Endosteal implants are dental implants that replace missing teeth. A surgical screw or cylinder (the implant body) is embedded into the jaw, and a post, or abutment, is installed. Once the bone has grown around the body and it’s strong enough, the oral surgeon positions a permanent crown on top.
A Word From Verywell
Not only can endosteal implants restore the appearance of your teeth—giving you back your confidence—they’re needed to prevent subsequent dental health issues. If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, it’s worth exploring your options. The sooner you start the conversation, the sooner you’ll recover your smile.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIt depends on the specific case and whether you require pre-treatments, such as dental extractions. Endosteal implants are typically three-stage procedures that require multiple appointments with extra time needed to allow for healing. Typically, the course of treatment is six to eight months.Learn MoreOral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Everything You Need to KnowDental implants are highly durable and are intended to be permanent replacements for teeth.Over time, bone material grows around the screw or cylinder that supports the implant. Long-term adverse effects are rare. However, gum disease or other issues can arise due to poor oral hygiene.Learn MoreDental Implant Procedure: Everything You Need to KnowThere are many factors to consider before deciding if it’s right. Implants blend in with existing teeth, and upkeep only requires good oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups. However, implantation can be a lengthy process, which may make it difficult for some people. Also, those with poor oral health may not be able to have the procedure. Other options can be considered, such as fixed bridges and partial or full dentures.Learn MoreWhat You Can Do About Missing TeethEspecially in the first week, you’ll have to avoid hard-to-chew foods and smoking and take care when brushing and flossing. Once the implants are in, keep up with good oral hygiene habits and dental cleanings and check-ups.Learn MoreOral Hygiene TipsIt depends on your dental plan. Sometimes they are covered only under certain circumstances such as in the case of an accident or to prevent complications of missing teeth. If you do get coverage, make sure you have a good sense of what’s covered and what your deductible is.Learn MoreBest Dental Insurance
It depends on the specific case and whether you require pre-treatments, such as dental extractions. Endosteal implants are typically three-stage procedures that require multiple appointments with extra time needed to allow for healing. Typically, the course of treatment is six to eight months.Learn MoreOral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
It depends on the specific case and whether you require pre-treatments, such as dental extractions. Endosteal implants are typically three-stage procedures that require multiple appointments with extra time needed to allow for healing. Typically, the course of treatment is six to eight months.
Learn MoreOral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Dental implants are highly durable and are intended to be permanent replacements for teeth.Over time, bone material grows around the screw or cylinder that supports the implant. Long-term adverse effects are rare. However, gum disease or other issues can arise due to poor oral hygiene.Learn MoreDental Implant Procedure: Everything You Need to Know
Dental implants are highly durable and are intended to be permanent replacements for teeth.Over time, bone material grows around the screw or cylinder that supports the implant. Long-term adverse effects are rare. However, gum disease or other issues can arise due to poor oral hygiene.
Learn MoreDental Implant Procedure: Everything You Need to Know
There are many factors to consider before deciding if it’s right. Implants blend in with existing teeth, and upkeep only requires good oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups. However, implantation can be a lengthy process, which may make it difficult for some people. Also, those with poor oral health may not be able to have the procedure. Other options can be considered, such as fixed bridges and partial or full dentures.Learn MoreWhat You Can Do About Missing Teeth
There are many factors to consider before deciding if it’s right. Implants blend in with existing teeth, and upkeep only requires good oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups. However, implantation can be a lengthy process, which may make it difficult for some people. Also, those with poor oral health may not be able to have the procedure. Other options can be considered, such as fixed bridges and partial or full dentures.
Learn MoreWhat You Can Do About Missing Teeth
Especially in the first week, you’ll have to avoid hard-to-chew foods and smoking and take care when brushing and flossing. Once the implants are in, keep up with good oral hygiene habits and dental cleanings and check-ups.Learn MoreOral Hygiene Tips
Especially in the first week, you’ll have to avoid hard-to-chew foods and smoking and take care when brushing and flossing. Once the implants are in, keep up with good oral hygiene habits and dental cleanings and check-ups.
Learn MoreOral Hygiene Tips
It depends on your dental plan. Sometimes they are covered only under certain circumstances such as in the case of an accident or to prevent complications of missing teeth. If you do get coverage, make sure you have a good sense of what’s covered and what your deductible is.Learn MoreBest Dental Insurance
It depends on your dental plan. Sometimes they are covered only under certain circumstances such as in the case of an accident or to prevent complications of missing teeth. If you do get coverage, make sure you have a good sense of what’s covered and what your deductible is.
Learn MoreBest Dental Insurance
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Dental Association.Dental implants.American Academy of Periodontology.Dental implant procedures.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Are dental implants safe? Pros and cons of dental implants.University of Washington School of Dentistry.After your oral surgery.The American College of Prosthodontists.Dental implants FAQs.Chrcanovic BR, Kisch J, Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A.Factors influencing early dental implant failures.J Dent Res. 2016;95(9):995-1002. doi:10.1177/0022034516646098American Dental Association.Tooth replacement options. Mouth Healthy.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Does insurance cover dental implants?.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Dental Association.Dental implants.American Academy of Periodontology.Dental implant procedures.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Are dental implants safe? Pros and cons of dental implants.University of Washington School of Dentistry.After your oral surgery.The American College of Prosthodontists.Dental implants FAQs.Chrcanovic BR, Kisch J, Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A.Factors influencing early dental implant failures.J Dent Res. 2016;95(9):995-1002. doi:10.1177/0022034516646098American Dental Association.Tooth replacement options. Mouth Healthy.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Does insurance cover dental implants?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Dental Association.Dental implants.American Academy of Periodontology.Dental implant procedures.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Are dental implants safe? Pros and cons of dental implants.University of Washington School of Dentistry.After your oral surgery.The American College of Prosthodontists.Dental implants FAQs.Chrcanovic BR, Kisch J, Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A.Factors influencing early dental implant failures.J Dent Res. 2016;95(9):995-1002. doi:10.1177/0022034516646098American Dental Association.Tooth replacement options. Mouth Healthy.AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Does insurance cover dental implants?.
American Dental Association.Dental implants.
American Academy of Periodontology.Dental implant procedures.
AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Are dental implants safe? Pros and cons of dental implants.
University of Washington School of Dentistry.After your oral surgery.
The American College of Prosthodontists.Dental implants FAQs.
Chrcanovic BR, Kisch J, Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A.Factors influencing early dental implant failures.J Dent Res. 2016;95(9):995-1002. doi:10.1177/0022034516646098
American Dental Association.Tooth replacement options. Mouth Healthy.
AAOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Does insurance cover dental implants?.
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