Jason A Curtis DMD
Dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth. Whether you've lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or other dental issues, implants can restore both functionality and appearance, giving you the confidence to smile again. However, with several types of dental implants available, including ****all-on-4 dental implants in prescott, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
Endosteal implants are the most widely used type of dental implant. These implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for individual crowns, bridges, or dentures. Typically made from titanium, endosteal implants are biocompatible, which means they integrate well with the bone, reducing the risk of rejection or complications.
If you have a healthy jawbone with adequate density and are looking for a durable, long-term solution, endosteal implants might be the best option for you. They are ideal for patients who have lost one or more teeth and want a stable and permanent replacement. However, the procedure does require a healing period for the bone to fuse with the implant, so it’s important to be prepared for a multi-stage process.
For patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants may be a viable alternative. Instead of being placed within the jawbone, these implants rest on top of the bone but beneath the gum tissue. A metal frame with attached posts is used to secure the prosthetic teeth.
Subperiosteal implants are often recommended for patients who have experienced significant bone loss in the jaw and either cannot or prefer not to undergo bone grafting procedures. They are also a good option for those who want a less invasive procedure with a quicker recovery time. However, they are generally considered less stable than endosteal implants and may not be suitable for all cases.
Zygomatic implants are a less common option but are an excellent solution for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Instead of being anchored in the jawbone, these implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The procedure is more complex and requires specialized training, but it provides a viable alternative for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants.
Patients who have insufficient bone in the upper jaw and cannot undergo bone grafting or wish to avoid it might consider zygomatic implants. This option is particularly useful for those who have been told they are not candidates for conventional implants due to extensive bone loss. The procedure can be more invasive and requires a skilled surgeon, but it offers a reliable solution for complex cases.
All-on-4 implants provide a complete set of teeth using only four implants per arch (upper or lower). This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want to avoid the discomfort of traditional dentures. The implants are strategically placed to maximize support and stability, even in patients with some degree of bone loss.