As someone who has struggled with an addiction or substance use disorders in the past, you may have trouble with your teeth that you want to address. Some people are missing teeth due to various types of conditions, but the good news is that it is possible to replace those teeth in most cases.
If you are interested in getting dental implants, one kind you may want to consider is called an endosteal implant. An endosteal implant is a type of dental implant that is placed into the jawbone. That implant works like a kind of artificial root so that a new, replacement tooth may be screwed on.
Dental implants aren’t always available when people lose their teeth, but implants may be an option. Endosteal implants are the most common form of implant used in restorative dentistry.
What Makes an Implant Endosteal?
Two kinds of implants are used most often in dentistry, subperiosteal and endosteal. Endosteal implants are made with titanium. These implants are placed into the jawbone and are shaped like tiny screws. Until the new tooth is ready, they stick out through the gum as a placeholder.
Subperiosteal is different because it doesn’t require you to have a healthy jawbone in that area. These dental implants sometimes can go above or on the jawbone instead.
How Do You Know If You’re a Candidate for Endosteal Implants?
Those who want to have endosteal implants should discuss the option with their dentist and the oral surgeon. For the most part, those in good general health with healthy jawbones and gum tissues can successfully have this procedure. Good oral health will help maintain the implant, too, so being as healthy as possible prior to and after the implant is vital.
What Should You Expect During an Endosteal Implant Procedure?
The endosteal implant procedure is a surgical operation. The dentist will decide if you’re a good candidate, and if so, meet with you a few times to review the entire process. This process will include payment and agreeing to the time commitment.
When it’s time for the implant, the oral surgeon will numb the area. Then, the oral surgeon will expose the jawbone by cutting open the gums.
They will then drill small holes into the bone and embed the endosteal post into the hole. Next, they will close the gums over the post to prevent infection and to allow for better healing.
You should expect to have some symptoms following the surgery, such as:
- Minor bleeding
- Discomfort
- Bruising of the skin and gums
- Swelling of the face and gums
You should try to eat only soft foods for the first week (longer if possible).
What Happens After the Implant Heals?
Once the implant heals, it will be time for the abutment placement. The dentist reopens the gums to expose the post at that time, and then they place an abutment to extend out of the gums. The abutment holds the new tooth. In around two weeks, you’ll have another appointment where the dentist will take an impression, and then you’ll finally receive a new, artificial tooth shortly after that.
Contact the Dental Center of Norcross for Help
At the Dental Center of Norcross, we want to help our patients feel comfortable with their dental health. We offer dental implant options for our patients so that they can get back their toothy grins. Dental implants stimulate bone growth, so if you’re looking for a way to improve your bones while also getting one or more artificial teeth implanted, this could be the right option for you. Call us today at 678.504.6422 to learn more about our dental center and how we can help you replace any missing teeth you may have.
