Two Types of Implant Surgery

added on: March 27, 2021

Implant Surgery

Implants are the ideal replacements for missing teeth for many reasons. Not only do implants replace missing teeth, but they replace the entire dental structure. Today’s implants involve titanium posts that are drilled into the jawbone of a missing tooth. Over a period of time, the jawbone heals around the implant, which roots it in place, and turns it into a critical part of your anatomy. When you opt for implants, the dental professional will attach a crown over the dental implant, and replace the teeth permanently. Implants do not require extra maintenance, they do not slide off or move, and they are just like real teeth, both functionally and aesthetically.

However, if you are considering undergoing implant surgery, you should consider the kind of implant surgery you need. You presently have two choices — two-stage dental implants and single-stage implants. Here’s a little more insight on the two main typs of implant surgery:

  • Endosteal Implants/Two-Stage Implants: During this kind of implant surgery, the ceramic implant or titanium implant gets drilled into your jawbone, and your gum tissues are stitched shut. As such, you must wait a couple of months for the jawbone to heal around your implant, which roots it in place. It will provide a much more secure framework for implants; however, the treatment takes a longer time. You might have to wait several months or even one year before you get the crown over the titanium implant.
  • Subperiosteal Implants/Single-Stage Implants: The ceramic tooth implant or titanium tooth implant is placed inside the gum reaching down to your jawbone, yet without having to penetrate your jawbone. The top of your titanium implant aligns with your gum line, then your gums are stitched shut. When your gums heal, the dental professional will return to the sutured site and attach the crown over your titanium implant. This kind of implant surgery does not necessitate a lengthy recovery treatment for the jawbone to heal, so it’s possible to get the crown relatively quickly.

To learn more on our dental implant offerings, contact Phelps Family Dentistry in Wilmington, NC now at (910) 762-3481.

Posted In: Dental Implants