Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant used to replace missing teeth. These implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Usually made of titanium, they are designed to fuse with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration.
This fusion provides a strong and stable foundation for attaching replacement teeth, like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Endosteal implants are the most widely used implants due to their effectiveness and long-term success rates. JC Dental Como has developed this guide to help you make a well-informed decision on your teeth replacement alternatives.
Endosteal implants offer many benefits compared to other tooth replacement options. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.
Endosteal implants are known for their exceptional durability. Most often made from titanium, a biocompatible material, they are resistant to corrosion and wear. Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, it creates a solid anchor for the replacement tooth.
With proper care, endosteal implants can last a lifetime, so they are a cost-effective solution in the long run. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are important to get the best possible functionality out of your endosteal implants.
One of the best benefits of endosteal implants is that they help preserve the jawbone. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone can begin to deteriorate because of the lack of stimulation in the bone, nerves, and tissue.
Endosteal implants do the same thing as the natural tooth root, providing the stimulation the bone needs. This helps keep up your bone density and prevents your jawbone from shrinking over time. Preserving your jawbone also helps support the overall structure of your face, preventing the sunken appearance that can happen with tooth loss.
Endosteal implants are extremely functional compared to other tooth replacement methods. They give you a stable and secure base for replacement teeth, so you can bite and chew just like you normally would.
Unlike removable dentures, implants don’t shift or move in your mouth. You can eat, speak, and laugh with complete confidence. This functionality can make a big difference to your quality of life if you’ve lost one or more teeth.
The natural appearance of endosteal implants is another big plus. They are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. The crowns or dentures attached to the implants are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, so you’ll look just like you always did.
The implant procedure involves several stages, including a thorough evaluation, the actual implant placement surgery, and the healing process. Here’s a detailed look at how endosteal implants are placed.
Before the actual placements, you’ll need to have a detailed examination by a dentist to make sure you’re a good candidate for endosteal implants. Here’s what it entails:
If your dentist decides that bone grafting procedures are necessary before you can get the implants, they’ll discuss it with you upfront. If you agree, you’ll set a date for those procedures. Otherwise, your dentist will set an appointment for your implant procedure.
Endosteal dental implant surgery involves several steps:
The healing period can take several months. During this time, the implant integrates or fuses with the jawbone and creates a solid base for the artificial tooth. This process is called osseointegration.
Once your jawbone has healed and the implant has fused successfully, you’ll need to go back to the dentist for the final part of the procedure.
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| Invisalign | Traditional Braces | |
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The recovery process can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here’s what you can generally expect after having this kind of surgery.
The initial healing phase involves two main stages:
Proper care after surgery can make a big difference to the healing process. Here are some post-surgery care instructions your dentist will explain to you:
You may need to visit your dentist within a week of the surgery. Follow-ups will be scheduled every few weeks during the first few months, then less frequently as healing progresses.
During these visits, your dentist will examine the implant site to make sure there are no signs of infection or complications. They’ll also check that the implant is properly integrating with the jawbone and that the surrounding tissues are healthy.
Not everyone can have this type of implant. Consider these factors to figure out if you’re a viable candidate. Your dentist will also be able to give you more information on whether this kind of implant can be used to address your dental troubles.
Candidates for endosteal implants should be in good overall health. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease should be well-managed, and candidates should not have any untreated infections.
Healthy gum tissue plays a big role in the success of endosteal implants. People with gum disease need to undergo treatment to restore gum health before considering implants.
You need a strong jawbone to support the implant. If you have significant bone loss, you may need bone grafting procedures to build up enough bone in your jaw before implant placement.
Smoking can negatively impact the healing process, make you more prone to infection, and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers, or those willing to quit smoking, are better suited for this procedure.
While there’s no upper age limit for dental implants, younger candidates should have fully developed jawbones. Typically, this means waiting until late adolescence or early adulthood.
Dental implants aren’t for everyone. Here are the kinds of people who may not be the best candidates for dental implant surgery:
Dental implants are usually perfectly safe, but there’s always a small chance of complications. Here are some potential problems you should be aware of.
Infection is a common risk associated with getting dental implants. Bacteria can enter the implant site during or after surgery, leading to inflammation and infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes even pus.
If left untreated, an infection can spread and cause implant failure (as well as other health issues). To minimise this risk, follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions carefully and keep your mouth clean.
Nerve damage can happen during the placement of endosteal implants, especially if the implant is too close to the mandibular nerve in the lower jaw. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, chin, gums, or tongue.
While some nerve injuries are temporary and resolve over time, others may be permanent. The chances of this happening are low because dentists use advanced imaging to make sure they don’t damage nerves.
Implant failure can occur for many reasons, including poor bone quality, insufficient bone density, and improper implant placement. Other factors like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can also make implants more likely to fail.
Signs of implant failure include mobility of the implant, persistent pain, or infection. To reduce the risk, follow all pre- and post-operative instructions and maintain regular follow-ups with your dentist so they can monitor your implants.
Don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team at JC Dental Como if you need any further information. We’re happy to help you with any questions!
Endosteal implants can last for 20 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. The average lifespan of endosteal implants can vary, but studies show that endosteal implants have a success rate of around 95% over 10 years. Some implants can last a lifetime. Moreover, it's not uncommon for patients to have functional implants for 20 to 30 years or more!
Endosteal implants are integrated into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. The choice between the two depends largely on the patient's bone health and individual needs. Endosteal implants are the most commonly used dental implants, but your dentist will discuss this when you go for your initial consultation.
If you found this article interesting you may also want to read Are There Side Effects of Dental Implants?
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I had a great experience at JC Dental. Dr. Colleen is very gentle, professional, knowledgeable and very informative. Dr. Colleen made me feel comfortable and pain-free through out the whole process. Thank you Dr. Colleen. I would highly recommend this practice!
I went for a checkup, scale and clean. Dr Colleen Ling did an amazing job on my teeth! She is very gentle, caring and very patient.
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JJ and Colleen are both gentle, compassionate and efficient. They explain through the procedure to make sure you are aware of the details and the associated fees before you commit.
Dr. Colleen is a highly professional, kind, and patient dentist. She has been taking care of my family members’ teeth for many years
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