Dental implants became widespread when it was discovered that the inert metal titanium can be used in surgical procedures to successfully integrate with the bones. The process of infusing titanium with the bone is called osseointegration. Today many people who need to regain the structure of their teeth resort to dental implant as a viable procedure because most of them have relatively simple procedure and successful in most instances.
There are many types of implant today. Most of them are done with titanium to ensure a high rate of success.
Endosseous Implants
There are several types of endosseous implants and they are discussed separately here
Root form
It is done with the use of cylinder or screw type implant with a surface designed to facilitate proper infusion with the bones. It is usually done when there are enough bones in the jaw to support the implant. When the jawbone is too narrow, bone grafting is needed to increase the bone area.
Blade form
This is also called plate form. Blade form is used when root form is impossible because the jaw is too narrow and bone grafting is not possible. The blade or plate is a rectangular metal that is flat and long to fit a narrow jawbone.
Ramus frame
This method is used when both the root form and blade form is not possible because the jawbone is short and narrow. The ramus frame is a horizontal frame that can only be performed in three areas of the lower jaw. The ramus frame can be inserted in both corners of the mouth near the jaw and in the chin part in the front area of the mouth
Subperiosteal implant
This procedure is done when the jaw is in an advanced form of resorption. There may be no more bone left on the lower jaw to perform the endosseous method. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the bone but under the gums. There are two methods available. In the single surgery method, a CAT scan is performed to get a model of the jaw bone to make a subperiosteal implant that will fit the jawbone. The actual surgery is then performed wherein the custom fitted subperiosteal implant is fitted between the bones and gums.
In the double surgery method, a first surgery is done to get a model of the bone. The model is used to make an implant that will perfectly fit the jawbone. A second surgery is performed this time to fit the metal implant.
Transosseous Implant
Transosseous method is similar to endosseous because they are both inserted to the bone. The transosseous method, however, goes through the entire width of the jawbone to under the chin. It is secured with a devise similar to a bolt and nut. This method requires intensive surgical procedure usually involving general anesthesia. It is rarely chosen method because it requires hospitalization and a very high cost but does not usually yield the best result. One of the endosseous methods is more favored.
