Woman smiling confidently with straight white teeth

January 25, 2023

What Is The Difference Between Endosteal, Subperiosteal And Zygomatic Dental Implants?

Are you tired of living with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures?

Well, it's time to upgrade to the dental implant world and get the perfect fit for your smile!

But before you take the plunge, did you know there are multiple types of implants available?

Just like every superhero has a unique set of powers, each implant type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. But don't worry, we're here to break it down and help you choose the implant that's going to be your sidekick on your journey to a perfect smile.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants, also known as endosseous implants, are surgically placed directly into the jawbone, and they act as the root of the new tooth.

Who's the Right Fit for Endosteal Implants?

Endosteal implants are a great option for patients who have lost one or multiple teeth and have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant. They are not recommended for patients who have insufficient jawbone or for those who are not able to undergo surgery.

The Placement Procedure

The procedure for placing endosteal implants typically involves several steps.

The implant is placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure.
The patient will need to wait for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. This can take several months.
Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment, or connector piece, is placed on the implant. This abutment will hold the new tooth in place.
A new tooth, or crown, is placed on the abutment, completing the implant process.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants, also known as subperiosteal dental implants, sit on top of the jawbone rather than being placed into it.

Who's the Right Fit for Subperiosteal Implants?

Subperiosteal implants are a good option for patients who have insufficient jawbone to support traditional endosteal implants. They are also a good choice for patients who are not able to undergo a bone graft.

The Placement Procedure

The placement procedure for subperiosteal implants also involves several steps.

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The patient's jawbone is examined to determine the best location for the implant.
A metal frame is custom-fitted to the patient's jawbone. This frame will hold the implant in place.
The implant is placed on top of the frame. The implant will then fuse with the jawbone over time.
A connector piece, or abutment, is placed on the implant, and a new tooth, or crown, is placed on the abutment, completing the implant process.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants, also known as extra-long dental implants, are used to support a bridge or full arch of teeth in patients with severe bone loss.

Who's the Right Fit for Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are recommended for patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw and are not candidates for bone grafts or traditional dental implants. They are also a good option for patients who want to avoid a sinus lift procedure.

The Placement Procedure

The procedure for placing zygomatic implants is as follows:

The patient's jawbone is examined to determine the best location for the implant.
The implant is placed into the zygomatic bone during a surgical procedure.
The patient will need to wait for the implant to fuse with the bone for several months.
A connector piece, or abutment, is placed on the implant.
A new tooth, or bridge, is placed on the abutment, completing the implant process.

A Quick Comparison

Endosteal implants are the most common type of implant and are placed directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone and are held in place by a metal frame. Zygomatic implants are used for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw and are placed in the zygomatic bone.

Choosing the right implant for you depends on your specific needs and the condition of your jawbone. It's important to discuss all of your options with an experienced dentist to determine which implant is the best fit for you.