Types of Dental Implants in San Jose, CA

There are many types of dental implants, some of which will provide better results for different people, depending on the unique circumstances in each situation. The most common types include:

• Endosteal Dental Implants — Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and typically involve a two-stage procedure. These implants are shaped like a screw and are made of titanium for optimal strength and durability. The procedure involves drilling a hole to fit the screw into the jawbone, and since it requires surgery, anesthesia may be administered to the patient. During the healing process, a temporary crown is placed over the implant to provide a natural appearance.

• Subperiosteal Dental Implants — The next most common type of dental implant is a subperiosteal implant, which typically involves a one-stage procedure. This type varies vastly from endosteal implants because it uses a metal framework, instead of an implanted screw that is drilled into the bone. With subperiosteal implants, the implant is placed under the gums but above the jawbone to hold the crown in place. This option is ideal for patients who do not want to undergo a jaw grafting procedure or for those who do not have a healthy jawbone.

These two types of dental implants are performed to achieve the same end goal—to replace missing teeth—but their approach is very different. Endosteal implants replace the tooth roots with screws or cylinders that are typically composed of titanium or ceramics. To hold the artificial teeth in place, the implant is surgically drilled into the jawbone; these implants lie completely inside the jawbone. Artificial teeth are not directly connected to endosteal implants; a post is connected to the implant once the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone.

Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, firmly secure a metal framework on the jawbone, but it lies below the gum line, above the jawbone. Metal posts are again necessary to secure the replacement teeth to the jaw, but this procedure can take longer to perform, has a lower success rate, and can result in post-surgical scars.

The most common materials used in dental implants include titanium, a biocompatible and non-reactive metal (meaning it will not cause an inflammatory response or damage healthy tissues as most other metals will), ceramics, another biocompatible material that provides an additional benefit with its low conductivity of heat (heat can damage healthy gum and bone tissues during surgery), and zirconia, a synthetic material with high biocompatibility that can be used with both titanium and ceramics in dental implants.

While dental implants can potentially last a lifetime, this is not always the case and depends upon several factors, such as quality of oral hygiene, lifestyle (such as diet, nail-biting, teeth grinding, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use), and the type of dental implant. Endosteal implants typically last up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene (flossing and brushing twice daily) and a diet of soft foods, but this duration can be significantly shortened if the patient smokes or consumes a high amount of alcohol. Subperiosteal implants generally have a shorter life expectancy due to the different approaches used, but can often last over five years.

At NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics, we offer dental implants, so you can have a beautiful smile! Contact us today or book an appointment with our dental implant surgery specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95118. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA. We look forward to serving you!