What Are The Types of Dental Implants? There are many implants available, each designed for a specific function. Most are made of titanium, an inert metal which has been proven to be effective at fusing with living bone, a process known as "osseointegration". The cylindrical or screw type implant, called "root form", is similar in shape to the root of a tooth with a surface area designed to promote good attachment to the bone. It is the most widely used design and generally placed where there is plentiful width and depth of jawbone. Where the jawbone is too narrow or short for immediate placement of root form implants the area may be enhanced with bone grafting to allow for their placement. When the jawbone is too narrow and not a good candidate for bone grafting, a special narrow implant, called "plate form", can be placed into the bone. In cases of advanced bone loss, the "subperiosteal" implant, may be prescribed. It rests on top of the bone but under the gums. The actual implant procedure involves the surgical placement of the implant or implants, a healing period (osseointegration) and implant restoration to replace the missing tooth or teeth. The treatment may be a cooperative effort between a surgical dentist who actually places the implant and a restorative dentist who designs, prescribes and inserts the final replacement teeth. Some dentists have advanced training and provide both of these services.   Root Form Implants Root form implants are the closest is shape and size to the natural tooth root. They are commonly used in wide, deep bone to provide a base for replacement of one, several or a complete arch of teeth. After application of anesthetic, your dentist will expose the area of the jawbone to be implanted and prepare the bone to accept the implant. The number of incisions and bone preparations depends upon the number of implants (and teeth) being placed. The implant is carefully set into place and the gums are closed with several stitches. The healing period usually varies from as few as three months to six or more. During this time osseointegration occurs. The bone grows in and around the implant creating a strong structural support. In fact, this bond can be even stronger than the original tooth’s. When healing is complete, your implant is uncovered and an extension or abutment is attached to it. Now the implant and abutment act as a solid unit ready to support your new tooth or teeth.   Plate Form Implants Plate form implants are usually used when the bone is so narrow it may not be suitable for the root form implant and the area is not suitable for bone grafting. The plate form implant is flat and long so it can fit into the narrow jawbone. After application of anesthetic, your dentist will expose the area of the jawbone to be implanted and prepare the bone to accept the shape of the implant. The number of incisions depends upon the number of implants being placed. The implant is carefully set into place and the gums are closed with several stitches. Like root form implants, there is usually a healing period for osseointegration, although some plate form implants are designed for immediate restoration.   Subperiosteal Implants With very advanced jawbone resorption there may not be enough bone width or height for the root form or plate form implant. In these cases the subperiosteal implant may be prescribed. The subperiosteal implant is custom made and designed to sit on top of the bone, but under the gums. There are two methods for its placement. The "dual surgery" method. After application of anesthetic, your dentist will expose the jawbone and take an impression or model of the bone using special materials. This model is used by a dental laboratory to carefully create the custom implant to fit your jaw. A second procedure is then carried out where the jawbone is exposed and the implant placed. The gums are closed with several stitches and replacement teeth are put into place. For the "single surgery" method your dentist will order a special CAT scan of your jawbone. Using the CAT scan data and advanced computer modeling techniques, a model of your jawbone is constructed. This model is used by a dental laboratory to fabricate the custom subperiosteal implant to fit your jaw. A surgical procedure is then carried out where the jawbone is exposed and the implant placed. The gums are closed with several stitches and the replacement teeth are put into place.     Copyright 1998 - 2001 Enexus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.