So you and your dentist have decided that the best course of action for you and your mouth is to have a dental implant installed. But how do you decide which type of dental implant is right for you? Well, with the expertise of your dentist, and a small amount of homework on your part, finding the perfect one for you should be a fairly straightforward process. Below is a brief discussion of some of the most common types of dental implants.

Root Form Implants

This type of dental implant is the closest in 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. Because of this versatility, root form implants are some of the most commonly used type of dental implant. The healing period for this type of operation usually varies from as few as three months to six or more before it can support your new teeth, so it is both a financial investment, and a investment in time.

Plate Form Implants

The second type of dental implant that is commonly seen is the plate form implant. They are usually used when the bone is narrow and it may not be suitable for the root form type of dental implant to be effective. A plate form implant is flat and long so it can easily fit into the narrow jawbone. Like root form implants, there is a healing time that must take place after the operation and before new teeth can be added to this type of dental implant. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instruction concerning how to eat and what types of food to consume. If you’re unsure, ask; any dentist or oral surgeon will be glad to answer your questions, no matter how simple they may seem.

Subperiosteal Implants

There is a third type of dental implant available on the market today is the subperisosteal implant. This implant form is used when the jawbone is in advanced stages of resorption, leaving very little bone for the dental implant to work with. When this happens, the two different types of dental implant discussed previously simply will not be a feasible option. While the root form and the plate form are designed to sit within the bone, this type of dental implant is designed to sit on top of the bone but underneath the gums. Usually this dental implant is placed either using a dual surgery method or a single surgery method.