Types of Dental Implants

We proudly provide several types of dental implants at our Oak Ridge, TN and Crossville, TN, practice, including traditional implants and immediate-load implants. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Tennessee, we use multiple FDA-approved dental implants. Offering several kinds of implants allows us to customize your treatment, and to meet a wider variety of needs. Contact us today for more information, or to schedule your first consultation.

Dental Implant Sizes

Since they first came into use more than 30 years ago, dental implants have expanded greatly in selection. One way that implants have become more specialized is through their size. At OSST, we offer a variety of sized implants customized to meet patients’ needs. A dental implant’s size, which is also referred to as its platform, helps determine where it can be placed in the mouth. Because each patient is different, however, the implant size will ultimately depend on individual anatomy and bone availability. In general, standard platform dental implants are usually placed in the front area of the mouth, while wider platform implants are placed in the back to replace molars.  Your surgeon will carefully evaluate your jaw structure to determine the right implant size. If you have lost bone tissue, a bone graft may give you a wider variety of options. 

Offering several kinds of implants allows us to customize your treatment, and to meet a wider variety of needs.

Traditional vs. Immediate-load Dental Implants

When you receive traditional implants, you will need to wait about four to six months before your dentist can attach your restoration. With immediate-load dental implants, your surgeon can attach a temporary restoration the same day as your implant surgery. After the full four to six months of recovery, your regular practitioner will supply your permanent restoration.

Immediate-load dental implants have obvious benefits, since you will not have to deal with a compromised smile during the healing period. A 3-D cone beam scan can often reveal the strength of your bone and whether you are a candidate for same-day treatment.

One- and Two-stage Dental Implants

Implant placement is often a two-stage procedure. Your surgeon will position the implants, and your gum tissue will heal over the posts during the recovery period. After four to six months, you will have another minor surgery. During this procedure, your doctor will expose the tops of the implants, and attach the restoration. We will typically take this approach if you have a weakened jawbone. Two-stage treatment will give the bone tissue a chance to regenerate and grow stronger.

In other cases, your doctor may be able to perform a one-stage procedure, eliminating the need for a second surgery. He or she may place a longer implant, repositioning your gum tissue so that the implant head remains above your gum line as you heal. Alternatively, your doctor could place one-stage mini implants. This option may be recommended if you are going to receive teeth in a day.

Find Out Which Type of Implant Is Right for You

Contact Oral Surgery Specialists of Tennessee to schedule a consultation and begin planning your unique dental implant procedure. Our acute attention to detail can help you experience life-changing benefits.