Alternative Tooth Replacements If Traditional Implants Aren’t an Option

If your dentist in Long Beach, CA has recommended dental implants, you probably want to know more about them first. So let’s talk about the three main types of dental implants and the three dental implant alternatives that are available to you if implants aren’t an option.

The Three Most Common Types of Dental Implants

1. Endosteal Dental Implants

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used implants. However, they do require you to have a healthy jawbone. This type of implant is a post shaped like a screw that is placed into your jawbone and your false tooth/teeth are fitted onto it/them.

2. Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal implants are the main alternative to endosteal implants. A metal frame with a post attached to it is placed under your gums on the top of the jawbone. Your false tooth/teeth are then attached to the poles that protrude from your gums.

3. Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic implants are attached to your cheekbone. This is an extremely complicated procedure; therefore, this option is only used if the other two types of implants are not an option.

But what if you’re not a candidate for any of those types of dental implants?

Alternative Tooth Replacement If Traditional Implants Aren’t an Option

1. Sinus Lift

This option is used when your jawbone has deteriorated due to you having missing upper back teeth. A sinus lift involves the dentist adding bone below the sinus.

2. Bone Augmentation

If your jawbone won’t support dental implants, your dentist will use bone additives to make your bone stronger. With this procedure, your dentist will add bone to your jaw which, in turn, will make it strong enough to support dental implants.

3. Ridge Expansion

A ridge expansion is used when your jawbone is not wide enough for dental implants in Long Beach, CA. With this procedure, your dentist will take a material and graft it to a spot along the top of your jaw.

Other Dental Implant Alternatives When Nothing Else Is Possible

If none of these dental implant alternatives are an option for you, talk with your dentist about the following options.

• Mini Dental Implants
• 3D Imaging
• Immediate Load Dental Implants

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Long Beach, CA, please Contact Andy Tang DDS today. We specialize in healthy, beautiful smiles, providing you with a warm, welcoming, comfortable environment for all your dental needs.