Root Form Implants

Also known as ‘Endosteal’ or ‘Endosseous implants’: this type of implant involves the insertion of the implant directly into the jawbone. This is the most popular type of implant and comes in two forms: cylinder and screw.

The implants can hold a single tooth or several artificial teeth. They are an ideal choice for those patients who have removable dentures or a bridge.

The procedure involves the dentist making an incision in your gums in order to expose the jawbone. He or she will insert the implant and close the incision with tiny stitches.

You are asked to wait for 3 to 6 months to allow healing or osseointegration to take place. In that time, the implant will have fused with the bone of your jaw.

Once done so, you will return for a second procedure in which the incision is opened up to allow access to the implant. Your dentist will then fit a special attachment called an abutment to the end of the implant.

This forms a strong, solid unit which is then ready for the replacement teeth.

These are considered to be the easiest and most versatile form of implant. The implant itself is constructed of titanium and lends itself well to fusion with living bone.

The most suitable candidates for this implant are those with a wide, deep jawbone. If your jawbone is small or thin then don’t worry; root form implants are still an option although you will require a bone graft to build up the jawbone area.

If your dentist feels that your jawbone is far too narrow and bone grafting is not an option then he or she may recommend a plate form implant.

There is another type of endosteal implant called ‘endosseous blade implants’. These have been in existence for some time now and take the form of long, flat pieces of metal which are inserted via a channel, into the bone.

These metal implants can be bent or manipulated in a variety of ways to fit an individual patient’s anatomy.

However, they have been reported as having a high failure rate and because of this, are not generally recommended.

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