The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

Dental implants aren't always straightforward. The position of your sinuses above some of your teeth can affect an implant's success.

For example, if you don't have enough bone above a gap to hold an implant post, then you might need a graft to boost your bone density. However, if your sinuses are in the way, then your dentist might need to lift them to insert grafting material.

While sinus lifts are common procedures for experienced implant dentists, they have some downsides. They extend your treatment time and increase your costs.

If you don't want a sinus lift or aren't a suitable candidate for the procedure, then don't assume that you can't have an implant. You might be able to switch from a conventional implant to an alternative type. What are your options?

Mini Implants

A conventional dental implant uses a long post to secure and hold a tooth. The post goes in the bone above the gap you want to fill. It fuses with this bone and creates a holding support for the rest of the implant and its false tooth.

If you have bone density problems and a close sinus in the area, then these implants usually won't work. The posts are too long and heavy for a low-density bone. If you don't want to build up the area with a lift, then your dentist is unlikely to recommend a conventional implant because it is more likely to fail.

You can sometimes use a mini implant as an alternative. These implants work the same way as conventional implants; however, their posts are smaller and lighter. They can work effectively in lower bone density areas without the need for a graft or a sinus lift.

Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants

If mini implants aren't a suitable solution for your mouth, or if you prefer a regular-sized device, then your dentist might be able to fit a zygomatic or pterygoid implant. Neither of these options go into your jaw, so its density isn't a problem.

Your dentist implants these posts in different places. For example, zygomatic posts bypass your jaw and fit into the bottom part of your cheek bone. Pterygoid implants go into part of the sphenoid bone close to your jaw.

The bone in both of these areas is typically dense and strong. It isn't affected by dental problems or age-related density loss in the same way as the bones above your teeth. So, both locations give you a viable alternative to a conventional implant.

To find out more about your options, talk to a company like Farhoumand Dentistry to learn more.