Endosteal Dental Implants
Discover endosteal dental implants, their types, and the procedure to effectively restore your smile.

Endosteal implants are a restorative dental procedure that offer the look and function of your natural teeth. Thanks to modern dentistry advancements, they are quite common and have a high success rate. If you’re a good candidate, they can help you regain the ability to eat and speak, restoring your confidence and your smile.
If you’re ready to explore how dental implants can transform your smile, click here to schedule a free consultation or call (855) 259-6096.
What Are Endosteal Dental Implants?
Endosteal implants are a type of dental implant placed directly into the jawbone. The implant itself is a small screw, often titanium, that fuses to the jawbone. This offers a stable and secure base to place a crown or other device. As a result, endosteal implants offer long-term strength and durability.
The Endosteal Dental Implant Procedure
Here is a broad overview of the endosteal dental implant process:
1. Initial consultation:
The dentist evaluates your mouth, examines your oral health, takes X-rays, and examines your jawbone strength to determine your implant candidacy. They also answer questions and recommend any preparatory procedures.
2. Preparatory procedures:
The dentist performs any procedures needed to prepare for the implant, such as tooth extraction or bone grafts (adding bone material to the jawbone to increase strength).
3. Implant placement:
On the day of your dental implant surgery, the dentist will place your implant and give you one or more temporary teeth for the healing process, depending on how many teeth you need replaced.
4. Healing/osseointegration:
The surgical site heals within one to two weeks. Meanwhile, the implant fuses to the jawbone over three to six months during a process called osseointegration.
5. Restoration attachment:
The dentist secures a cap on your implant, completing the procedure.
Endosteal Implant Aftercare
Once the dentist places the implant, you’ll wait a few months as it fuses to your jawbone. Here are some tips to minimize your risk of complications or issues during this time:
Follow all your dentist’s instructions: Take prescribed medication, visit for any follow-up appointments, and follow all other dentist instructions.
Manage symptoms: Pain medication and ice packs can help with pain and swelling for the first few days.
Rest: Avoid strenuous activity the first few days after placing your endosteal implants.
Avoid hard and sticky foods: These can damage or irritate the site, facilitate bacterial growth, and increase the risk of infection. Stick to soft and liquid foods, and avoid chewing with the implant.
Keep up your oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss and rinse once daily to keep your mouth and the area clean.
Watch for anything unusual: Persistent or worsening swelling, pain, or bleeding may signal an issue. Discharge, a bad taste, or bad breath could also indicate an issue. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience these.
Endosteal Implants vs. Subperiosteal Implants
Endosteal and subperiosteal implants vary across several factors:
Placement location
Endosteal implants: The dentist inserts these directly into your jawbone, more closely replacing a natural tooth root.
Subperiosteal implants: The dentist places a metal framework with a series of posts under the gums but above the jawbone rather than directly into it.
Jawbone
Endosteal implants: Require a sufficiently strong jawbone to support the post, connector, and crown.
Subperiosteal implants: May be viable for patients with weaker jawbones who cannot receive a bone graft.
Complexity
Endosteal implants: Fairly straightforward for a surgical procedure.
Subperiosteal implants: More complex due to the additional components involved.
Commonality
Endosteal implants: The most common of the two types by a large margin.
Subperiosteal implants: Generally reserved for specific cases where endosteal implants are not viable.
Are Endosteal Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dentists typically evaluate each patient’s history and examine their health carefully to determine whether they are suitable candidates for an endosteal implant. Here are some criteria you should meet to be a good candidate:
Strong, fully grown jawbone: Endosteal implants require a strong, fully grown jawbone. They may not work for children or adults who cannot strengthen their jawbone with bone grafts.
Good oral health: Healthy teeth, gums, and jawbone reduce the risk of complications and maximize the chance of implant success.
Nonsmoker/willing to quit: Smoking overall can weaken the jawbone and harm oral health. It could also damage or loosen the implant during healing/osseointegration.
Post-op commitment: It is crucial for proper implant fusion and healing that patients are willing to follow the dentist’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene.
Good overall health: Good overall health ensures smooth healing. Diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and similar health conditions may impact the body’s healing capabilities after implant placement.
Get Started on Your Endosteal Implant Journey
Endosteal implants don’t just help you regain the ability to eat and speak. They almost perfectly mimic natural teeth, letting you confidently flash your smile. If you’re considering replacing missing teeth with dental implants, schedule a consultation with ClearChoice or visit this page to find your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center.
Endosteal Dental Implants FAQs
How long does it take for an endosteal dental implant to heal?
The surgical wound typically heals over one to two weeks. However, the implant typically takes three to six months to fuse to your jawbone and create a sturdy base.
How much do endosteal implants cost?
Costs can vary by many factors, such as:
The number of implants
Whether preparatory procedures are needed
The implant materials used
Your insurance coverage
Speak with your dentist and insurance company to better estimate your potential endosteal dental implant costs.
What is the success rate of endosteal implants?
Endosteal implants have an extremely high success rate thanks to advanced surgical techniques and modern technology. Although this procedure is quite common, complications are rare. Even if complications occur, visiting the dentist early can prevent significant issues and save the implant. Following the dentist’s instructions, maintaining good overall health, resting adequately, and scheduling necessary follow-ups can help you avoid complications.
What does an endosteal implant look like?
An endosteal implant is a small screw, often made of titanium. It goes directly to the jawbone. The dentist then attached a connecting piece to it. This connecting piece supports the crown, mimicking a natural tooth’s look and function.
Schedule Free Consultation>