Dentists regard dental implants as the finest form of tooth replacement available because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. With excellent care, these appliances can last for thirty years or possibly a lifetime, and they allow patients to enjoy all the same foods that they could with a complete set of real teeth. However, you may encounter some terminology that you don’t immediately understand when researching the dental implant process. Here’s a quick guide to a few common dental implant terms.
Terms Related to Implants
A dental implant is a device surgically placed in the jawbone so it can support a dental restoration that is lifelike in both function and appearance. A few terms include:
Titanium: The non-visible components of your dental implant will be made from titanium, a remarkable alloy with the incredible ability to fuse with natural bone tissue to create the sturdy foundation your restoration needs to function like real teeth. This material is also used to anchor many other prosthetic devices to the body.
Implant post: The post is the small titanium rod surgically placed in the jawbone during your initial dental implant procedure.
Osseointegration: This is the process by which titanium fuses with natural bone structure.
Abutment: The abutment piece is a titanium connector attached to the implant rod during your second dental implant process. This device allows a restoration to be securely mounted on the implant.
Terms Related to Restorations
Dental implants can support several types of restorations. Yours may support a:
Dental crown: This is a lifelike prosthetic device used to replace a single tooth.
Dental bridge: A device consisting of two or more artificial teeth strung together to replace several missing teeth in a row. While traditional bridges are supported by dental crowns placed on healthy teeth on either side of the gap after some enamel is removed from them, implant bridges are supported by two dental implants instead.
Denture: A denture is a larger restoration designed to replace up to a whole arch of missing teeth. While traditional dentures are supported by the patient’s muscles, natural suction, and possibly adhesive, implant dentures are supported by several dental implants placed at the sturdiest points in the jawbone to create the most reliable hold possible.
Dental implants are the best way to achieve a complete smile after tooth loss. By understanding a few key terms about the procedure, you can make the process of receiving these remarkable prosthetic devices much smoother.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph earned his dental degree at the Maryland School of Dentistry before serving in the US Navy for seven years. He is proud to be an active member of the Kosciusko County Dental Society, the Indiana Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. His office in Warsaw offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (574) 269-1787.