Since dental implants are the “gold standard” of tooth replacement, many folks want to get them right away. Getting details about these prosthetics first often doesn’t seem appealing. That said, you should know several dental implant terms before pursuing the treatment; such knowledge will ensure a smoother procedure. Your West Orange dentist has stopped by to ensure you know these words and phrases. So, here are four key dental implant terms you should know before your care.
Dental Implant
You’ll obviously need to know what “dental implant” refers to. Otherwise, the core details of your treatment won’t make sense to you.
A dental implant or fixture is a small post that replaces a missing tooth. Once placed in your jaw’s empty socket (by a qualified dentist), it eventually becomes a permanent part of your mouth. That means the implant won’t slip, fall, or become unstable like other tooth replacements might. On the contrary, it should (with proper care) remain strong and durable for many years.
Titanium
Dental implants work well due to their materials. Given that fact, it’s only natural that you should know about titanium.
Titanium is a silvery-gray metal that serves as the main material for dental implants. Due to its biocompatible nature, it lets each implant post slowly fuse with a patient’s jawbone. The metal’s lightweight nature also reduces the weight of your post on your bone or within your mouth. At the same time, titanium is a material few people are allergic to; patients rarely ever react to it.
Abutment
While the implant post serves as a replacement tooth root, it’s not the only component used for treatment. The abutment is also worth mentioning.
In short, an abutment is a small metal connector used in dentistry. It’s typically attached to a dental implant so the post can hold a final restoration. As such, the abutment work is done after the implant fuses with a patient’s jaw.
Osseointegration
Dental implants have a permanence that other replacement teeth don’t. As for why that’s the case, thank osseointegration.
“Osseointegration” comes from the Greek word for “bone” and the Latin word for “to make whole.” In dentistry, it refers to how a dental implant fuses with a patient’s jawbone over six months. This fusion process is crucial to the overall treatment and ensures the final implants succeed. More specifically, it makes the posts secure enough to help a patient chew, speak, and smile well.
For other dental implant terms you should know, consult your dental provider. They’ll share the relevant facts and details with you!
About the Practice
D&G Dental of West Orange is based in West Orange, NJ. Led by Drs. Dawoud, Gencarelli, Bellentine, and Lee, our practice is eager to give every patient their dream smile. That means we offer tailored treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, ensuring you get the best possible results. Our team is also proud to place dental implants entirely in-house! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (973)-731-2200.