6 Dental Implant Terms You Should Be Familiar With

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there! They replace the roots of your missing teeth, allowing for a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. If you are thinking about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, it pays to be well-informed. Here are some terms you should familiarize yourself with as you begin the treatment process.

Abutment

This is the connector piece that secures your restoration to your dental implant. It helps to make sure that your dental crown, bridge, or denture stays firmly in place. This way, you don’t have to worry about your replacement teeth sliding, slipping, clicking, or other negative side effects of ill-fitting dentures.

Ceramic

Ceramic is a material that is commonly used to create dental implant restorations. It is made from a type of clay that is hardened with heat. It is an ideal option to create artificial teeth thanks to their durability and natural appearance.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is generally placed on a damaged tooth or the adjacent teeth of a missing tooth for a dental bridge. In the case of dental implants, a dental crown can be attached to a single dental implant via the abutment. This keeps it stable and secure.

Implant Dentures

Dentures are the tried and tested way to address tooth loss. Implant dentures have become popular in recent years because they bring some of the greatest benefits of dentures and dental implants to a single restoration. Instead of being held in place by the shape and suction of the mouth, implant dentures are supported by dental implants. This allows patients who have more extensive tooth loss enjoy a more stable and long-lasting tooth replacement option.

Osseointegration

This term comes from the Greek and Latin words that mean “bone” and “to make whole.” Osseointegration is the fusion process in which the titanium implant becomes one with the jawbone. Osseointegration strengthens the bone, making your dental implants even more resilient.

Titanium

Most of the time, dental implants are made from titanium. This type of metal offers many benefits. For example, allergies to titanium are very rare, so patients are more likely to have a successful outcome. Titanium is lightweight, strong, and biocompatible. This allows for strong results that can last for multiple decades or even the rest of your life.

Becoming familiar with these terms will help you be more prepared for your treatment. You will be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time!

About the Practice

At Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Loveland community. If you are interested in dental implants, they’d be happy to help. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (513) 677-1349.