Missing teeth can significantly impact your daily life, from difficulty eating certain foods to feeling self-conscious about your smile. Whether you’re looking to replace one or multiple teeth, one restorative treatment might stand out: dental implants! They are a popular choice as they provide both cosmetic and health benefits.
If you are new to the world of dental implants, then the jargon surrounding them can leave you a little confused. Even if you already had your consultation or want to start learning, here are four dental implant terms that you should know.
1.) Osseointegration
This word is one of the most important parts when it comes to the entire process of this tooth replacement. It comes from both Greek and Latin words that mean “bone” and “to make whole.” But what exactly does it mean?
Simply put, osseointegration is when the dental implant post fuses with the jawbone. With this step, the treatment will have the lifetime durability that people love! It can take anywhere from four to six months, but the wait will be worth it.
2.) Dental Implant Post
You may be curious about what part of the dental implant is fused to your jawbone. Well, it’s this piece! The main purpose of the dental implant post is to serve as a new tooth root, which will effectively stimulate your jawbone to keep it strong and healthy.
A dental implant post is typically made of titanium, which is biocompatible. That means that it isn’t harmful to living tissue. This means that when the dental implant post is fused to your jawbone, it creates a strong foundation that helps the restoration look, feel, and function just like natural teeth
3.) Abutment
The part that connects the tooth replacement to your dental implant post is called the abutment. You can think of it as the middle link in the chain, as it securely holds everything in place. That way, the restoration, whether it be a dental crown, bridge, or denture, stays stable and doesn’t shift or come loose when you bite down on food, chew, or speak!
Without the abutment, dental implants wouldn’t be as reliable as they are. It is typically made of titanium but can also be made of other materials.
4.) Restoration
The final piece of a full dental implant is the restoration. It’s the prosthetic that replaces the missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. There are a few options depending on the gap you are filling. It can be a crown, bridge, or denture.
Each one is custom-made for you and tends to be metal-free! Many of these restorations are all-porcelain, as it is a durable material that reflects light as your natural teeth do. This means people will only be focused on your new full smile.
While the jargon surrounding dental implants may sound intimidating at first, understanding what they mean can help you feel more comfortable with the treatment! You can always clarify anything you’re confused about with your dentist, and they’ll be happy to clear them up.
About the Practice
At Peabody Smile Design, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to give you the care you need. Our Dr. Aditya Kashyap is an expert in dental implants, having undergone specialized training specific to this restoration. With his expertise, we walk you through the entire process so that it all makes sense to you. If not, then we take the time to explain it thoroughly! To learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your missing teeth, schedule an appointment or call us at (978) 278-5478.