Once you commit to dental implants, you could easily want to skip straight to treatment. Why bother learning the ins and outs of how your new teeth will work? Even so, the truth is that there are dental implant terms you should know beforehand. Memorizing them ahead of treatment will ensure you look after the implants properly. With that said, do your best to learn the four dental implant terms below before your procedure starts.
Implant
Naturally enough, the first term you should know is “implant.” The core aspects of your treatment won’t make sense to you otherwise.
Also called a fixture, a dental implant is a small post that replaces a missing tooth. It fuses with the jawbone once set in the jaw’s empty socket, becoming a permanent part of a patient’s mouth. That means an implant won’t slip, fall, or become unstable like a traditional denture could. Instead, the device should (with proper care) remain strong and durable for many years.
Osseointegration
Dental implants stand apart from dentures and other types of traditional restorations due to their permanence. As for why they’re permanent, it’s all thanks to osseointegration.
“Osseointegration” comes from the Greek and Latin words for “bone” and “to make whole.” Today, it refers to how a dental implant slowly fuses with a patient’s jawbone. This fusion starts soon after the implant placement surgery, takes six months, and allows implants to succeed. In other words, it makes your posts secure enough to help you chew food, speak, and smile well.
Abutment
The dental implant post that’s placed into your jawbone functions as a replacement tooth root, but it’s far from the only important component used. It’s the abutment that holds an implant’s final restoration.
An abutment is a small metal connector used in dentistry. In most cases, it’s attached to a dental implant so the post can hold a final restoration. The attachment work is typically done after the implant fuses with a patient’s jaw. If it’s started sooner, there’s a risk of the overall treatment failing.
Crown
A successful implant treatment doesn’t just depend on the implant post and abutment. Without exception, a quality dental crown is also required.
Dental crowns are basically “caps” that fit over tooth roots. For the most part, they’re used to treat cavities, infected teeth, and other sorts of dental damage. Still, a crown can do more than simply fit over an existing tooth’s top. It can also attach to a dental implant’s abutment, making the post look like a natural tooth. That’s why crowns are often used when replacing single lost teeth with dental implants!
If you want, you can learn other dental implant terms you should know. Just talk to your dental provider – they’ll gladly share the relevant facts!
About the Practice
Premier Family Dental is based in Waco, TX. Led by Drs. Rick Cofer and Ryan McNutt, our practice holds itself to the highest standards of modern dentistry. You can trust our advanced technology and direct approach to make your teeth and gums thrive! Whether it’s preventive, cosmetic, or restorative care, we’ll deliver exactly what your grin needs. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (254)-732-0309.