Want to Talk About Dental Implants? Here Are a Few Terms You Should Know

Since more than half a million dental implants are placed every year, they are quickly becoming one of the most popular dental restorations around. While it’s quite likely that you know at least one person who has used these devices to replace their lost teeth, much of the terminology associated with the dental implant placement process has not entered the common vernacular yet. Here’s a brief guide to a few common terms used when discussing dental implants to help you understand how they work and how they are placed.

Osseointegration

Titanium has the amazing ability to fuse with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. This astounding property makes this metal an excellent material for many prosthetic devices, and it is the open secret behind the incredible success rate and remarkable lifespan of dental implants.

A titanium post serves as the base of most implants, and it is inserted into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure after the patient receives a local anesthetic to ensure their comfort. After it is placed, the post will gradually fuse with the jaw over several months. This gives the restoration the sturdy foundation it needs to exert maximum chewing power and last for decades.

Abutment

After the titanium post of your implant has adequately integrated with your jawbone, you’ll see your oral surgeon to have an abutment piece placed on top of it through another minor surgical procedure. This small component serves to securely attach the implant to the final restoration, which will be crafted while you are recovering.

Dental Restoration

A dental restoration is a prosthetic device designed to replace one or more lost teeth. Dental implants can support crowns to replace individual lost teeth, bridges to restore two or more sequential teeth, or dentures if an entire dental arch has been lost. Restorations supported by dental implants can provide far more chewing power than traditional prosthetic dental devices and can last for many years longer, which can save the patient vast sums of money that would be spent on replacement appliances.

While the terminology of dental implants may look intimidating at first, it becomes quite simple after you spend a little time using it. Your dentist will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the placement process during your consultation.

About the Author

Dr. DawnMarie DiGrazia earned her dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and regularly refines her skills by completing continuing education coursework. She proudly serves as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the New Jersey Dental Association. Her Somerville office provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact her on the web or dial (908) 722-2999.