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If you are missing teeth, you know that it can be a challenge to complete daily tasks, like chewing your food thoroughly, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious of the gaps in your smile. Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth thanks to their numerous benefits. If you are considering getting dental implants, you will be coming across some important implant terms that you should become familiar with. Continue reading to learn some of the most prominent ones.
Abutment
This is the connection that is attached to the end of the dental implant. It acts as the attachment for the replacement tooth. This also helps to guarantee that your new crown stays anchored in its place. An “abutment tooth” is a crowned tooth that supports and stabilizes a dental bridge.
Ceramic
This is a common material that is often used to create the replacement teeth that are placed on the end of dental implants. It is made from a type of clay and then hardened by heat. It is ideal due to its natural-looking, enamel-like appearance.
Crown
A crown, also sometimes called a “cap,” is placed on a damaged tooth, an adjacent tooth of a dental bridge, or a dental implant that is being used to replace a single tooth. In the case of dental implants, they are attached to the abutment to become perfectly grounded.
Dentures
This traditional tooth replacement method is common, but did you know that there are multiple different types of dentures? Instead of being held by the natural suction of your mouth, implant dentures are supported by dental implants. This allows for additional longevity and stability compared to traditional dentures.
Osseointegration
This is the fusion process that takes place between the jawbone and the dental implant. The term comes from the Greek and Latin words that mean “bone” and “to make whole.” This fusion process strengthens the bone and supports the dental implant.
Titanium
Most dental implants are made from titanium. This is because this metal offers several different advantages. Very few people are allergic to titanium, so patients are more likely to have a positive outcome. Titanium is lightweight and strong, so it reduces the weight on your jawbone. Titanium also has the ability to ossify with bone, producing a stronger result that can last for many years.
By learning these dental implant terms, you will be better able to understand the process taking place when you get your dental implants!
About the Author
At Laketown Family Dental, Drs. Ariel and Eric Heisser are proud to be serving the Norton Shores community. With their combined expertise, patients can get the extraordinary care they need under one roof. They partner with experienced dental implant experts to ensure that patients get the best possible outcome. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (231) 737-2273.