If you’ve been thinking about dental implants, you already have a lot to consider. At your initial consultation, you might hear your dentist throw around some unfamiliar words. Your dentist definitely doesn’t want you to be confused. As such, here is a breakdown of 7 common dental implant terms that you might not know but probably should.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are also referred to as “fixtures.” A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically inserted into the jawbone designed to fuse with the bone. Once the implant fuses to the bone, it provides durable and long-lasting results. Dental implants are designed to support prosthetics such as a bridge, crown, or denture.
Abutment
An abutment is a connector that your dentist will build into or attach to the top of your dental implant(s). It’s an essential part of keeping the replacement tooth or teeth firmly in place.
Bone Resorption
A process by which bones are absorbed and broken down by the body. Generally, bone resorption occurs in the jawbone when teeth are missing or severely damaged for an extended period of time.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth in a row, “bridging” a gap in your smile. It is held down by dental implant crowns on either side.
Implant Crown
This restoration is a stable and long-lasting tooth replacement supported by a dental implant that is surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once fitted, it fuses to the bone to keep the crown secure and has the strength and durability of a regular tooth. It replaces an entire tooth from root to crown in form and function, stimulating the jawbone each time you bite down. This counteracts bone degeneration and promotes jawbone regrowth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are oral appliances that replace several teeth at once. They are a major improvement in fit and function over traditional dentures. Instead of resting on top of your gums, they anchor directly to your jawbone using dental implants. As a result, they offer an increased biting force and more stability. There are both removable and non-removable implant-denture options depending on your preferences.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is a natural process that allows a dental implant to fuse with your existing bone, improving the strength between the living bone and the implant. The term is derived from Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole.”
All this information may seem overwhelming, but just remember, your dentist is your friend! If you ever hear any terminology you don’t recognize, your dentist is more than willing to offer definitions and explanations. They are there to help and want to make sure you are fully aware of what’s going on so you can feel comfortable with treatment.
About the Practice
Milton Hill Dental is dedicated to providing high-quality, multi-specialty dental care to help you achieve your smile goals. The team has advanced tooth replacement training and uses the latest in dental technology and techniques to restore your pearly whites’ function and beauty for the long haul. If you’re unfamiliar with dental implant terminology and want to learn more, contact the Milton Hill Dental team at their website or by phone at (617) 696-4800.