Common Terms for Dental Implants

Dental implants allow you to replace your missing teeth with the next best thing to your own. By surgically placing an implant post into your jawbone, it serves as a new tooth root. This offers the potential for it to remain in place forever. With over a 95% success rate, you will make a long-term investment in your oral health. Before you start your journey to a complete smile, there are several important terms you should know to make the process less confusing.

Dental Implant Terms

Abutment

After your implant post is in place, an abutment is attached to it. This acts as a connector piece between the crown and the post. Your gum tissue heals around it to seal out bacteria while creating a natural-looking gum line.

Ceramic

Your replacement teeth are made from ceramic. This allows them to look natural while also being durable to last for several years with the right care.

Crown

A crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to improve its health, function, and appearance. When used for dental implants, it replaces the crown of the tooth to fill the empty space.

Endosteal Implant

This is the most common type of dental implant post used in modern dentistry. It is often made from titanium because it is biocompatible. It looks similar to a screw, allowing it to be easily placed into your jawbone.

Eposteal Implant

If you have a high risk of bone resorption, an eposteal implant can be used. It is placed directly on your jawbone instead of being surgically placed into it.

Implant

The implant is the fixture that creates the foundation for your new smile. It acts as a new root while providing support for your dental prosthetics.

Implant-Retained Denture

Instead of using suction or an adhesive to hold your denture in place, an average of 4 implant posts can be used to anchor it to your jawbone.

Implant-Supported Bridge

A traditional bridge relies on your adjacent teeth to hold it in place. As an alternative, 1 to 2 implant posts can be used to attach your prosthetics to your jawbone.

Osseointegration

An implant post stimulates your jawbone to encourage new bone growth.

Subperiosteal Implant

When the height of your jawbone is compromised, a subperiosteal implant can be used. It sits on top of your jaw with a metal framework sticking through the gum tissue to attach your replacement teeth.

Complete Your Smile

During your initial consultation, your implant dentist will take the time to answer your questions and explain the treatment process to you. With a firm understanding of the procedure ahead, you can rest assured you are making the right choice for your smile and your quality of life.

About Bethel Dental

With the belief a healthy smile starts here, Bethel Dental provides the individualized solutions you need to reach optimal oral health. We provide advanced treatments, like dental implants to help you overcome tooth loss. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.