Key Words to Know When Getting Dental Implants

If you’ve lost a tooth, chances are that your dentists have recommended dental implants to you. They’re an excellent replacement option, but any dental procedure can seem intimidating if you’re not entirely sure what’s going on. In order to make good decisions for repairing your smile, take the time to learn the following key words that’ll help you understand the implant process.

Endosteal Implants

This is the kind of implant that’s used most often be modern dentists. It’s a post that’s surgically placed in the jawbone. The implant doesn’t replace the whole tooth; it’s actually meant to serve as the “root” for the crowns, bridges and dentures that will fill in the empty space in your mouth. This way, your restorations will be secure in your mouth. You’ll never have to worry about them slipping while you’re chewing or talking.

Titanium

Most endosteal implants will be made out of titanium. Not only is this metal lightweight and strong, but it’s also highly biocompatible, which means it won’t harm the tissues in your mouth. Titanium allergies are rare, but if you happen to have one, zirconia can be used instead.

Osseointegration

Endosteal implants don’t just sit in the jaw; they also fuse with the bone. This is the result of the natural process of osseointegration. Ultimately, this will make your implants stronger so that their chewing power almost matches that of natural teeth. This means that you don’t have to worry about any diet restrictions; you can safely and comfortably eat anything you want!

Furthermore, implants that have joined with the jaw will stimulate the bone and stop it from breaking down, preventing your facial structure from becoming “sunken” and stopping your other teeth from shifting out of place.

Abutment

A normal dental implant has three main components: the post, the restoration, and, last but not least, the abutment. An abutment is a connector that sits on top of the implant and serves as the point of attachment for the restoration. It’s normally placed after your mouth has healed from the surgery to place the implant post.

Subperiosteal Implant

This is a different kind of implant that might be used if you don’t have enough bone height in your jaw to get regular implants or wear regular dentures. Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jaw, and the prosthetic teeth are supported by the metal framework. Since osseointegration doesn’t take place, they don’t have the same benefits as endosteal implants and are generally only used as an alternative.

Your implant dentist might use a few other terms during a dental implant consultation. Take notes if you need to, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, it’s your smile; you should feel confident about repairing it!

About the Practice

At Bethel Dental, we give each of our patients personalized care so that they always feel comfortable with the treatment they receive. If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, we can help you eat and speak freely again with dental implants. You can schedule an appointment or a dental implant consultation by contacting our office today.