Getting dental implants is an exciting step toward restoring your smile, but it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by all the new terms your dental team might use. However, knowing some of the keywords associated with dental implants can help you feel more confident, ask better questions, and take excellent care of your new teeth, both immediately after receiving them and for decades beyond that. Here’s a quick breakdown of a few important terms you’re likely to hear during your treatment.
Implant
Sometimes called a post, the implant is the small, screw-like rod that’s made of biocompatible materials like titanium and is placed into your jawbone. It fuses with the bone to become a permanent tooth root replacement. You won’t see the implant itself once it’s healed, but it’s the core support system of your dental restoration.
Abutment
The abutment is the connector that’s attached to the top of the implant. You can think of it as the middle piece that links the implant post to your replacement tooth. It’s normally placed during a small surgery after the mouth has healed from the initial implant placement.
Restoration
This simply refers to the custom-made teeth used to replace your lost pearly whites. They’re made from natural-looking, durable materials and attached to the abutments once everything has properly healed up. They come in the form of crowns, bridges, or dentures, all of which can receive support from the underlying posts.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration refers to the healing period when your jawbone naturally fuses with the implant(s). It usually takes a few months and is what allows your implant to become stable and long-lasting. A successful osseointegration process means your new tooth will be just as strong as your natural ones.
Bone Graft
In some cases, patients don’t have enough healthy jawbone tissue to support an implant right away. That’s where a bone graft comes into play! This procedure adds borrowed bone material to areas where your jawbone may have weakened or thinned due to tooth loss. After a healing period, this creates a strong enough base to place your dental implant securely.
Understanding these terms can make a big difference in how you experience your dental implant journey. A healthy smile starts with knowing the basics—not just when it comes to hygiene, but also when it comes to the inner workings of your new smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Waterford Dental Group has served the needs of patients in Dublin, CA, and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including dental implants to replace missing teeth—placed in-house by our expert team using the latest methods and technologies. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’re ready to begin rebuilding your smile, please feel free to reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (925) 803-5888.