If you’re considering restoring your beautiful smile with dental implants, you are likely to have a lot of important questions about this dynamic treatment. But unfortunately, many patients become confused with all the technical terms concerning their procedure and often become intimidated about asking for clarification. The great news is that there’s no reason to be overwhelmed by the tech-talk. Here’s a few important definitions of some of the dental implant terminology you may have heard, and why they’re so important when rebuilding your smile!
Osseointegration
This is the term for the process where your dental implant permanently fuses with your jawbone, improving its strength. Here’s a fun fact for you: the word comes from the Greek and Latin words “bone” and “to make whole.”
Crown
Your dental implant crown isn’t a gilded hat, but the actual “tooth” portion that is visible above the gumline. This term is used to describe a single tooth, but dental implant prosthetics are also available in bridges and dentures, too.
Abutment
A dental implant abutment is the portion of the prosthetic that connects the dental implant post to the crown, bridge, or denture and holds it in place so you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
Titanium
Most of the dental implants used today are made of a metal called titanium, which is well known for its low risk of allergic reactions, durability and light weight. It is also famous for its ability to ossify with your jawbone, making it among the most secure metals for dental implants!
Zirconia
Unfortunately, some people may be allergic to titanium. For those patients, zirconia can be an amazing alternative. Some of the benefits of this metal is that it has a lower risk of bacterial growth, which can help protect your gums, and its natural white color blends in well with your natural teeth.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures combine the benefits of dental implants with the convenience of dentures. This means you can replace an entire arch of teeth with just four to six posts, and have a beautiful, natural-looking prosthetic that is more secure and strong than traditional, removable dentures.
Subperiosteal Implant
This type of implant is ideal for patients with minimal bone height, or for those who can’t wear traditional dentures. They are essentially posts that sit on top of the jaw that protrude through the gum to hold the prosthetic in place.
Eposteal Implant
Eposteal implants sit directly on the jawbone and are sometimes used for patients who have a high risk of bone resorption.
Endosteal Implant
These are the most frequently used dental implants and are attached to the jawbone surgically with a series of small screws, plates, blades or cylinders that can hold at least one crown.
Remember, although there may be a lot of new terms to learn during your dental implant journey, the great news is that not only does your dentist understand what they mean, but she also understands how to use them to ensure that they give you the best smile possible. Hopefully knowing the definitions yourself will make you feel even more confident about your upcoming procedure, but rest assured if you ever have any questions or concerns about any aspect of treatment, your dentist is happy to help!
About Our Practice
At Boyd & Walther Tallahassee Dental Associates, Dr. Ransey Boyd and Dr. Kirstin Walther are proud to offer dental implant treatment to improve your smile! Whether you need one or multiple teeth replaced, durable, natural-looking dental implants are truly the definition of beauty! To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call 850-878-4117.