If you’re missing teeth, you know just how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks, like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. The good news is that there are a variety of tooth replacement options out there that can restore the appearance and function of your smile, like dental implants. You may notice a lot of new terms being mentioned, and it pays to be well-informed. Here are some dental implant-related words that may come up and what they mean.
Abutment
This is the connection that is attached to the end of the dental implant. It serves by acting as the attachment for the replacement tooth. This also helps to guarantee that your new crown stays anchored in place. On the other hand, an “abutment tooth” is a crowned tooth that supports and stabilizes a dental bridge.
Ceramic
This is one of the common materials that is often used to create the replacement teeth that are placed on the end of dental implants. It’s made from a type of clay and then hardened by heat. It is ideal because of its natural-looking, enamel-like appearance.
Crown
A crown, also known as a cap, is placed on a damaged tooth, an adjacent tooth of a dental bridge, or a dental implant that’s being used to replace a single tooth. In the case of dental implants, they are attached to the abutment to become perfectly grounded.
Dentures
This traditional tooth replacement option is very common. However, you may not know that there are several different types of dentures out there. Instead of being held in by the natural suction of your mouth, they’re supported by dental implants. This allows for additional longevity and stability compared to traditional dentures.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration comes from Green and Latin words that mean “bone” and “to make whole.” Ultimately, osseointegration is a biological process that allows the dental implant to fuse with your existing bone, therefore improving the strength of both the bone and the metal implant.
Titanium
Most modern dental implants are made from titanium. This metal has a variety of advantages. Very few people have allergic reactions to titanium, so patients are more likely to have a positive outcome. Titanium is lightweight, yet very strong, therefore reducing the weight on your bone. Titanium can also ossify with bone, producing a stronger result that can last for many years.
By knowing more about dental implants, you will be able to better determine whether or not they are the ideal tooth replacement option for you!
About the Author
Dr. Shayan Azimi earned his dental doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He has taken additional courses focused on dental implant dentistry, including courses through Live Dental Implant Training and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Dallas, visit his website or call (469) 981-1700.
