Dentists regard dental implants as the best way to replace lost teeth because they work, feel, and look exactly like natural pearly whites. While it’s easy to get excited about replacing your missing teeth with beautifully lifelike restorations that give you superior chewing power, knowing a few key terms about these devices can help you understand what to expect when they are being placed. Here’s a quick overview of a few common dental implant terms to keep in mind.
Osseointegration
The principal component of a dental implant is the titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone that serves to anchor the restoration in place. Titanium alloy is frequently used for prosthetic devices because of its incredible ability to fuse with living bone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration. After this titanium post is placed, it will gradually integrate with the jawbone as the patient heals, which gives the implant the sturdy foundation it needs to exert maximum chewing power and possibly last a lifetime.
Abutment
While the titanium post and the lifelike restoration mounted upon it may be the most recognizable parts of an implant, you may not realize that there is actually a small piece called an abutment holding the two together. After the patient has recovered from having the titanium post placed, they will undergo another minor surgical procedure to have their abutment secured on top of it. Once they have healed from receiving this piece, the patient will be ready to receive their restoration.
Restoration
Dental implants can replace one, many, or all of a patient’s teeth with a functional and lifelike device called a restoration. The best type of restoration for you depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they were located in your mouth. Your dentist may recommend a:
- Crown: This device is an artificial tooth that can replace a single missing pearly white.
- Dental bridge: An implant bridge consists of several artificial teeth strung between dental implants placed on either end of the empty space left by a few missing pearly whites.
- Denture: This appliance can be mounted on several dental implants to replace a full arch of missing teeth.
Knowing what to expect can take a lot of stress out of the dental implant process. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to restore your lost teeth.
About the Practice
Soleil Dental Mesquite provides the best oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Diana Vazquez and Jose Aldana, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about the dental implant placement process, contact the office online or dial (972) 288-3200.