When you first hear about dental implants, it can be tempting to get them right away. Who wouldn’t want their smile restored with the best tooth replacements? Still, there are dental implant terms you should know before you commit; they’ll help you see if care is right for you. Your Virginia Beach dentist will even share a few with you. To that end, here are four dental implant terms you should know before treatment.
Osseointegration
Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants are permanent and never fall out. This trait stems from a special concept known as osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the slow fusion of a dental implant with your jaw. Once an implant is placed in your mouth, it occurs over six months (or so) as your jawbone creates new tissue. The process ensures your new tooth remains secure enough to help you eat, speak, and chew food.
Abutment
A dental implant doesn’t hold your final restoration on its own. Instead, it relies on an object called an abutment to do so.
An abutment is basically a small metal connector used in dentistry. When built into (or attached to) a dental implant, it can hold the implant post’s final restoration. This latter device can range from a simple dental crown or bridge to an implant denture.
Zirconia
While most dental implants use titanium as their base material, some use other substances. One of these alternatives is dental-grade zirconia.
In essence, zirconia is a very sturdy type of ceramic. This material is fairly new and notable for being stronger than porcelain and some metals. As a result, many dentists use it as a base for replacement teeth like dental implants. Doing so can keep a restoration from getting as many sharp edges from normal “wear and tear.”
Endosteal Implant
When describing dental implants, some dentists will refer to a specific type. A key example is what’s called an “endosteal” implant.
Endosteal implants are the most common kind used by modern dentists today. In terms of design, each one is made of titanium and has a small screw shape. These traits help the posts stay in your jaw and let them hold your treatment’s final restorations, with each implant holding at least one prosthetic tooth.
If you’d like, you can always learn more dental implant terms you should know. Just consult your dental provider – they’ll gladly share them ahead of your treatment!
About the Practice
Smile Care Family Dentistry is based in Virginia Beach, VA. Led by Dr. Asra Javeed, our practice always takes a patient-first approach to dental care. We personalize our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to meet your smile’s unique and diverse needs. Our team even partners with local specialists for dental implant placement to ensure the best results! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (757)-498-6420.