Dental Implants 101: Key Terms You Should Know

Are you tired of your dentures slipping and sliding around while you eat or speak? If so, you might want to consider upgrading to dental implants. Since they replace the entire tooth structure, you don’t have to worry about them moving in your mouth. While explaining the implant process, your dentist may throw around some confusing words. To help you fully understand what’s going on, here’s a guide to dental implant key terms you should know.   

Dental Implant

A dental implant, also known as a fixture, is a medical device that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone. It mimics the structure of a natural tooth and supports a bridge, crown, denture, or another dental prosthesis. The implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, providing unmatched stability and long-lasting results that most patients can enjoy for a lifetime.  

Abutment

An abutment is a connector that dentists build into or attach to the top of a dental implant. It acts as an anchor for a crown, bridge, denture, or other prosthesis and keeps it firmly in place.

Abutment Teeth

The abutment teeth support a partial denture or a dental bridge. The bridge is attached during crown prep or inlay/onlay prep. But for a partial denture, clasps or rests are used to support the denture on the abutment tooth.

Crown

A dental crown, also known as a cap, replaces the top portion and layer of a tooth. If you have broken or lost a tooth because of injury, infection, or decay, your dentist will use a crown to restore the damaged or missing tooth. A crown encases an entire single tooth, fortifying and replacing the missing structure. It can also be attached to the abutment of a dental implant.

Denture

Although dentures are the most traditional solution for missing teeth, most patients don’t have the same success with dentures as with dental implants. Some dentures can be removed daily for cleaning and storage, while others are permanently attached to the mouth (like implant-support dentures).

Osseointegration

As mentioned earlier, osseointegration is the natural process that allows a dental implant to fuse with the existing bone. The term comes from Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole”.

Titanium

Nowadays, most dentists use dental implants made of titanium. That has become one of the most widely used metals because it has several advantages. For example, very few people are allergic to it, it’s lightweight but strong, and it has the ability to ossify with the jawbone.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a fortified ceramic used for the small percentage of patients that are allergic to titanium. Because zirconia implants have no prosthetic connections, the risk of bacteria growth is much lower. Plus, most patients find that they have better gum health with this type of implant.

Are you ready to upgrade to dental implants? With this guide, you’ll be able to fully understand the process for a beautiful, restored smile!

About the Practice

Dr. Sowmya Kumar has years of experience in many facets of dentistry under her belt. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since graduating, Dr. Kumar has attended numerous hours of continuing education courses to refine her skill set and give patients the best treatment possible. If you’re ready to upgrade from dentures, she can give you a confident new smile with dental implants. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (321) 631-4334.