Appointment
Request
You probably feel a bit excited if you’ve decided to get dental implants for your missing teeth. Your dentist will restore your smile and self-confidence in just one or two appointments! However, you may also feel anxious about the words associated with the procedure. Chances are that many of them seem unfamiliar since they rely on specific dental knowledge. To help put you at ease, here’s a summary of five dental implant terms you should know.
Implant
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that fuses with your jawbone to support a bridge, crown, or denture. It’s usually a titanium rod that’s fastened to an empty socket in the jaw. Due to its connection with the latter, it provides a strong and durable result.
Many dental implants last for patients’ entire lives. That being the case, they’re generally a better option than bridges (which may need replacement) or dentures (which can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear).
Titanium
Titanium is the metal used in most dental implants. Compared to alternative materials, it has many advantages:
- Patients rarely have an allergic reaction to it.
- Titanium is lightweight but strong, reducing the weight on your bone or mouth.
- It has a high oxygen affinity.
- Titanium can fuse with bone, producing a stronger result that lasts for many years.
(Dental) Crown
A dental crown is a “cap” that fixes dental damage. It’s a restoration that completely encircles a damaged tooth or dental implant. A tooth lost or broken from infection can be fitted with a crown to replace the missing or damaged part.
When it comes to dental implants, a crown is usually the last part placed. It securely attaches to the abutment to make the replacement tooth look natural and life-like.
Abutment
An abutment is a connector that a dentist builds into or attaches to the top of a dental implant. It screws into the titanium rod that the dentist places in your tooth gap.
In most cases, abutments hold the crown that covers your implant. In other cases, though, they work as an attachment for dentures or bridges, keeping them firmly in place.
Having learned the terms above, you can see that dental implants aren’t as mysterious as they might seem. Now you can go to your upcoming dental visit with confidence in your future smile!
About the Practice
Ocean Oaks Dental Group is based in Vero Beach, FL, having served the community for nearly sixty years. Led by two top-tier dentists, their team offers its patients the best dental care possible. The practice’s treatments span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, even including emergency procedures like root canal therapy. Thanks to advanced dental technology, these services are high-quality and long-lasting. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or by phone at (772)-569-4424.