We’ve all been in that situation: Someone is explaining something to you that you’re unfamiliar with, and all the words just sound like gibberish. Maybe it’s your buddy who’s recently taken up golf, or the co-worker who wants to tell you all about their jiu-jitsu class. Whatever it is, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, perplexed, and maybe a little embarrassed. When it comes to your dental implants, rest assured that knowing these terms will put you ahead of the curve and help you understand the process you’re considering.
Post
This is the foundational titanium post that is surgically placed into your jaw and looks like a screw. It fuses with the jawbone to provide a secure, sturdy fit for the restoration.
Abutment
An abutment is a connecting piece that sits atop an implant post and serves as the foundation for the artificial tooth or crown.
Crown
The crown is the tooth-shaped cap that is placed on top of the abutment. It is the visible part of the prosthetic tooth and will look like your other natural teeth.
Osseointegration
This five-dollar term comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole.” It refers to the natural process of your jawbone fusing with the titanium post that is inserted during the surgery. It is the basis for successful dental implant treatment. Osseointegration typically takes between 3 and 6 months.
Implant
An implant is the fixture comprised of the post, abutment, and crown. It is placed into the jawbone and integrates into it to anchor the abutment and crown, the visible part of the prosthesis, providing a strong and durable result that will last for years. Many dental implants last for patients’ entire lives.
Bridge
A bridge replaces several consecutive missing teeth by placing a fixed artificial set in the opening and anchoring them on each side of the gap to the adjacent, healthy teeth that surround it. This device gets its name from its action of “bridging the gap” of missing teeth.
Dentures
Partial dentures can replace several teeth, while full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. With implant dentures, the prosthesis is secured to posts placed in your jaw, like with single-tooth or bridge implants, giving it more support and stability than traditional dentures.
Titanium
Titanium is the lightweight but strong metal used for the posts that go into your jawbone during the implant procedure. It is preferred by dentists because of its unique ability to bond with human bone; plus, very few of their patients are allergic to it.
There will be no quiz over the terminology, but brushing up on these words can help you feel prepared and confident heading into your dental implant treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick is a native Oklahoman and a graduate of the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. His continuing education took him to the Misch International Implant Institute, where he learned how to place and restore dental implants. Dr. Kendrick and our team at Midwest City Dental Center understand your concerns about dental implants and can answer all your questions to help alleviate your stress. Contact our Midwest City office today at (405) 732-0431 or visit us online.