Dental implant treatment is truly revolutionary in the world of restorative dentistry. Our O’Fallon dental implant dentists hear from many adult dental patients who want more information about how these replacement teeth work. With that in mind, today our dental team is providing definitions to many of the common terms used when describing dental implant treatment. We hope that you find this information useful!
Dental implant: this is the term used to describe a stand-alone replacement tooth that has a root that extends into the patient’s jawbone.
Titanium root: this is the base of the dental implant. Our dentist surgically implants this root into the patient’s jaw bone and gum tissue. Titanium roots are usually shaped like small screws.
Implant crown: this is the visible part of the replacement tooth that looks like a natural tooth. This part of the replacement tooth sits above the gum tissue.
Abutment: this is the piece that connects the titanium root to the dental crown.
Osseointegration: this is the process by which the titanium of the implant root actually bonds to the patient’s natural jawbone tissue. Implant roots are made of titanium specifically because titanium osseointegrates.
Implant-stabilized prosthetics: our dental team can actually permanently ground dental prosthetics, like dentures, in place. We place a few dental implant roots along the patient’s gum line, and then retrofit the prosthetic to attach over the titanium roots.
Bone graft: if a patient is suffering from diminished jawbone density, our team may recommend that the patient undergo bone grafts before he or she moves forward with dental implant treatment. Grafts allow our team to build up diminished portions of jawbone with other bone tissue.
Check out our website for even more information about dental implants. You can also contact our O’Fallon dental implant dentists to schedule your personal consultation, or get further guidance.