Dental implants in Round Rock are an excellent way to permanently, safely, and beautifully replace your missing teeth! However, you may not fully understand what to expect if you don’t know a few important terms. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming if your dentist or oral surgeon begins to use words that sound like they’re from a different language! This guide can teach you some of the most common terms about dental implants so you can understand exactly how this important procedure works.
Endosteal Dental Implants
The most common type of dental implant is the endosteal dental implant. This means that it’s surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Once the bone tissue heals, this placement provides an extremely stable foundation for your new tooth.
Dental Implant
Contrary to popular belief, a dental implant only refers to one component of your new tooth, which consists of three different parts:
- Dental implant: The metal post that is inserted into the jawbone.
- Abutment: A small connector piece that secures the new tooth to the metal post.
- Restoration: The new tooth or teeth that are attached to the implant via the abutment.
Osseointegration
The roots of this fancy term come from the words “bone” and “to make whole.” Once the dental implant has been surgically placed, it will begin to fuse with the surrounding jawbone. This integration is what will keep your new tooth or teeth so firmly in place as you eat, talk, and live your life.
Implant-Retained Restorations
The implant-retained restoration is the new tooth or teeth that are held in place by your dental implant. How many teeth you need to replace will determine which type of restoration you’ll need:
- Implant-retained crown: A single tooth can be replaced with a tooth-shaped cap called a crown.
- Implant-retained bridge: Several missing teeth can be replaced at one time with a bridge.
- Implant-retained dentures: If you’re missing most or all your teeth, they can be replaced with partial or full dentures.
Titanium and Porcelain
Most modern dental implants are made of titanium because it’s strong, lightweight, and biocompatible. It’s also more likely to integrate into the jawbone successfully than other materials. The restorations are often made of strong, beautiful dental porcelain. This material closely mimics the look and feel of natural teeth, making it indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
If you have more questions about dental implant terminology, feel free to ask your oral surgeon or dentist in Round Rock. Understanding the most common terms surrounding dental implants can help you feel more confident and well-informed about restoring your smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Mike Asay and his skilled team at Chisholm Trail Dental Health have helped rebuild thousands of smiles in Round Rock, TX and the surrounding communities. By partnering with local talented specialists and using the newest state-of-the-art technology, he can help restore your functional, beautiful smile no matter how many teeth you’re missing. He is dedicated to helping you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible every step of the way, so if you have more questions about dental implants, feel free to contact him through his website or at (512) 244-2796.