Dental implants can sound appealing even when you know little about them. That being said, you should still learn the treatment-related terms before you commit to anything. You won’t have a good sense of whether implants are right for you otherwise. Thankfully, your Danville dentist is here to offer a brief course on a few of the more crucial words. Just keep reading to learn four dental implant terms you should know ahead of treatment!
Dental Titanium
Whatever you may have thought, dental implants can’t be made from just anything. Titanium is often the most crucial substance used for these restorations.
Titanium is a durable and strong metal with low density. Given its various traits, dentists tend to use it as the base material for dental implant posts. Implants that use the metal are biocompatible and can fuse with your jaw’s bone tissue. That way, they’ll stay light, permanently remain in your mouth, and last many years.
Osseointegration
Unlike dentures or dental bridges, dental implants become permanent parts of your mouth. That reality stems from a special process called osseointegration.
In essence, osseointegration is the slow fusion of a dental implant with your jaw’s bone tissue. It starts soon after the implant placement surgery and takes place over six months or so. Once this fusion wraps up, a dental implant is secure enough to help you chew food, speak, and confidently smile.
Abutment
Technically, a dental implant only acts as a substitute tooth root. An object known as an abutment holds the implant’s final restoration.
An abutment is a small metal connector used in dental care. It’s typically built into (or attached to) a dental implant, allowing the post to hold a final restoration. This latter device can range from a dental crown or bridge to an implant denture.
All-on-4
Placing many dental implants isn’t always the best fix for tooth loss. Instead, a dentist may perform (or suggest) an All-on-4 treatment.
All-on-4 is a dental implant technique that restores a whole arch of teeth with just four posts. Since it doesn’t require high bone density, it’s often more effective than multiple single implants. The treatment is also more affordable than the latter option, saving patients money in the long run.
Ready to learn other dental implant terms you should know? If so, talk to your dental provider – they’ll gladly give you more details!
About the Practice
Main Street Family Dental Danville is based in Danville, CA. Led by Drs. Kai Lei and Margaret Santiago, our practice offers great dentistry for the whole family. You can trust us for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care that helps the young and old alike. Our team even places dental implants that restore smiles with lifelike prosthetic teeth. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (925)-575-8878.