5 Key Dental Implant Terms to Know Going into Your Procedure

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and if you’re considering them for rebuilding your smile, you might’ve heard a few odd terms and phrases used during your appointment. Going into the dental implant process can be a little daunting, but by understanding how these unique restorations work and knowing the terminology behind them, you’ll be well-equipped to set your new smile up for lasting future success. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the most common dental implant terms.

1. Dental Implant

The dental implant itself is the small, titanium post that’s surgically placed beneath the gumline, directly into the jaw tissue, to act as a replacement tooth root. Anywhere from one to four or even more dental implants can be used, depending on the extent of a patient’s tooth loss.

2. Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the most crucial part of the implant process. It’s a natural process where your jawbone tissue grows around the implant post, healthily incorporating it. It usually takes a few months to complete, and you’ll have to take care of your mouth during this period. However, it ensures the long-lasting success of the implants!

3. Abutment

This is the connector piece that attaches to the top of your implant. It holds the crown or whatever other sort of dental restoration that’s being used to replace the visible portions of your teeth. Abutments are usually placed after the dental implant posts have healed and fused with the jaw.

4. Bone Graft

Not every dental implant patient will need a bone graft, but if you were without several of your teeth for quite a while, chances are, your jawbone could have deteriorated quite a bit. Since dental implants require sufficient jaw density to heal, a bone graft can reinforce any areas that have become compromised.

5. Peri-Implantitis

Even though your implants technically are not real teeth, they can still suffer from oral health issues that might end up leading to implant failure. One of the largest threats is an oral health condition called peri-implantitis. It’s an infection that forms around the implants and causes the surrounding tissue to weaken. Ensuring a proper recovery period and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are key in preventing this serious condition.

In addition to knowing these terms, there’s one other thing to keep in mind – taking great care of your smile will set your implants up for decades, or potentially a lifetime! With that in mind, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know if there’s anything else on your mind relating to your new implants.

About the Practice

The team at Anderson Dental Center has proudly served patients and families in the Hackensack area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including restorative options like full-service dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to schedule an appointment to see if dental implants can help rebuild your smile, reach out online or call today! Telephone: (201) 350-1227.