5 Important Dental Implant Terms to Know Before Your Consultation

If you’ve scheduled your dental implant consultation already, congratulations! You’ve already taken the first, and usually the hardest, step towards restoring your smile. You can get the most out of your appointment with your implant dentist in Dallas by coming prepared and knowing some of the terms that they’ll use while describing the process and treatment plan. Read on for five important dental implant terms to know before your consultation.

Dental Implants

Dental implants aren’t just the name of the treatment, but also an actual component of the process that will be inserted within your jawbone, below the gumline. They’re small, screw-shaped posts that are surgically secured under the gums to replace the missing root structure of your teeth. Once secured, they act as an unwavering foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture to be attached to.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is what occurs after the dental implant is secured within the jawbone, and when broken down, the prefix “osseo-” means “bone” and “integration” means “combining.” When you put those together, it describes a naturally occurring process that happens when the bone fuses with the implant, allowing it to provide necessary blood flow and stimulation to keep the bone from eroding over time.

Preparatory Treatment

Some patients require preparatory treatments before they can successfully undergo implant placement and osseointegration. This can include one or multiple procedures that are designed to improve the density of the jawbone and prepare your mouth for the surgical implant placement, like a sinus lift or bone graft. You’ll be able to learn whether you require any preliminary procedures after your implant dentist has reviewed your diagnostic images.

Restoration

Restorations are replacement teeth that are custom crafted by dental laboratory technicians and made just for you. Depending on the location and number of teeth you’re missing, your implant dentist may recommend a dental crown, bridge, and/or denture to restore your smile. After a small metal connector piece is attached to your dental implant, called an abutment, your restoration can then be secured to your implant posts.

Titanium

Most dental implants are made from titanium because it’s a biocompatible material. This means that it has the ability to undergo osseointegration, and as a result, act as a secure root for your missing teeth. Some dentists also offer zirconia dental implants, which are also biocompatible, but tooth-colored.

About the Author

Dr. Arrechea is partnered with local experts to make the process of restoring your smile with dental implants as smooth and successful as possible. With over 20 years of experience under her belt and countless hours of advanced training and education, she brings a wealth of knowledge to each of her patients. For questions or to schedule your consultation, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.