Important Dental Implant Terms – Clayton, MO
Learn More about Dental Implants
Are you ready to replace your missing teeth with dental implants in Clayton?
You’re making an excellent choice for your smile. While you’re
ready to get started, the process is a little complex. Don’t worry,
Dr. Dedrickson will take the time to explain what lies ahead; however, you
will hear new terms you might now know. To ensure you understand your
treatment completely, here are a few of the most common dental implant
terms.
Common Dental Implant Terms
There are various terms that may refer to the same thing. If you have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to ask for more information during
your consultation.
Abutment
An abutment is a special fixture that’s placed on your dental implant post to connect your custom-made restoration.
Crown
A crown often refers to a protective cap placed over the entire surface of a tooth down to the gum line, but it can also be used to replace a single missing tooth. Instead of placing it over a tooth, it’s connected to the abutment.
Delayed Loading
The implant is placed in one step, and the restoration isn’t connected to the post for several months.
Delayed Placement
After a tooth is extracted, an implant is placed into the healing socket several weeks later.
First Stage Surgery
Your treatment is performed in several phases. The first stage of surgery involves surgically placing the dental implant into the jawbone. While every case differs, it can take 1-3 hours to complete. You’ll then spend the next several weeks healing.
Fixture
A dental implant is sometimes referred to as a fixture.
Gingival Height
This refers to the height of the gum tissue, such as around the implant, abutment, or restoration.
Immediate Loading
A dental implant is placed and attached to the prosthesis during your placement surgery.
Osseointegration
The implant post acts as a new root, which stimulates your jaw to encourage new bone growth. Your bone fuses to the posts through a process called osseointegration. Once it’s complete, you can move on to the next step in your treatment plan.
Overdenture
An overdenture sits on top of dental implants or teeth. It’s a complete, removable prosthetic that can be secured in place using a variety of techniques, like anchoring it to the jawbone with dental implants.
Prosthesis
A prosthesis is a dental restoration that’s created to replicate the teeth you’ve lost. They are made of high-quality material to closely mimic your natural teeth.
Restoration
Your new teeth are referred to as restorations. They make up the prosthetics attached to the implant posts via the abutments. A restoration can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch.
Second Stage Surgery
About three months after your placement surgery, your jawbone will be healed, allowing you to move on to the second stage of surgery. An abutment is placed on the implant post by opening the gum tissue.
Complete Your Smile Today!
Dr. Dedrickson will take the time to explain the process and address any
concerns. Take your first step toward a complete smile by
scheduling your consultation
for dental implants.