Defining Dental Implant Key Terms

Upper East Side Dental Implants | Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist

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For those in need of dental implants, there's a lot you may want to know about before sitting in the chair for your procedure. In this blog post, we are going to discuss some of the key dental implant terms. Understanding this terminology will help you become more prepared for your dental implant procedure. To learn more about dental implants, just continue reading.

Abutment

An abutment is a connector that your dentist will use to build or attach to the top of your dental implant. The abutment acts as the attachment for a replacement tooth, crown, or bridge.

Abutment teeth

While the abutment is the connector, the abutment teeth are the teeth that act as a support for the bridge or partial denture.

Ceramic

Ceramic probably isn't a brand new word to you. Ceramic is the material that is used to make dental implants. The material is made of hardened clay that is ivory in color. Some ceramic implants will have a conical threading at their base for easier attachments to your bone or jaw.

Crown

Crown is another popular dental term you may have heard. A crown also referred to as a cap, replaces a single tooth. If you have ever had a lost or broken tooth, you may have had a crown put in to replace this damaged or missing tooth.

Dentures

Most of us know what dentures are. Dentures are a traditional option to replacing missing teeth, but not everyone has success with dentures. Sometimes implants are a more comfortable, easy to care for, and attractive solution to patients.

Endosteal implant

An endosteal implant is the most commonly used type of implant in modern dentistry, according to the American Academy of Periodontology and 123 Dentist. An endosteal implant is fitted with small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders directly into the jawbone. Each endosteal implant holds at least one prosthetic tooth.

Eposteal implant

Less common than endosteal implants, eposteal implants are supported by resting directly on the jawbone. Eposteal implants aren't used often but may be used when the risk of advanced bone resorption is high.

Implant

After reading what endosteal and eposteal implants are, it may be helpful to learn the dental definition of an implant. A dental implant can also be called a fixture and is a medical device that interfaces with your jawbone. Implants support dental prosthesis, such as bridges, crowns, dentures, and more.

Osseointegration

Coming from the Greek and Latin words meaning "bone" and "to make whole," osseointegration is the biologic process of allowing a dental implant to fuse with an existing bone.

Subperiosteal implant

Another type of implant is a subperiosteal implant. This implant sits on top of the jaw, with posts protruding through the gum to hold any prosthetic teeth in place.

Titanium

Here's another material you may have heard of. Titanium is used in most modern dental implants. Titanium is a great material because few people have allergies to this type of metal, and it is also lightweight and very strong.

Zirconia

If you are allergic to titanium, zirconia is the next best thing. Zirconia is an implant material that does not require prosthetic connections and is white in color, looking more like a natural tooth.

Now that you know the major terminology, consider reaching out to us at the office of Dr. Lattinelli for more information about dental implants. At the office of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD, our professional and friendly staff will gladly work with you to help you achieve a brighter and more healthy smile. Reach out to us with the appointment request form on our website to book your first appointment today.