If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, understanding the terminology can help you feel more confident during consultations and better informed throughout your treatment. Dental implant procedures involve a range of steps and components, each with its own terminology. Here’s a guide to common dental implant terms you’re likely to hear along the way.
Dental Implant
The “implant” itself is a small titanium or zirconia post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth and serves as a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Abutment
Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone (a process known as osseointegration), an abutment is placed on top of the implant. This small connector piece holds the visible restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) securely in place.
Crown
The crown is the part of the dental implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth and is attached to the abutment.
Osseointegration
This is the process by which the jawbone grows around and fuses with the dental implant. It typically takes several months and is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. A strong osseointegration ensures the implant remains firmly in place.
Bone Graft
If your jawbone isn’t thick or dense enough to support an implant, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This procedure involves adding bone (either from your own body or a synthetic source) to strengthen the area. It may be done before or during implant placement, depending on your needs.
Immediate Placement
In some cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is extracted. This can shorten treatment time, but it depends on the health of your bone and gums.
Healing Cap (or Healing Abutment)
After the implant is placed, a temporary healing cap may be used to shape the gum tissue and protect the implant while it heals. This helps ensure your gumline looks natural around the final restoration.
Implant-Supported Denture
This is a type of denture that is anchored in place by two or more dental implants. It offers more stability than traditional removable dentures and can be either removable or fixed.
Zirconia Implant
While most implants are made from titanium, zirconia implants are a metal-free alternative. They’re often chosen for aesthetic reasons or in patients with metal sensitivities.
Peri-Implantitis
This is an inflammatory condition similar to gum disease, but it affects the tissues surrounding an implant. If not addressed early, it can lead to implant failure.
Understanding these key dental implant terms can make your treatment journey clearer and less intimidating. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or oral surgeon to explain anything further—being informed is the first step to making confident decisions about your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Stacy Hebert-Schoener is a graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. After graduating, she completed a residency at Memorial Hermann Hospital, focusing on medically complex patients, trauma-related dentistry, and anesthesia. To stay current in the dental field, Dr. Hebert-Schoener maintains memberships in the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. If you’re interested in superior treatment for missing teeth with dental implants, schedule your appointment online or call us at (713) 666-1597.