The concept behind dental implants in Medford is pretty basic: the best way to treat tooth loss is to emulate the structure of healthy natural teeth. This is exactly what implants do. But, while the idea is simple, sometimes the terms used to describe it can cause needless confusion. In this post, we’ll share the meaning behind a few of the most common dental implant terms. Our intent is to help you understand the benefits of this innovative approach to smile restoration.
Titanium
This is the material at the heart of every dental implant. It’s the same metal used to build airplane wings. As such, it’s both immensely strong and incredibly lightweight. It’s also highly resistant to rust and corrosion. These qualities make titanium an excellent material for use in implant therapy.
Abutment
This refers to a small metal connector that joins the implant to the final restoration, which can take the form of a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. Your implant dentist will place the abutment during the follow-up to the initial procedure.
Osseointegration
This refers to the natural process whereby the implant actually becomes part of the recipient’s body. Osseointegration was first discovered in the 1950s. It’s the reason why dental implants are the leading treatment for tooth loss in today’s world.
Restoration
This term refers to the visible part of the dental implant. The restoration can take the form of a single tooth, a multitooth bridge, or implant-supported denture plate. Modern technology allows the restoration to blend in perfectly with the surrounding teeth and gums. Properly placed dental implants are indistinguishable from healthy natural teeth.
Ceramic
This is the material from which the visible restoration is made. It’s joined to the underlying titanium fixture by the abutment. Modern dental ceramics are not only resilient, they’re also beautiful.
Zirconia
A very small segment of the population is allergic to titanium. For these people, the dentist may recommend implants made from zirconia instead. For most patients, this is not an issue.
Implant-Supported Denture
Dentures have been around in one form or another for thousands of years. Until recently, patients had to rely on either uncomfortable pressure or messy adhesives to hold the denture in place. Not only can this cause the restoration to come loose at any time, it can also contribute to jaw line erosion.
Implant-supported dentures avoid this problem because they’re joined to the bones beneath the gums, just like healthy natural teeth. This is a great way to reverse the effects of total tooth loss while giving the patient much-needed confidence and peace of mind.
Implant Dentist
Implant dentistry is an advanced field that requires considerable training above and beyond a standard dental degree. Your local implant dentist has completed this rigorous training, allowing him or her to provide this special form of smile restoration therapy.
We hope this post has helped you to learn more about dental implants in Medford. Make an appointment to see your local implant dentist to learn more. Soon you’ll be showing off your restored smile to the world.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino has been practicing dentistry since graduating Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1985. As a skilled implant dentist, he has helped thousands of people to enjoy healthier, more beautiful smiles. You can reach his office online or by calling (781) 396-3800.