Dental implants are a highly advanced tooth replacement option with a rather involved treatment process. So it’s perfectly normal if some of the terms are starting to make you feel like you’re wading through alphabet soup! Keep reading, and you’ll find four important dental implant keywords – decoded.
1. Osseointegration
This fancy word simply describes how your dental implant post and jawbone will fuse together. In the medical field, “osseo” often refers to the bones, while “integration” has to do with bringing two different things together. Once you know that, it’s a lot easier to remember what “osseointegration” is all about!
2. Biocompatible
Similar to osseointegration, “biocompatible” combines two words: “bio” and “compatible.” Your dentist is likely to use it in a sentence that goes something like this, “Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials and are completely safe.” This basically means the materials can be present in your body without causing toxicity and inflammation, and won’t be rejected by your biology.
3. Zirconia
You’ve likely at least heard of titanium, one of two materials that can be safely used to create dental implant posts. The lesser-known second option is “zirconia.” While titanium is technically a metal, zirconia is a type of ceramic that’s composed of zirconium dioxide. It’s a relatively new material, but overall, zirconia is known to be strong, durable, and biocompatible.
4. Abutment
In more common conversation, an “abutment” refers to some sort of architectural support. For example, if you come across a bridge that is anchored by stones on both ends, the stones are the bridge’s “abutment.”
In the dental world, however, an “abutment” is more often the small piece that will connect your dental implant post to your implant crown, bridge, or denture. Think of it as the part that will “support” your final restoration.
There’s no shame in asking questions, especially when it comes to something as complicated as dental implants! If your dentist uses a word that you don’t quite understand, don’t hesitate to ask them what it means so you can be fully confident in your treatment.
About the Practice
Dr. Jose Aldana is our dental implant expert here at Soleil Dental. Thanks to his advanced training, our team can complete the entire dental implant process in-office. We’ll be there to help you navigate your treatment from start to finish – and to help you decode any confusing alphabet soup! To contact Dr. Aldana with questions or concerns, call 214-304-2112.