When it comes to effectiveness and dental aesthetics, there is no better way to replace missing teeth than dental implants. Although the procedure has been simplified over the past couple of decades to deliver phenomenal results, some of the related terminology may be foreign to you. So you can be as informed as possible before moving forward with treatment, here are 7 terms associated with dental implants in Kansas City that you should know about!
#1 – Dental Implant
Why not start with the term ‘dental implant’ itself? It’s a cylinder-shaped titanium post that attaches to the jawbone to mimic the function of the missing tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the existing bone to create a lasting foundation to support a new prosthetic tooth.
#2 – Abutment
After the implant is placed and you’ve healed sufficiently, an abutment is added. Also made from durable titanium, it serves as an anchor that allows a final restoration to be securely fastened to the implant.
#3 – Restoration
Also referred to as a dental prosthetic, the restoration is the implant-supported crown, bridge or denture that is added. It’s made from high-grade porcelain, which is known for its close resemblance to the original color, texture and strength of your teeth.
#4 – Implant-Retained Crown
The crown of the tooth is the portion that is visible above the gum line. An implant-retained crown differs from the traditional type in that it doesn’t rely on dental cement to secure it. Instead, it is permanently fastened in place by attaching to the abutment.
#5 – Implant-Retained Bridge
Like a traditional bridge, the implant version consists of two to four prosthetic teeth that are attached to the same apparatus. However, the implant-retained bridge doesn’t rely on being cemented to the surrounding teeth. Instead, it is screwed into underlying abutments to securely attach it to the implant – similar to the original tooth root.
#6 – Implant-Retained Denture
Traditional dentures rely, partly, on suction inside your mouth to maintain their position. Often, dental adhesive is also relied upon to hold them in place. With implant-retained dentures, special snaps or a bar is placed on the underside so they can attach to a set of abutments.
#7 – All-on-4
The All-on-4 method may be the perfect solution for a patient who is missing an entire set of teeth. An innovative implant denture procedure, it involves the dentist placing only four implants per arch. Each will be spaced and angled just right to take advantage of the denser areas of your jawbone to provide maximum stability. Eligible patients choose this route because it’s less invasive and is a shorter process.
If you still feel a little unsure about any of the above, don’t worry. When you visit your dentist, he or she will be glad to review all the dental implant terms you should know. Therefore, you can feel comfortable about moving forward with rebuilding your smile and life!
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He also completed a one-year program called The Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency that focused on complex restorative care and implant dentistry. Dr. Byars offers state-of-the-art tooth replacement at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.