The Parts and Terms of Dental Implants

One of the more popular cosmetic procedures CaliforniaDental Solutions offers to our patients is the dental implant. However, some patients are curious about the details of receiving dental implants. Below are the details of what goes into an implant and what the steps for receiving implants are.

The Parts of an Implant

Dental implants are made of three distinct parts.

The first part to be incorporated into the dentition is the dental implant post. The strength and longevity of the implant is determined by how secure the implant post is. Upon being surgically placed into the jaw, the post permanently attaches itself into the jawbone over time and becomes an artificial root for the rest of the implant. This is possible because the post is made of titanium, which fuses into bone.

Once the site of the placement surgery is healed, the dental implant abutment is then added to the post. The abutment is a connective piece that allows the implant post to support the final restoration. Abutments can be added to the top of the post as described, but some implant posts have abutments already built into them.

Lastly, the dental implant restoration is attached to the implant post by way of the abutment. In terms of intended function, the restorations serve as a replacement teeth the same way that their traditional counterparts would: crowns help restore a single tooth, bridges replace multiple missing teeth in a row, and dentures can replace up to a full arch of missing teeth.

The difference, however, is that the implant-supported restorations have the artificial teeth roots on which to rely. This makes them stronger and longer-lasting than traditional restorations, as traditional restorations often wear down the teeth and jawbone density that support them.

Placement Vs. Restoration

Depending on the oral health professional you are going to for your dental implants, you may see that doctor offer “dental implant placement,” “dental implant restoration,” or both.

Placement is the specific act of installing the implant posts into the jaw. This is the first and most important step to placing a complete dental implant. A specialist such as an oral surgeon is often who places the implant, but some oral health professionals like our Escondido dentist have taken additional training to provide the procedure as well.

Dental implant restoration is the act of adding the abutment—if not already included with the implant—and the crown or other restoration to the dental implant. These restorations are fabricated to fit your new smile based on the amount of teeth which need to be replaced and the number of implants are placed.

Contact Us for Dental Implants

Dr. Patino of California Dental Solutions can help the people of Escondido, San Marcos, and Rancho Bernardo. For more information on dental implant placement and restoration, call our office today!