Dental implants are a relatively modern technique and procedure, having only become more popular in the last decade or so. As a result, there are several different components to the treatment that prospective implant patients may not understand. Before you schedule your initial consultation with your implant dentist in Irving, take the time to better understand these key terms below so you can ask thorough and clarifying questions at your appointment.
Dental Implant
Dental implants themselves are small posts that are surgically secured below the gumline and into the jawbone. This allows them to replace the root structure of missing teeth in addition to providing a strong, unwavering foundation for a free-standing crown, bridge, or denture to be attached to. As a result, the prosthetics have a natural look and feel and are much less cumbersome because they don’t require a bulky base that needs to fit over the gums.
Titanium
Titanium is the biocompatible metal that dental implants are typically made from. However, some are also crafted from zirconia. What makes it biocompatible is that it forms a protective oxide layer that surrounds its surfaces, preventing the corrosion of the implant and keeping it from interacting with the surrounding environment within the body. Titanium is also used in a variety of other medical procedures for this reason, like in knee replacements and plates and rods to stabilize and support broken limbs.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the natural process that occurs in the three to six months after the dental implant placement surgery. This involves the fusion of the titanium dental implants with the jawbone, allowing the dental implants to function like your natural tooth roots by providing the bone with necessary stimulation and blood flow. As a result, your dental implants can stop jawbone erosion and preserve your facial features.
Abutments
The abutments are small pieces of metal that connect to the top of dental implants after they have fused with the jawbone. These act as attachment pieces to secure the restoration to the implants themselves, offering them added stability.
Bone Graft
Patients who have had traditional dentures for several years or who have lived with gaps in their smile for awhile may require a bone graft before they can undergo dental implant placement surgery. This is because there may not be enough jawbone density to support successful osseointegration. The bone graft procedure involves implanting bone from another area of the body or a donor in the site that has experienced bone loss, allowing it to fuse with your own bone over the following months.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift may also be a necessary preparatory procedure for those who have experienced bone loss in their upper jawbone or who have lower sinuses that could create complications during the implant placement procedure. This process involves gently lifting the sinuses and holding them in place by securing bone graft material in the extra space.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has been restoring his patients’ smiles with dental implants for well over a decade. He has completed advanced training and continuing education that allows him to place and restore dental implants under one roof, helping create more streamlined and comfortable experiences for his patients. To schedule a consultation or learn more about dental implants, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.