Dental Implants Glossary

An abutment is a connector that your dentist will build into or attach to the top of your dental implant. This serves as the attachment for the replacement tooth, crown, or bridge, keeping it firmly in place.

This term refers to the teeth that support a bridge or partial denture. The bridge is attached to the abutment tooth during a full crown prep or inlay/onlay preps. For a partial denture, clasps or rests are used to support the denture on the abutment tooth.

The term All-on-4® – also called All‐on‐Four or All‐in‐Four – refers to potentially ‘all’ adult teeth (to a maximum of 28) being supported on four dental implants, which is considered to be a total rehabilitation or full mouth restoration. The four implants support a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth, and it is implanted immediately, typically within 24 hours of surgery. Our team of dental specialists would be pleased to provide more information.

This is a medical instrument that is utilized during medical procedures and surgeries. It is employed to prevent a patient from experiencing pain and is carefully controlled and monitored at all times. The effects of anesthesia are temporary as once it is stopped, a patient will regain consciousness, awareness, and sensation. Anesthesia can be administered via gas or through an injection. There are three types of anesthesia available to patients—general, local, or regional. Some forms of anesthesia will put a patient to sleep, and others will simply prevent pain and numb a certain area of the body.

A dental arch is either the top or bottom set of teeth. More specifically, the “dental arch” refers to the curved shape that the teeth are aligned in the mouth. You will hear us use the terms “upper arch” or “lower arch” when talking about the set of teeth on either the uppers and the lowers.

When a tooth or teeth are missing, and the underlying bone does not receive appropriate stimulation, bone loss can occur on the jawbone as it resorbs and a decrease in bone density is experienced.  Should significant bone loss in the jawbone occur and tissue deteriorates, the ability to place dental implants successfully can be impacted. Additionally, when bone loss occurs in the mouth, it can affect the structure of the face. If bone loss goes untreated, it can result in the loss of additional teeth as well as disease and pain.

Called a pontic in the dental world, a dental bridge, as they pertain to dental implants, is a false tooth held in place through abutment teeth placed on either side of a gap. If a patient is missing more than one tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant alone. Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant and filling the gap to help a person restore their bite, improve their smile, and enhance oral health.

When faced with a patient who experiences a metal allergy, it could be ideal to fit them with an implant made of ceramic as an alternative. This type of implant is made of clay, which has subsequently been hardened at a high temperature.  Ceramic implants look quite natural and are similar in their color to real teeth. Usually, a ceramic implant is made of Zirconium and Oxygen and is a “one-piece” design. Finally, they do not have a removable abutment.

A dental crown, also referred to as a cap, replaces a single tooth. If you have lost or broken a tooth due to infection, decay, injury, or other health problem, a dentist can fit your mouth with a crown to replace the missing or damaged tooth. Crowns typically fit over the top of existing teeth, although they must be ground down to fit, or attach to the abutment of a dental implant.

Dental caries is reported to be one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans. Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are permanent damage to the hard surface of your teeth. They develop into tiny openings or holes.

3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography is an imaging technology that allows oral surgeons and dentists to capture and evaluate not only the underlying bone structure, but also the nerve pathways and surrounding soft tissues as well. During a cone beam CT examination, the C-arm rotates around the patient’s head in a complete 360-degree rotation and captures multiple images from different angles: these images are then reconstructed to create a single 3-D image, via a single scan. The results are a more focused x-ray beam provides a better image quality and a more complete and precise information to plan the implant treatment.

A dental implant is the next best thing to having your own permanent teeth. An implant is the placement of an artificial root into your jaw, to hold a replacement tooth – called the crown – in place. The implant mimics the shape of the root and is usually made of titanium and other materials that are well-suited to the human body, as you will see in the article below.

A dental prosthesis can refer to a wide range of things, including bridges, dentures, crowns, and implants. These items can be used to ultimately correct intraoral defects related to missing teeth, damaged teeth, and more. Some dental prostheses can be removed, such as dentures, and others are fixed directly in the mouth and are permanent. Additionally, some are made of materials that resemble a person’s natural teeth and can help a person improve the functionality of their mouth and eliminate pain.

Dentures are a traditional option that can replace missing teeth, but many patients don’t have the same success with dentures as they do with implants. Some dentures can be removed daily for cleaning and storage while others are attached permanently to the mouth, such as implant- supported dentures. Partial dentures replace at least one tooth but not the arch, and these can shift in your mouth and cause discomfort or make it more difficult to eat, talk, and smile.

This is another term that is used to indicate tooth loss or toothlessness. It typically refers to the condition when there is a complete loss of all of a person’s natural teeth.  Edentulism is a serious condition that can truly and significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life, appearance, self-image, as well as their ability to function on a daily basis. Tooth loss is a typical result of dental decay and periodontitis (gum disease).

The endosteal dental implant is the most commonly used type of implant exercised in modern dentistry, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. In order to fit this style of implant, a dentist will place small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders directly into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Each implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.

An eposteal dental implant receives support by resting directly on the jawbone. This is not used as commonly by dentists today and is often seen as an outdated way of placing an implant. However, when the risk of advanced bone resorption is high in a patient, the dentist may opt for an eposteal implant.

Simply put, this means removing a tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extractions were one of the most prominent dental procedures, but as technology has changed, it has become less common. Tooth extractions are usually performed in cases of dental disease, trauma, or tooth crowding.

A fixed dental prosthesis is a form of artificial tooth or combination of teeth that are not removable by the patient. A dental bridge or a crown are examples of a fixed prosthesis.

A healing cap is a type of tissue former that is placed on the implant either at the time of placement or during the second stage of a two-stage surgery to help shape the gum around the restoration.

Immediate implant placement is when the implant is placed at the same time that the tooth is extracted. Usually, additional skill and time is required to secure the implant in the freshly extracted tooth socket. The ultimate outcome of this method is not any different from the regular placement methods.

An implant-retained denture is a form of dental prosthesis held securely in place by attaching to four to six implants that are then placed along the jaw.  This form of denture cannot be removed, except with the assistance of a dental professional. This denture can replace multiple missing teeth located throughout the mouth or even an entire row of teeth. Then, a partial or full denture can be placed on top of this abutment, offering a patient the ability to have a full smile once again.

A mold of your teeth and surrounding tissues used to create a custom-fitted dental prosthesis.

The jawbone is the bone responsible for forming the structure of the mouth and has thepurpose of keeping teeth held in place. The lower part of the jaw is called the mandible, andthe upper part of the jaw is called the maxilla.  The jawbone is commonly the primary foundation for dental implants.

This type of medication is used to numb an area of the body where surgery is set to be performed.  It usually encompasses a one-time injection of medicine, such as lidocaine. The patient who receives a local anesthetic will remain conscious and alert while the surgery or procedure is taking place. Still, they should not experience any pain and will potentially only feel some pressure. Local anesthetics make it possible to perform many surgeries quickly, with less preparation, and enable the patient to experience a faster recovery time.

A smaller-sized implant used when there is limited bone volume or for temporary restorations.

Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that combines dentistry, medicine, and surgery to address complex conditions affecting the face, mouth, jaws, and neck.

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An oral surgeon is dental specialist trained in surgical procedures, including tooth implant placement.

Osseointegration comes from Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole.” This biologic process allows a dental implant to fuse with your existing bone, improving the strength between the living bone and the load-bearing implant.

This is a form of dental prosthesis that is removable. It attaches to dental implants through the utilization of balls or bars and is supported by soft tissue. Overdentures are a great alternative compared to traditional dentures, as they are designed to eliminate the possibility of slippage or not staying in place in an individual’s mouth.

A dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the placement of dental implants.

A dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including tooth implants.

Pterygoid Dental Implants are a specific type of dental implants that are used for full-mouth rehabilitation in patients with insufficient bone volume in the upper jaw.

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A removable dental prosthesis is a single tooth or more likely, a combination of teeth that are removable by the patient. A partial denture or a complete denture are examples of a removable prosthesis.

This is commonly recognized as a permanent crown that is affixed and implemented to replace a missing tooth.  A replacement tooth can function like a natural tooth would and is commonly created to match the color of the surrounding teeth in order to blend in. A replacement tooth is most often introduced when a person has lost a tooth due to disease, injury, damage, or tooth extraction.

Ridge expansion is a dental procedure used to widen the jawbone when it is too narrow to support a dental implant.

This refers to the anesthesia used to enable a patient to relax and be comfortable during a surgical procedure. Once a sedative drug is administered, the patient should achieve a state of calm or go to sleep entirely. The sedative will reduce the patient’s awareness of the environment around them and control their responsiveness to external stimulation, including pain.

Sinus lift or sinus augmentation is a surgical procedure that is used to elevate the floor of the sinus to make space for dental implant placement. The procedure is completely safe and painless when performed properly.

This graft refers to the transplantation of a small amount of gum tissue from one location within the mouth to another location. The soft tissue graft is most usually performed to improve the appearance of the gums while also supporting replacement teeth. It is designed to restore the gums’ health and repair the damage that can occur when gum recession is present. Soft tissue grafts utilize a local anesthetic to allow the patient to be comfortable.

A subperiosteal dental implant sits on top of the jaw with the posts of the metal framework protruding through the gum to hold the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) in place. If a patient has minimal bone height or is unable to wear conventional dentures, a dentist might use this method for attaching an implant.

A dental process that enables the delivery of implant-supported fixed teeth on the same day that a dental implant is placed in a patient’s mouth. This process was developed in 1993 by Dr. Thomas Balshi and Dr. Glenn Wolfinger at Pi Dental Center and became a registered trademark in 2004. The process itself is unique and allows a patient’s teeth to be completely transformed quickly, efficiently, and safely.

A titanium dental implant is a metallic element known for its excellent resistance to corrosion, high mechanical resistance, and biocompatibility. It is widely used within the dental industry and presents high success rates and a high-quality biological response when it comes in contact with live tissue. Bone-anchored titanium has become a widely used and routine treatment associated with various dental procedures, including dental implants.

Simply put, this means removing a tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extractions were one of the most prominent dental procedures, but as technology has changed, it has become less common. Tooth extractions are usually performed in cases of dental disease, trauma, or tooth crowding.

Trans-Sinus Implants is an advanced procedure specifically designed to address bone loss and tooth loss in the posterior upper jaw.

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The Trans-nasal dental implant procedure involves the placement of implants through the nasal cavity, utilizing the available bone in the posterior maxilla.

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Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and strong ceramic material. They are known for their superior strength, natural appearance, and biocompatibility, which makes them a popular choice for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Unlike metal-based crowns, zirconia crowns are tooth-colored, and offer excellent aesthetics, making them ideal for those who want to maintain their natural-looking smile.

Zirconia dental implants are a type of dental implant made from biocompatible ceramic material called zirconium dioxide. They provide an alternative to traditional titanium implants and are favored by patients seeking metal-free implant solutions due to either aesthetic or allergic considerations. Zirconia implants are known for their hypoallergenic properties and natural tooth-colored appearance which makes them a popular choice among patients.