Below are definitions of some of the most commonly used terms in implant dentistry to help you better understand your treatment options.
A
Abutment – A connector piece placed on top of a dental implant to support a crown or bridge. Learn more about abutments and implant restoration.
Alveolar Bone – The part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports teeth and dental implants. Bone loss in this area may require a bone graft before implant placement. Read about bone grafting.
B
Bone Graft – A procedure that rebuilds bone in the jaw to support dental implants. Explore our bone grafting solutions.
Bruxism – The grinding or clenching of teeth, which can cause wear on natural teeth and dental restorations. Learn more about how bruxism affects your teeth and what you can do about it.
C
CBCT Scan (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) – A 3D imaging technology used to assess bone structure and plan precise implant placement.
Crown – A custom-made cap placed over a damaged or as a restoration for a dental implant.. Learn about dental implant restorations.
D
Dental Implant – A titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Learn how you can transform your smile with dental implants.
Dentures – A removable dental appliance designed to replace multiple missing teeth. Traditional dentures fall under our Restorative Dentistry services.
Dentures Implants – Full or partial dentures secured by dental implants for better stability and function. Discover more about denture implants.
E
Edentulous – The condition of being completely toothless, often treated with full-arch implant solutions. Learn more about your options for full mouth restoration.
Endosteal Implant – The most common type of dental implant, placed directly into the jawbone. Learn more about endosteal vs. subperiosteal implants.
F
Bridge – A restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth between crowns on adjacent teeth.
Bridge (Implant Supported) – A non-removable dental restoration supported by implants to replace multiple missing teeth. Learn more about implant-supported bridges at Hanna Dental Implant Center.
Full-Arch Restoration – A procedure that replaces an entire row of teeth using multiple implants. The difference between a full-arch and a full mouth restoration is the full-mouth replaces both arches, while a full arch replaces a single arch (either the upper or lower). Find out how to benefit from a full arch restoration with Hanna Dental Implant Center.
G
Gum Recession – The pulling away of gum tissue from teeth, which may require soft tissue grafting before implant placement.
Guided Implant Surgery – A technique using digital planning and surgical guides for precise implant placement.
I
Immediate Load Implants – Also called “teeth in a day,” these implants allow for same-day placement of a temporary crown. Same-day implants: Are they right for you?.
Implant Failure – When a dental implant does not integrate properly with the jawbone, often due to infection or insufficient bone density.
J
Jawbone Resorption – The loss of bone density following tooth loss, which may require a bone graft before implant placement.
L
Laser Dentistry – The use of lasers for gum reshaping, periodontal therapy, and implant procedures.
L-PRF (Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin) – A treatment using the patient’s blood to promote healing and reduce implant recovery time.
O
Osseointegration – The process where a dental implant fuses with the jawbone, ensuring long-term stability.
P
Peri-Implantitis – An infection around a dental implant that can lead to implant failure if untreated.
Periodontist – A specialist in gum disease treatment and implant placement. Learn why you should choose a periodontist for your implants.
S
Sinus Lift – A procedure to add bone to the upper jaw before implant placement. When do you need a sinus lift?
Subperiosteal Implant – An alternative to endosteal implants, placed above the jawbone under the gums. Learn more about the different types of dental implants here.
T
Titanium Implant – This is a common material used for dental implants due to its strength and biocompatibility.
Tooth Extraction – The removal of a damaged or decayed tooth, often necessary before implant placement.
Z
Zygomatic Implants – Implants designed to be anchored in the cheekbone, used for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
