Dental Implant Glossary
Clear, simple definitions of common dental implant terms and procedures.
Common Dental Implant Terms A–Z
Terms are grouped alphabetically so you can quickly find the dental implant terminology you need.
Abutment
A connector piece that attaches the dental implant post to the crown. Made from titanium, zirconia, or gold. See our single tooth implant cost breakdown for itemized CDT codes.
All-on-4
A technique where 4 dental implants support a full arch of replacement teeth. Often more cost-effective than individual implants. Read our in-depth All-on-4 cost guide.
All-on-6
Similar to All-on-4 but using 6 implants for additional stability. Compare full arch options in our full mouth dental implant guide.
Bone Grafting
A surgical procedure that adds bone material to the jaw to create a solid foundation for dental implants. See typical pricing in our bone graft cost guide.
Crown
The visible, tooth-shaped portion of a dental implant above the gum line. Made from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. Explored in detail in our single implant guide.
Edentulism
The condition of being missing some or all natural teeth. Partial = missing some teeth; complete = missing all teeth.
Endosteal Implant
The most common type of dental implant, placed directly into the jawbone. Typically shaped like a small screw.
Fixed Bridge
A non-removable restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to adjacent teeth or implants.
Implant-Supported Denture
A denture that snaps onto dental implants for a secure fit. More stable than traditional dentures at roughly half the cost of full individual implants.
Mini Implant
A smaller diameter implant (under 3mm) used in limited space. Less invasive and typically less expensive.
Osseointegration
The biological process where jawbone fuses directly with the dental implant post over 3 to 6 months.
Periodontist
A dental specialist focused on gum tissue, bone structure, and dental implant surgery with 3+ years of advanced residency training.
Same-Day Implants
A technique where a temporary crown is placed immediately after surgery. Check stages and pricing in our treatment timeline guide.
Sinus Lift
A specialized bone graft that elevates the sinus floor in the upper jaw. Frequently required before placing molar dental implants.
Titanium Implant
The gold standard implant material. Highly biocompatible and durable, with a 40+ year documented clinical track record.
Zirconia Implant
A metal-free ceramic alternative. White, hypoallergenic, and resistant to plaque accumulation.
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