If you've been considering a dental implant or two, chances are you've come across a few terms that sound like they came from a sci-fi script. From abutments to osseointegration, the vocabulary alone can feel pretty intimidating. But don't let words scare you away from a better smile! Keep reading to find a simple, easy-to-understand guide to the most common dental implant terms you'll hear at your consultation.

Abutment

An abutment is a connector that sits on top of your implant and keeps your new crown, bridge, or denture in place. Think of it as the “glue” between the implant and the visible tooth that holds everything together out of sight.

All-on-4 or All-on-6

This term refers to a full-arch restoration where just four or six implants support an entire row of teeth. It's often used for patients who've lost most or all of their teeth and want a permanent, fixed solution.

Bone Graft

If your dentist says you may need a bone graft, it means your jawbone needs a little help before it can support an implant. A graft uses donor bone, usually from your tibia or another source, to add volume and strength to the area. After a few weeks of healing time, the area becomes stable enough to hold an implant post.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post that's surgically placed into your jawbone. It acts like a replacement tooth root and serves as an anchor point for a crown, bridge, or denture. Dentists from all over and patients alike love implants for their stability, aesthetics, and safety.

Healing Cap (or Cover Screw)

A healing cap is a temporary piece placed over your implant right after surgery that protects it during the healing phase. It not only keeps the implant fixture safe, but it also helps shape the gum tissue around it before your final restoration is attached.

Osseointegration

This word may sound like a complicated procedure, but it's just the medical term for the process where your jawbone fuses with your implant. Successful osseointegration is one of the most important factors when it comes to implant success. It's what makes them strong, secure, and long-lasting.

Restoration

This is the part of your implant, or implants, that you actually see above your gumline. It's either a single crown, a bridge, or a denture. These artificial teeth are attached to abutments, anchoring them in place.

Each restoration is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, so it blends right into your smile once it's in.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a ceramic material sometimes used instead of titanium for the implant itself. It's metal-free, white in color, and great for people with metal sensitivities or aesthetic concerns.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is used when you're missing several teeth in a row. Instead of replacing each tooth with an individual implant, two or more implants can support a bridge that spans the gap. This option can be more cost-effective than a traditional bridge while providing far more stability.

Temporary Restoration

Sometimes your dentist will place a temporary crown, bridge, or denture on your implant while your mouth heals. These “placeholders” protect the surgical site and allow you to smile and eat more comfortably until your permanent prosthetic is ready.

Dental implant terms may sound like they were pulled from a textbook to confuse you, but once you break them down, it all starts to make sense. The more familiar you are with the terminology, the more confident you'll feel talking to your dentist and making the right choice for your smile.