Dental implant terms, A–Z

Abutment

The connector that joins the crown, bridge or denture to the implant.

All-on-4®

Nobel Biocare's trademarked concept for a full arch of fixed teeth on four implants, with the back two usually angled.

Bone graft

A procedure that adds bone where there isn't enough to hold an implant.

Bridge (implant bridge)

A row of connected false teeth supported by two or more implants.

CBCT / 3D scan

A cone beam CT scan that shows the jawbone in three dimensions, used to plan implant position.

Clip-on denture

A denture that clips onto two to four implants so it doesn't slip; also called an implant-retained denture or overdenture.

Crown

The visible tooth fixed on top of an implant, usually porcelain or zirconia.

Extraction

Removing a tooth.

Full arch

A complete row of fixed teeth in one jaw, held by four to six implants.

Healing cap

A small cap placed on an implant while the gum heals.

Immediate loading

Fitting a temporary tooth or bridge soon after the implant is placed, sometimes called 'teeth in a day'.

Implant

A small titanium (or sometimes zirconia) post placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth's root.

Implant passport

A written record of your implants: brand, system, size, position and parts.

Interdental brush

A small brush for cleaning between teeth and around implants.

Local anaesthetic

An injection that numbs the area so you don't feel pain during treatment.

Mini implant

A narrower implant used in limited situations, such as stabilising a lower denture.

OPG (panoramic X-ray)

A single X-ray showing all your teeth and jaws, often the first step in planning.

Osseointegration

The process of the jawbone bonding tightly to the implant, usually over around four months.

Peri-implantitis

An infection of the gum and bone around an implant, usually caused by plaque.

Sinus lift

A procedure that raises the sinus floor in the upper back jaw and adds bone beneath it.

System (implant system)

A manufacturer's specific implant design with its own matching parts and tools.

Titanium

The metal most implants are made from; it bonds well with bone.

Zirconia

A strong, tooth-coloured ceramic used for crowns, bridges and some implants.

Zygomatic implant

A long implant anchored in the cheekbone, used in some cases of severe upper-jaw bone loss.

Definitions are simplified for patients. For anything about your own treatment, ask your dentist.