An Easy Guide to Dental Implant Terms You Should Know

If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you’re making an excellent investment in your smile and oral health. However, as you begin exploring your options, you might notice that your dentist uses technical terms that sound unfamiliar — words like “abutment,” “osseointegration,” or “crown.”

Understanding these common dental implant terms can help you feel more confident and informed throughout your treatment. Here’s a simple guide to the key words and phrases you should know before your dental implant procedure.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post — usually made of titanium or zirconia — that replaces the root of a missing tooth. The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it fuses naturally with the bone over time. This provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

Think of the implant as the anchor that keeps your new tooth securely in place, much like the root of a natural tooth.

Abutment

The abutment is the connector piece that links the implant post to the visible replacement tooth (the crown). Once your implant has healed and fully fused with the bone, your dentist attaches the abutment to the top of the implant.

It plays a crucial role in ensuring that your restoration fits securely and functions naturally. Abutments can be made from titanium, zirconia, or other durable materials designed to blend seamlessly with your crown.

Crown

The crown is the visible portion of your dental implant — the part that looks and functions like your natural tooth. Each crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.

Crowns are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials that mimic the look of real enamel. Once your crown is attached to the abutment, your new tooth will feel and perform like the real thing.

Osseointegration

One of the most important words in dental implant dentistry is osseointegration, the process by which the implant fuses with your jawbone.

After the implant is placed, your bone gradually grows around it, securing it firmly in place. This healing period can take several months but is critical to the long-term success and stability of your dental implant. Without proper osseointegration, the implant wouldn’t have the strength needed to support a tooth replacement.

Bone Graft

If your dentist says you need a bone graft, don’t worry — it’s a common part of many implant procedures. A bone graft adds volume or density to areas of your jaw that may have thinned due to missing teeth or bone loss.

The graft material can come from your own body, a donor, or synthetic sources. Strengthening your jawbone ensures it can support an implant securely and successfully.

Implant-Supported Bridge or Denture

When multiple teeth are missing, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture. These restorations use two or more implants to hold a row of artificial teeth in place.

They provide greater stability, comfort, and chewing power than traditional removable dentures.

Dental implants are one of the most advanced and reliable tooth replacement options available today. By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, you’ll feel more confident discussing your treatment plan with your dentist and more excited about the healthy, long-lasting smile that’s ahead.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah has practiced dentistry for well over a decade. He is a graduate of New York University and spent multiple years training in intravenous sedation at Montefiore Hospital. He has more than 1,000 hours of advanced education in dental implants, including All-on-4 seminars. Currently, Dr. Shah is a member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, we’d be happy to be the practice to serve you. Just schedule an appointment online or call our Edison office at (908) 834-8448.