Dental glossary
Dental teams use a lot of shorthand. Here are the words you are most likely to hear, translated into plain language.
Abutment
The small connector that sits on top of an implant. The crown or prosthesis attaches to it.
All-on-X
A way of supporting a full set of fixed teeth (a full arch) on a small number of implants. The X stands for the number of implants used, which is chosen for your bone and your case.
Bone grafting
Adding bone, or a bone-like material, where the jaw has thinned, so there is enough bone to support an implant, or to restore the shape of the jaw.
CBCT (3D scan)
A cone beam CT scan. It produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, bone, and sinuses, and it is how implant surgery is planned precisely.
Crown
The visible part of a tooth, or the tooth-shaped cap made to replace it. On an implant, the crown is the part you see and chew with.
Full arch
A complete set of upper or lower teeth, replaced as one fixed prosthesis on implants.
General anesthesia
Anesthesia that puts you fully to sleep for a procedure, given and monitored by a trained anesthesia provider, or by a surgeon with anesthesia training.
Implant
A small post placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth root. Once the bone grows around it, it can hold a crown, a bridge, or a full arch of teeth.
IV sedation
Relaxing medication given through a vein during a procedure. You are deeply relaxed and typically remember little of it, while the team monitors you throughout.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
A dentist who completed additional years of hospital-based surgical residency training in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws, including anesthesia training.
Osseointegration
The process by which bone grows around an implant and holds it firmly, the way it held a natural tooth root.
Panoramic X-ray (pano)
A single X-ray image that shows all of your teeth, both jaws, and the sinuses at once. It is often the first picture used to plan treatment.
Partial extraction therapy
A technique in which part of a failing tooth’s root is left in place on purpose, to preserve the bone and gum around it while an implant is placed alongside it.
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement. In implant dentistry, it means the teeth: a crown, a bridge, or the full arch set of teeth.
Prosthodontist
A dentist with additional specialty training in designing and making replacements for missing teeth, including the bite and fit of a prosthesis.
Provisional (temporary) teeth
The set of teeth you wear while your implants heal and your final prosthesis is being made. In full arch treatment, these usually go in on surgery day.
Second opinion
A fresh evaluation of your case by another provider, usually including a review of your existing treatment plan.
Treatment plan
The written plan your provider gives you: what treatment is recommended, in what order, and at what cost.
Zirconia
A strong, white ceramic used to make crowns and full arch prostheses. It looks natural and holds up well to chewing.