Dental implant

How it is used

Implants are placed, and the bone bonds to them in a process called osseointegration. The part that connects the implant to the crown is the abutment. Patients usually just say 'an implant'.

Example sentences

1. We can replace the missing molar with a dental implant once the socket has healed.

2. There isn't enough bone for a dental implant, so we may need a graft first.

Common collocations

• place a dental implant
• implant-supported crown
• implant failure
• dental implant surgery

Related terms

• crownA cap made of ceramic, metal or both that covers a damaged tooth completely and restores its shape and strength. The word also means the part of a tooth visible above the gum.
• bridgeA fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by joining false teeth to crowns on the neighboring teeth or on implants.
• dentureA removable set of artificial teeth on a plastic or metal base that replaces some or all missing teeth. A complete denture replaces every tooth in one jaw.
• CBCTShort for cone beam computed tomography: a 3D scan of the teeth and jaws that shows bone height and width, nerve canals and roots in detail.
• maxillaThe upper jaw bone. It holds the upper teeth, forms most of the hard palate, and contains the maxillary sinuses above the back teeth.

More terms: Crowns, Bridges, Dentures and Implants

• impression