Dental Implants Glossary

Abutment - the foundation onto which the artificial tooth portion of a dental implant is attached.

Crown - the tooth portion of a dental implant; crowns are attached to the root portion.

Dental implant - an artificial tooth and root used to replace a missing tooth (or teeth).

Osseointegration - the action of the bone of the jaw fusing to a dental implant root.

Periodontist - a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease).

Plate-form implant - a type of dental implant that consists of a rectangular piece of metal with prongs on one side. Plate-form implants are placed vertically into the jawbone.

Prosthodontist - a dentist who specializes in the replacement of missing teeth.

Root-form implant - a type of dental implant that is placed into the jawbone. Root-form implants are the most common type of dental implant.

Ramus-frame implant - a type of dental implant that is placed at the back of the mouth extending toward the chin.

Sub-periosteal implant - a type of dental implant that is placed over the jawbone.

Titanium - a type of metal used to create some types of dental implants.

Tooth implant - see "dental implant."

Transosseous implant - a type of dental implant that is bolted onto the jawbone. Transosseous implants are rarely used today.