Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile? It’s a great choice, but the process can sometimes sound like a different language. Between the procedure itself and the follow-up care, your dentist might use some unfamiliar words.

Understanding these terms can help you feel more confident and informed about your treatment. Here are five key dental implant terms explained in simple language.

1. Dental Implant

This is the foundation of the whole process. A dental implant isn’t the tooth you see, but a small screw-like post, usually made of titanium, that's surgically placed into your jawbone. It acts like a new tooth root, providing a sturdy anchor for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

2. Osseointegration

This term might sound complicated, but it's a simple, yet crucial, concept. Osseointegration (from the Greek and Latin words for “bone” and “to make whole”) is the natural process where your jawbone fuses directly with the dental implant. Over a few months, your bone grows around the titanium post, making it a permanent part of your jaw. This is what makes implants so stable and reliable.

3. Bone Graft

If your jawbone isn’t dense enough to support an implant, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to your jaw. The new bone then integrates with your natural bone, creating a stronger, more stable foundation for the implant.

4. Abutment

After the implant has fully fused with your jawbone, the next step is the abutment. Think of this as the connector piece. The abutment is a small post that screws into the implant and extends just above the gum line. It's what the final restoration—like a crown or bridge—will attach to.

5. All-on-4 Implants

This term refers to a specific type of implant procedure designed to replace a full arch of teeth. With All-on-4 implants, a complete denture is secured using just four strategically placed implants in the jaw. This technique often reduces the need for a bone graft and can give you a full smile in a shorter amount of time.

These terms are a great starting point, but don’t hesitate to ask your dentist to clarify anything you don’t understand. The more you know, the more comfortable you'll feel with your treatment.