Dental Implant
A titanium or zirconia fixture surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root onto which a prosthetic crown, bridge, or denture can be attached.
Full Definition
A dental implant is an osseointegrated device, most commonly a threaded titanium post, inserted into the alveolar or basal bone of the jaw as a permanent anchor for a prosthetic tooth or teeth. The implant body integrates with the surrounding bone (osseointegration) over a healing period of several months before a prosthetic component (abutment and crown) is attached. Implant treatment is documented across multiple clinical appointments and involves surgical notes, prosthetic records, and radiographic reports. Editors should distinguish between the implant body (fixture), the abutment (connector), and the superstructure (crown or bridge).
Usage
Usage note: The term 'implant' alone is often used loosely to refer to the entire implant system (fixture, abutment, crown). Editors should ensure clinical documents specify which component is being discussed. 'Dental implant' is always two words; do not hyphenate.
In Context
- "A single dental implant was placed in the LR6 region following a six-month healing period post-extraction." — Implant surgery clinical report
- "The patient information leaflet incorrectly described the dental implant as 'permanently fused to the gum'; this was amended to state it is integrated into the jawbone." — Patient information editorial review