The term All-on-4® – also called All‐on‐Four or All‐in‐Four – refers to potentially ‘all’ adult teeth (to a maximum of 28) being supported on four dental implants, which is considered to be a total rehabilitation or full mouth restoration. The four implants support a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth, and it is implanted immediately, typically within 24 hours of surgery. Our team of dental specialists would be pleased to provide more information.
This is a medical instrument that is utilized during medical procedures and surgeries. It is employed to prevent a patient from experiencing pain and is carefully controlled and monitored at all times. The effects of anesthesia are temporary as once it is stopped, a patient will regain consciousness, awareness, and sensation. Anesthesia can be administered via gas or through an injection. There are three types of anesthesia available to patients—general, local, or regional. Some forms of anesthesia will put a patient to sleep, and others will simply prevent pain and numb a certain area of the body.
A dental arch is either the top or bottom set of teeth. More specifically, the “dental arch” refers to the curved shape that the teeth are aligned in the mouth. You will hear us use the terms “upper arch” or “lower arch” when talking about the set of teeth on either the uppers and the lowers.
An abscess is a severe, enclosed infection. When bacteria cause deep decay in a tooth, they can travel through the tooth pulp and into the supporting bone, causing an infection. Your body’s response to this infection is to send white blood cells to the area to fight off the bacteria. The accumulation of dead white blood cells and bacteria on this battlefield results in swelling and pus, the hallmarks of an abscess.
Called a pontic in the dental world, a dental bridge, as they pertain to dental implants, is a false tooth held in place through abutment teeth placed on either side of a gap. If a patient is missing more than one tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant alone. Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant and filling the gap to help a person restore their bite, improve their smile, and enhance oral health.
“Bruxism” is the professional term for teeth grinding. Since grinding usually occurs while people sleep, they are often unaware they grind their teeth. However, a sore jaw or a constant, dull headache upon waking is a telltale sign of bruxism.
Dental bonding is when the dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to repair a chipped, decayed, discolored, or fractured tooth
A dental crown is a device used to cap a tooth. It covers the tooth to improve its appearance, strength, and usability. A crown is cemented on and can be considered semi-permanent.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist to adjust and expose the gum and bone to restore a greater amount of the tooth structure.
Dental caries is reported to be one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans. Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are permanent damage to the hard surface of your teeth. They develop into tiny openings or holes.
A is the next best thing to having your own permanent teeth. An implant is the placement of an artificial root into your jaw, to hold a replacement tooth – called the crown – in place. The implant mimics the shape of the root and is usually made of titanium and other materials that are well-suited to the human body, as you will see in the article below.
A dental prosthesis can refer to a wide range of things, including bridges, dentures, crowns, and implants. These items can be used to ultimately correct intraoral defects related to missing teeth, damaged teeth, and more. Some dental prostheses can be removed, such as dentures, and others are fixed directly in the mouth and are permanent. Additionally, some are made of materials that resemble a person’s natural teeth and can help a person improve the functionality of their mouth and eliminate pain.
Dentures are a traditional option that can replace missing teeth, but many patients don’t have the same success with dentures as they do with implants. Some dentures can be removed daily for cleaning and storage while others are attached permanently to the mouth, such as implant- supported dentures. Partial dentures replace at least one tooth but not the arch, and these can shift in your mouth and cause discomfort or make it more difficult to eat, talk, and smile.
Dental appliances come in many types, though the term usually refers to a removable device or mouthguard. They can protect teeth from concussive blows as in the case of a soft sports guard or serve to open a narrow airway in someone suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Other dental appliances prevent teeth-grinding (bruxism), monitor arthritic changes in the jaw joint, or assist with proper growth, development, and tooth movement.
This is another term that is used to indicate tooth loss or toothlessness. It typically refers to the condition when there is a complete loss of all of a person’s natural teeth. Edentulism is a serious condition that can truly and significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life, appearance, self-image, as well as their ability to function on a daily basis. Tooth loss is a typical result of dental decay and periodontitis (gum disease).
The endosteal implant is the most commonly used type of implant exercised in modern dentistry, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. In order to fit this style of implant, a dentist will place small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders directly into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Each implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.
An eposteal implant receives support by resting directly on the jawbone. This is not used as commonly by dentists today and is often seen as an outdated way of placing an implant. However, when the risk of advanced bone resorption is high in a patient, the dentist may opt for an eposteal implant.
Simply put, this means removing a tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extractions were one of the most prominent dental procedures, but as technology has changed, it has become less common. Tooth extractions are usually performed in cases of dental disease, trauma, or tooth crowding.
A fixed dental prosthesis is a form of artificial tooth or combination of teeth that are not removable by the patient. A dental bridge or a crown are examples of a fixed prosthesis.
A dental filling is a restoration made of metal, porcelain, or resin that restores lost tooth structure. Metal fillings are known as “amalgam” and metal-free fillings are known as “composite.”
Gingivitis is inflamed gum tissue typically caused by dental plaque. Mild gingivitis rarely causes symptoms other than mild pain. Many fail to notice the condition until they notice bleeding while brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible when treated in a timely manner but can develop into more serious conditions when ignored.
Gum recession refers to when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth’s hard surface to wear and tear. In severe cases, even the tooth root can be exposed, leading to an increased risk for complications.
Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. Food breakdown typically causes foul-smelling breath, though other culprits include dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, and infection. Tobacco use, certain diets, and oral infections can also cause bad breath as these are risk factors for gum disease, which commonly accompanies halitosis.
A hygienist is a type of dental professional qualified to clean and scale teeth. They also educate patients on proper dental care.
A mold of your teeth and surrounding tissues used to create a custom-fitted dental prosthesis.
Incisors are your front teeth. Most people have eight incisor teeth — four in the upper jaw and four in the lower. These look like small chisels with sharp edges. Their main purpose is to help you bite into your food.
The jawbone is the bone responsible for forming the structure of the mouth and has thepurpose of keeping teeth held in place. The lower part of the jaw is called the mandible, andthe upper part of the jaw is called the maxilla. The jawbone is commonly the primary foundation for dental implants.
This type of medication is used to numb an area of the body where surgery is set to be performed. It usually encompasses a one-time injection of medicine, such as lidocaine. The patient who receives a local anesthetic will remain conscious and alert while the surgery or procedure is taking place. Still, they should not experience any pain and will potentially only feel some pressure. Local anesthetics make it possible to perform many surgeries quickly, with less preparation, and enable the patient to experience a faster recovery time.
A smaller-sized implant used when there is limited bone volume or for temporary restorations.
“Malocclusion” refers to teeth that aren’t properly aligned, also called a misaligned bite. The word “occlusion” in this case refers to the alignment of your upper and lower teeth when your mouth is closed, with “mal” meaning bad or incorrect. The result: “bad bite.” Your upper teeth should fit slightly over your lower teeth when your mouth is closed with the grooves of the molars matched. Any deviation from this norm may be classified as a malocclusion.
Molars are the flat, large teeth in the back of your mouth. They’re used mainly for grinding food while you chew.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an effective and safe sedative agent combined with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask. The mask goes over your nose to make you feel more relaxed, though it doesn’t put you to sleep. You can still hear and respond to the dentist. The effects will wear off shortly after removing the mask.
An oral surgeon is dental specialist trained in surgical procedures, including tooth implant placement.
Osseointegration comes from Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole.” This biologic process allows a dental implant to fuse with your existing bone, improving the strength between the living bone and the load-bearing implant.
This is a form of dental prosthesis that is removable. It attaches to dental implants through the utilization of balls or bars and is supported by soft tissue. Overdentures are a great alternative compared to traditional dentures, as they are designed to eliminate the possibility of slippage or not staying in place in an individual’s mouth.
An overbite refers to a bite problem or malocclusion where the upper teeth overlap in front of the lower teeth when you close your mouth. “Overjet” is a related term that refers to when the teeth protrude diagonally rather than vertically, sometimes called “buck teeth.”
A dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the placement of dental implants.
A dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including tooth implants.
Partial dentures are removable appliances or prostheses that replace sections of missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the bone structures that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. The disease is manageable but not curable. In its advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding and sore gums, tooth loss, and painful chewing problems.
Dental prophylaxis is the clinical term for a professional cleaning appointment. Regardless of the type you receive, prophylaxis thoroughly cleans your teeth to help maintain good tooth, gum, and mouth health.
A removable dental prosthesis is a single tooth or more likely, a combination of teeth that are removable by the patient. A partial denture or a complete denture are examples of a removable prosthesis.
This is commonly recognized as a permanent crown that is affixed and implemented to replace a missing tooth. A replacement tooth can function like a natural tooth would and is commonly created to match the color of the surrounding teeth in order to blend in. A replacement tooth is most often introduced when a person has lost a tooth due to disease, injury, damage, or tooth extraction.
This refers to the anesthesia used to enable a patient to relax and be comfortable during a surgical procedure. Once a sedative drug is administered, the patient should achieve a state of calm or go to sleep entirely. The sedative will reduce the patient’s awareness of the environment around them and control their responsiveness to external stimulation, including pain.
Sinus lift or sinus augmentation is a surgical procedure that is used to elevate the floor of the sinus to make space for dental implant placement. The procedure is completely safe and painless when performed properly.
This graft refers to the transplantation of a small amount of gum tissue from one location within the mouth to another location. The soft tissue graft is most usually performed to improve the appearance of the gums while also supporting replacement teeth. It is designed to restore the gums’ health and repair the damage that can occur when gum recession is present. Soft tissue grafts utilize a local anesthetic to allow the patient to be comfortable.
A subperiosteal implant sits on top of the jaw with the posts of the metal framework protruding through the gum to hold the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) in place. If a patient has minimal bone height or is unable to wear conventional dentures, a dentist might use this method for attaching an implant.
Simply put, this means removing a tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extractions were one of the most prominent dental procedures, but as technology has changed, it has become less common. Tooth extractions are usually performed in cases of dental disease, trauma, or tooth crowding.
Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and strong ceramic material. They are known for their superior strength, natural appearance, and biocompatibility, which makes them a popular choice for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Unlike metal-based crowns, zirconia crowns are tooth-colored, and offer excellent aesthetics, making them ideal for those who want to maintain their natural-looking smile.
An abutment is a connector that your dentist will build into or attach to the top of your dental implant. This serves as the attachment for the replacement tooth, crown, or bridge, keeping it firmly in place.
This term refers to the teeth that support a bridge or partial denture. The bridge is attached to the abutment tooth during a full crown prep or inlay/onlay preps. For a partial denture, clasps or rests are used to support the denture on the abutment tooth.
The term All-on-4® – also called All‐on‐Four or All‐in‐Four – refers to potentially ‘all’ adult teeth (to a maximum of 28) being supported on four dental implants, which is considered to be a total rehabilitation or full mouth restoration. The four implants support a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth, and it is implanted immediately, typically within 24 hours of surgery. Our team of dental specialists would be pleased to provide more information.
This is a medical instrument that is utilized during medical procedures and surgeries. It is employed to prevent a patient from experiencing pain and is carefully controlled and monitored at all times. The effects of anesthesia are temporary as once it is stopped, a patient will regain consciousness, awareness, and sensation. Anesthesia can be administered via gas or through an injection. There are three types of anesthesia available to patients—general, local, or regional. Some forms of anesthesia will put a patient to sleep, and others will simply prevent pain and numb a certain area of the body.
A dental arch is either the top or bottom set of teeth. More specifically, the “dental arch” refers to the curved shape that the teeth are aligned in the mouth. You will hear us use the terms “upper arch” or “lower arch” when talking about the set of teeth on either the uppers and the lowers.
When a tooth or teeth are missing, and the underlying bone does not receive appropriate stimulation, bone loss can occur on the jawbone as it resorbs and a decrease in bone density is experienced. Should significant bone loss in the jawbone occur and tissue deteriorates, the ability to place dental implants successfully can be impacted. Additionally, when bone loss occurs in the mouth, it can affect the structure of the face. If bone loss goes untreated, it can result in the loss of additional teeth as well as disease and pain.
Called a pontic in the dental world, a bridge, as they pertain to dental implants, is a false tooth held in place through abutment teeth placed on either side of a gap. If a patient is missing more than one tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant alone. Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant and filling the gap to help a person restore their bite, improve their smile, and enhance oral health.
When faced with a patient who experiences a metal allergy, it could be ideal to fit them with an implant made of ceramic as an alternative. This type of implant is made of clay, which has subsequently been hardened at a high temperature. Ceramic implants look quite natural and are similar in their color to real teeth. Usually, a ceramic implant is made of Zirconium and Oxygen and is a “one-piece” design. Finally, they do not have a removable abutment.
A crown, also referred to as a cap, replaces a single tooth. If you have lost or broken a tooth due to infection, decay, injury, or other health problem, a dentist can fit your mouth with a crown to replace the missing or damaged tooth. Crowns typically fit over the top of existing teeth, although they must be ground down to fit, or attach to the abutment of a dental implant.
Dental caries is reported to be one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans. Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are permanent damage to the hard surface of your teeth. They develop into tiny openings or holes.
3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography is an imaging technology that allows oral surgeons and dentists to capture and evaluate not only the underlying bone structure, but also the nerve pathways and surrounding soft tissues as well. During a cone beam CT examination, the C-arm rotates around the patient’s head in a complete 360-degree rotation and captures multiple images from different angles: these images are then reconstructed to create a single 3-D image, via a single scan. The results are a more focused x-ray beam provides a better image quality and a more complete and precise information to plan the implant treatment.
A dental implant is the next best thing to having your own permanent teeth. An implant is the placement of an artificial root into your jaw, to hold a replacement tooth – called the crown – in place. The implant mimics the shape of the root and is usually made of titanium and other materials that are well-suited to the human body, as you will see in the article below.
A dental prosthesis can refer to a wide range of things, including bridges, dentures, crowns, and implants. These items can be used to ultimately correct intraoral defects related to missing teeth, damaged teeth, and more. Some dental prostheses can be removed, such as dentures, and others are fixed directly in the mouth and are permanent. Additionally, some are made of materials that resemble a person’s natural teeth and can help a person improve the functionality of their mouth and eliminate pain.
Dentures are a traditional option that can replace missing teeth, but many patients don’t have the same success with dentures as they do with implants. Some dentures can be removed daily for cleaning and storage while others are attached permanently to the mouth, such as implant- supported dentures. Partial dentures replace at least one tooth but not the arch, and these can shift in your mouth and cause discomfort or make it more difficult to eat, talk, and smile.
This is another term that is used to indicate tooth loss or toothlessness. It typically refers to the condition when there is a complete loss of all of a person’s natural teeth. Edentulism is a serious condition that can truly and significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life, appearance, self-image, as well as their ability to function on a daily basis. Tooth loss is a typical result of dental decay and periodontitis (gum disease).
The endosteal implant is the most commonly used type of implant exercised in modern dentistry, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. In order to fit this style of implant, a dentist will place small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders directly into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Each implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.
An eposteal implant receives support by resting directly on the jawbone. This is not used as commonly by dentists today and is often seen as an outdated way of placing an implant. However, when the risk of advanced bone resorption is high in a patient, the dentist may opt for an eposteal implant.
Simply put, this means removing a tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extraction was one of the most prominent dental procedures, but as technology has changed, it has become less common. Tooth extraction is usually performed in cases of dental disease, trauma, or tooth crowding.
A fixed prosthesis is a form of artificial tooth or combination of teeth that are not removable by the patient. A dental bridge or a crown are examples of a fixed prosthesis.
A healing cap is a type of tissue former that is placed on the implant either at the time of placement or during the second stage of a two-stage surgery to help shape the gum around the restoration.
Immediate implant placement is when the implant is placed at the same time that the tooth is extracted. Usually, additional skill and time is required to secure the implant in the freshly extracted tooth socket. The ultimate outcome of this method is not any different from the regular placement methods.
A mold of your teeth and surrounding tissues used to create a custom-fitted dental prosthesis.
A dental implant, also called a fixture, is a medical device that interfaces with your jawbone to support a dental prosthesis, such as a bridge, crown, denture, or other facial prostheses. Through osseointegration, the implant will fuse securely to your bone, providing a strong and durable result that will last for years. Many dental implants last for patients’ entire lives, making them better options than bridges, which may require replacement, and dentures, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear.
An implant-retained denture is a form of dental prosthesis held securely in place by attaching to four to six implants that are then placed along the jaw. This form of denture cannot be removed, except with the assistance of a dental professional. This denture can replace multiple missing teeth located throughout the mouth or even an entire row of teeth. Then, a partial or full denture can be placed on top of this abutment, offering a patient the ability to have a full smile once again.
The jawbone is the bone responsible for forming the structure of the mouth and has thepurpose of keeping teeth held in place. The lower part of the jaw is called the mandible, andthe upper part of the jaw is called the maxilla. The jawbone is commonly the primary foundation for dental implants.
This type of medication is used to numb an area of the body where surgery is set to be performed. It usually encompasses a one-time injection of medicine, such as lidocaine. The patient who receives a local anesthetic will remain conscious and alert while the surgery or procedure is taking place. Still, they should not experience any pain and will potentially only feel some pressure. Local anesthetics make it possible to perform many surgeries quickly, with less preparation, and enable the patient to experience a faster recovery time.
A smaller-sized implant used when there is limited bone volume or for temporary
restorations.
A dental specialist trained in surgical procedures, including tooth implant placement.
Osseointegration comes from Greek and Latin words meaning “bone” and “to make whole.” This biologic process allows a dental implant to fuse with your existing bone, improving the strength between the living bone and the load-bearing implant.
This is a form of dental prosthesis that is removable. It attaches to dental implants through the utilization of balls or bars and is supported by soft tissue. Overdentures are a great alternative compared to traditional dentures, as they are designed to eliminate the possibility of slippage or not staying in place in an individual’s mouth.
A dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the placement of dental implants.
A dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including tooth implants.
A removable prosthesis is a single tooth or more likely, a combination of teeth that are removable by the patient. A partial denture or a complete denture are examples of a removable prosthesis.
This is commonly recognized as a permanent crown that is affixed and implemented to replace a missing tooth. A replacement tooth can function like a natural tooth would and is commonly created to match the color of the surrounding teeth in order to blend in. A replacement tooth is most often introduced when a person has lost a tooth due to disease, injury, damage, or tooth extraction.
This refers to the anesthesia used to enable a patient to relax and be comfortable during a surgical procedure. Once a sedative drug is administered, the patient should achieve a state of calm or go to sleep entirely. The sedative will reduce the patient’s awareness of the environment around them and control their responsiveness to external stimulation, including pain.
Sinus lift or sinus augmentation is a surgical procedure that is used to elevate the floor of the sinus to make space for dental implant placement. The procedure is completely safe and painless when performed properly.
This graft refers to the transplantation of a small amount of gum tissue from one location within the mouth to another location. The soft tissue graft is most usually performed to improve the appearance of the gums while also supporting replacement teeth. It is designed to restore the gums’ health and repair the damage that can occur when gum recession is present. Soft tissue grafts utilize a local anesthetic to allow the patient to be comfortable.
A subperiosteal implant sits on top of the jaw with the posts of the metal framework protruding through the gum to hold the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) in place. If a patient has minimal bone height or is unable to wear conventional dentures, a dentist might use this method for attaching an implant.
A dental process that enables the delivery of implant-supported fixed teeth on the same day that a dental implant is placed in a patient’s mouth. This process was developed in 1993 by Dr. Thomas Balshi and Dr. Glenn Wolfinger at Pi Dental Center and became a registered trademark in 2004. The process itself is unique and allows a patient’s teeth to be completely transformed quickly, efficiently, and safely.
Titanium is a metallic element known for its excellent resistance to corrosion, high mechanical resistance, and biocompatibility. It is widely used within the dental industry and presents high success rates and a high-quality biological response when it comes in contact with live tissue. Bone-anchored titanium has become a widely used and routine treatment associated with various dental procedures, including dental implants.
Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable and strong ceramic material. They are known for their superior strength, natural appearance, and biocompatibility, which makes them a popular choice for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Unlike metal-based crowns, zirconia crowns are tooth-colored, and offer excellent aesthetics, making them ideal for those who want to maintain their natural-looking smile.
Zirconia dental implants are a type of dental implant made from biocompatible ceramic material called zirconium dioxide. They provide an alternative to traditional titanium implants and are favored by patients seeking metal-free implant solutions due to either aesthetic or allergic considerations. Zirconia implants are known for their hypoallergenic properties and natural tooth-colored appearance which makes them a popular choice among patients.