Abutment: A tooth, root, or implant used for the retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis; the teeth adjacent to a pontic in a bridge.

Bridge: Prosthesis used to replace missing teeth it is anchored to the teeth next to missing tooth, prevent cavities gum disease and premature loss of other teeth. It requires preparation of the adjacent teeth not removable by patient.

Crown: An artificial replacement to restore a broken down tooth, which covers all the remaining tooth structures, making it look and function just like a natural tooth. Material used for a crown are cast metal, porcelain, or a combination of materials such as metal and porcelain.

Dental Implant: Dental implants are substitute tooth roots that allow replacement of the entire missing tooth. Made of Titanium or Titanium alloys, they are shaped in the form of natural tooth roots and are placed directly into the jaw bone under the gum.

Dental Reconstruction: This implies restoring/rebuilding a significant part of the oral cavity. It usually means that most or all of the teeth will have some sort of dental restorations. It very often involves replacing some missing teeth with either crown bridges or dental implants.

Denture: An artificial substitute for missing teeth and gums because there are no remaining teeth

Endodontist: A dental specialist that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the dental pulp and its surroundings.

Healing caps: Attachment used to place over the implant before the crown is placed.

Hybrid: (also known as fixed-detachable) A fixed implant prosthesis, fully retained and supported by implants; Commonly used to replace missing teeth in an entire arch. It can only be removed by the dentist.

Immediate Loading Implants (also known as teeth in a day or teeth in an hour): A procedure that involves placing dental implants and teeth in the same visit. (See our Immediate Loading Implant page to learn more.)

Laminate: Also know as Veneers; are usually made of ceramics placed or bonded to facial tooth surface in order to alter the shape and color of the tooth for either functional or cosmetic reasons.

Pontic: Part of the bridge that replaces a missing natural tooth.

Periodontist: A dental specialist concerned with diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissue of the tooth.

Prosthodontist: A dental specialist concerned with the diagnosis and restoration and maintenance of oral function with replacement of missing teeth and supporting structures through artificial means.

Oral surgeon: The dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the oral region.

Overdenture: A removable partial denture or complete denture that covers and rests on one or more remaining natural teeth, and/ or dental implants: a prosthesis that covers and is partially supported by natural teeth, and/ or natural tooth roots.

Removable Partial Denture: A prosthetic device containing artificial teeth supported on a framework and attached to natural teeth with retainers and rests, removable by patient for cleaning