Author: Glossary

External surface of an implant body; the façade of an implant, including its macro and micro surface shape and texture. In the manufacture of an implant, various surface treatments may be used, including, but not limited to, polishing, machining, acid‐etching, and grit‐blasting, to create the desired surface topography.  

Replacement for missing natural teeth that receives retention, support, and stability from dental implants.  

Status of a dental implant based on predetermined success criteria.  

The metal framework of a eposteal dental implant that is embedded beneath the soft tissues, in contact with the bone, and stabilized by means of endosteal screws. The periosteal tissues retain the framework to the bone. The framework supports the prosthesis, frequently by means of dental implant abutments and other superstructure components.  

Stiffness or rigidity of an implant body as determined by mechanical testing. Influenced by implant body design, composition, and diameter.  

Ratio used to evaluate implant and/or abutment stability using resonance frequency analysis (RFA).  

Measure of the stability of a dental implant (from 1 to 100, 100 being the highest degree of stability) obtained by resonance frequency testing.  

Clinical evaluation of the degree of fixation of a dental implant.  

Act of connecting dental implants to each other or to natural teeth to enhance the strength, stability, and stress distribution of the supporting units.