What structure must a dental implant support, according to the FDA definition?
Answer
A dental prosthesis
The FDA specifically defines a dental implant within the context of oral care as a device surgically placed into the jawbone or skull with the express purpose of supporting a dental prosthesis. A prosthesis encompasses the artificial replacement devices used to restore missing teeth, which could be a crown, a bridge spanning multiple units, or a complete set of dentures. This definition focuses on the functional outcome—supporting the artificial restoration—rather than the material or placement method of the anchor itself.
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