Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth. They’re usually made of titanium and are surgically placed into your jawbone, where they act as a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.
How they work
A dental implant has three main parts:
- Implant post: a small screw placed into the jawbone (this acts like the root)
- Abutment: a connector that sits on top of the implant
- Crown: the visible part that looks and functions like a natural tooth
Over time, the implant fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration, which makes it very strong and stable.
Why people get dental implants
They’re used to:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Support bridges or dentures
- Restore chewing ability and speech
- Prevent bone loss in the jaw
- Improve appearance (they look very natural)
Advantages
- Long-lasting (often decades with good care)
- Don’t rely on nearby teeth (unlike bridges)
- Feel and function like real teeth