A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to decay, infection, periodontal disease, or an injury.

Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth and are usually a better and more comfortable solution for missing teeth than dentures or bridges.

A dental implant usually has the following components:

The implant is the screw that replaces the root of the missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jaw and integrates into the bone. The abutment is the connector that supports and connects the implant and the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible and is used to function by speaking and chewing.

Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.