Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A dental implant is a small, titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. This metal anchor acts as a tooth root substitute.

The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. This process, known as osseointegration, is key to the success of dental implants. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post — called an abutment — is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite. The replacement tooth, or crown, is then attached to the abutment.