Dental implants are metal "posts" that are inserted surgically into the jawbone and are used to anchor a single tooth, several teeth or a mouthful of teeth. As the accompanying illustration shows, the typical dental implant for the replacement of a single tooth consists of three separate pieces, each fulfilling a unique role in the process. The actual implant is usually a titanium post that your surgeon places into the jawbone. Over the next two to six months, the implant will safely fuse with the bone to form a secure, immovable base upon which the two other components, the abutment and the prosthesis or crown, will be placed. The abutment attaches to the portion of the implant that sits above the gumline. It forms a platform for the crown, which is carefully molded and positioned on the abutment by your dentist.
With the general exception of growing children, dental implants can improve the quality of life for almost everyone who is missing one or more teeth. People of all ages can benefit from dental implants. Many surgeons can point to patients in their 80s and 90s who have been successfully treated with dental implants.

Not only do dental implants look, feel and perform like your healthy, natural teeth, they help protect your oral health by reducing the bone loss that often accompanies the use of conventional dentures that rest on the gum line. Dental implants enable you to eat and enjoy the foods you crave without restriction and allow you to speak clearly and confidently without embarrassing clicking noises or slipping dentures.