What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is one option for replacing a tooth. Implants are manufactured devices
that are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as anchors
for replacement teeth. Implants are made of titanium and other materials that are
compatible with the human body.
An implant-restored tooth consists of several parts.

• The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed in the upper or
  lower jawbone.
• The abutment can be made of titanium, gold or porcelain. It is attached
  to the implant with a screw. This part connects the implant to the crown.
• The restoration (the part that looks like a tooth) is a crown, usually
  made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), but also could be an all-metal or
  all-porcelain crown. The crown is attached either to the abutment or directly to
  the implant. It can be screwed or cemented onto the abutment. If the crown is
  screwed to the abutment, the screw hole will be covered with restorative material
  such as tooth-colored filling material (composite).

An implant looks and feels like a natural tooth. It fits securely when you chew and
speak. A single-tooth implant is a free-standing unit and does not involve treatment
to the adjacent teeth. With a dental implant, the surrounding teeth can remain untouched
if they are healthy, and their strength and integrity may be maintained. The implant
can stabilize your bite and help prevent problems with the jaw.