A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth.

In this procedure, a small titanium man-made root is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the man-made root.

This permanent solution has the advantage over bridge work because it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the man-made root.

Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge.

This is an alternative to having a partial denture.