A dental implant  is a surgical device, used to replace one or more missing teeth by fusing to bone and supporting a crown, bridge of teeth, denture, facial prosthetic or to act as an orthodontic anchor.

 

The term "dental implant" refers to that portion of the structure in the bone. Other functional components may be attached to make the device functional including an abutment, which will hold the crown or the prosthesis

 

The prerequisites to long term success of dental implants, are healthy bone and gingiva.