Dental Implants: How It Works, Explained Simply

Video Transcript

A dental implant replaces a single missing tooth and blends in with the teeth around it. Here, one lower molar is missing, leaving a gap in the arch. Up close, the implant is built from three connected parts. First, the implant post. This small titanium screw is placed into the jawbone, where it takes the role of a natural tooth root. Over the next few months, the bone naturally grows around the post and holds it firmly in place. Dentists call this osseointegration. Next, a small connector, called an abutment, is attached to the top of the post. Finally, a custom crown, shaped and shaded to match your other teeth, is secured onto the abutment. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions much like a natural one. This video is for general education only. It is not medical or dental advice. Ask your dentist what's right for you.