Technology and implants
Dental implant
A dental implant is a medical device placed in the jaw to take the place of a tooth root and to support a crown, bridge or denture.
The FDA says dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person's ability to chew or their appearance. They support artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges or dentures.
The FDA notes that most dental implant systems are made of titanium or zirconium oxide. The parts include the implant body, an abutment and sometimes a screw. See implant system and implant crown.
The FDA also lists risks, such as injury to nearby tissue and implant failure. Healing depends on bone, health and care, as described under osseointegration.