A dental implant is a sturdy metal screw that a dentist puts into your jawbone, usually used to replace missing teeth. It acts as a replacement root for a prosthetic tooth. The jawbone and the implant fuse together, making a strong foundation. This helps hold in place crowns, bridges or dentures that replace missing teeth. Dental implants are a long-lasting and natural-looking way to bring back your smile and make sure you can chew and talk comfortably.