A
dental implant (also known as an
endosseous implant or
fixture) is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a
dental prosthesis such as a
crown,
bridge,
denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an
orthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called
osseointegration where materials, such as
titanium, form an intimate bond to bone. The implant fixture is first placed, so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic (a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant or an
abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic.