Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are surgically put into the jawbone, used to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The actual implant is a small titanium post that grows into the jawbone over time. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a post called an abutment is used to connect the dental prosthesis (replacement tooth) to the implant. The abutment can then be used to attach a new tooth, bridge, or denture. The tooth or teeth that were taken out and replaced look, feel, and work just like real teeth. The process of getting dental implants takes a few months and a number of surgeries. Your dentist will put a titanium post in your jawbone during the first surgery. After the implanted post has healed for a while, usually between 4 and 6 months, your dentist will attach an abutment to it so a replacement tooth or bridge can be put on it. Once your smile makeover is done, your dentist may make more changes, such as crowns, veneers, or dentures, depending on your wants. The main benefit of dental implants is that when they are finished, they look and feel just like natural teeth. This gives you a smile that is both safe and looks good. Dental implants are also strong and last longer than other ways to replace missing teeth, like bridges and dentures.