A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. With permanent dental implants, a person who has lost teeth will be able to eat and smile with confidence. Virtually all dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants. In other words, appear similar to an actual tooth root and are placed within the bone. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures.