Dental implant Implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years. A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are used to secure crowns (the parts of teeth seen in the mouth), bridgework or dentures by a variety of means. They are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that it is not rejected by the body. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots.Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.