A dental implant is an artificial titanium root that is used to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Once the implant has healed, a crown can be made that will look like the tooth is growing out of the gums just like a natural tooth does. Implants are often used for people who have lost teeth to injury, periodontal disease, infection, or other reasons. Implants can also be used to improve the retention of dentures. Generally, a good candidate for a dental implant has clean oral health, along with adequate bone structure in the jaw to support the implant. Healthy gum tissue that is free of periodontal disease is ideal for dental implants.