A dental implant is a metal screw that is placed in your jaw to replace the root structure of a natural tooth. Your bone will grow into the thread of the metal screw securing it in place. During this stage of the process you will wear a provisional denture for appearance and to prevent your teeth on either side of the space drifting in. When healing is complete and the implant is secure, a crown will be constructed to attach to the implant. This stage is a very similar proces