What exactly are dental implants? Dental implants are metal posts, usually made of titanium, that act as substitute for a tooth’s natural root. Implants are placed into the jawbone, and fuses with the natural bone, becoming a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. A false tooth is then screwed into the implant. Implants can be used in conjunction with a bridge or denture containing multiple teeth, or it can simply be a replacement for a single tooth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans have implants, and that number is growing by an average of 500 thousand per year. What is involved in the process of getting a dental implant?