A dental implant is a titanium “screw-like” post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Following the surgical placement of the dental implant the dentist will likely recommend waiting four to six months so that the implant can properly heal and stabilize in the bone before putting the implant abutment and crown on. To summarize the dental implant goes below the gums and the abutment is the post that attaches to the implant and sticks above the gums to which the part that you chew with, the dental crown, is attached. Often times when teeth are not replacement other teeth in the mouth will become loose, sore, and shift. These types of problems can lead to jaw pain, gum disease, chewing problems and many other dental issues. It is always a good idea to replace a missing tooth.