Like bridges, implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that do not involve the neighboring teeth. They are ideal in situations where the adjacent teeth are completely healthy and free of any decay and/or older restoration. The implant itself is placed in the bone by a specialist and a crown is then cemented over the implant after adequate healing has occurred. Implants are also terrific “anchors” for bridges. (Note: Implants can be used for patients with dentures that are struggling with denture retention. Small attachments are placed inside the denture which then fasten to the implants, holding the denture in place. In some cases, the denture may need to be remade.)