With dental implants, one or several missing teeth can now be easily, comfortably and permanently replaced.  With traditional methods, if you are missing a tooth, the teeth on either side of it are ground down to make a bridge. Implants often make that unnecessary. Implants do not compromise surrounding healthy teeth. With some prior planning, a short surgery is involved to place the implant(s).  After a short healing period, a crown is placed on top of the implant.