What dental prosthetic is surgically placed into the jaw and crowned, and can be used to retain dentures in edentulous patients?

• A. Implants
• B. Bridges
• C. Dentures
• D. Crowns

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that dental implants are artificial roots placed directly into the jawbone and then restored with crowns, and they can also serve as anchors to retain dentures in people who are edentulous. After placement, implants fuse with the bone (osseointegration) and provide a stable foundation for a single-tooth crown. In full- or partial-edentulous patients, implants can be used to stabilize or retain a denture, improving retention, stability, and bite force compared with conventional dentures. This is different from bridges, which rely on neighboring natural teeth; dentures, which are removable prostheses; and crowns, which are restorations placed on existing teeth rather than implanted into the jawbone.