A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis, or to act as an orthodontic anchor. 

Essentially, it is an artificial tooth root made of biocompatible materials such as titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Once implanted, the bone of the jaw grows around the implant, anchoring it securely in place. 

Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring function and aesthetics to the mouth.