Tooth implants, dental model. Model of a human lower jaw with three dental implants. This model has transparent gums, showing the roots of the teeth and the implant fixtures. A tooth which is too badly damaged to be filled can be removed and replaced with an implant. The implant base, or post, is surgically embedded into a hole drilled in the jawbone. A metal dental peg called an abutment is screwed into the base. This is used to support a tooth-like crown.