Patients replacing missing teeth must complete a multi-step process that ends with the attachment of a custom prosthetic. Individuals completing this journey will eventually need a dental implant restoration in Washington, DC, to transform a metal post into a functional artificial tooth. The Final Stage of Tooth Replacement Placing the Connecting Abutment The dentist will first place a small connector piece, known clinically as an abutment, securely onto the titanium post. Th