A living hard tissue replacement is prepared by superplastic forming a ceramic material which contains CaO, SiO.sub.2, and MgO, is substantially free of calcium phosphate, but capable of forming a calcium phosphate base compound upon contact with phosphorus-containing water. A replacement is also prepared by superplastic forming a sintered composite body comprising a calcium phosphate base ceramic matrix and an inorganic filler dispersed therein. Both the replacements are suitable as artificial dental roots and crowns.