Implant placement is a sequential process that takes several months.  The first step is the placement of the implant in the jaw.  After placement, the implant is allowed to heal for approximately three to four months while it fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration.

According to Wikipedia, Osseointegration is also defined as : “the formation of a direct interface between an implant and bone, without intervening soft tissue”.^[1] Osseointegrated implant is a type of implant defined as “an endosteal implant containing pores into which osteoblasts and supporting connective tissue can migrate”.^[2] Applied to oral implantology, this thus refers to bone grown right up to the implant surface without interposed soft tissue layer. No scar tissue, cartilage or ligament fibers are present between the bone and implant surface. The direct contact of bone and implant surface can be verified microscopically.

After osseointegration, implant is then uncovered and a healing screw is placed which allows the gum to heal around the implant.  The implant is then ready to be restored with a tooth.

Here’s a great article from yourdentistryguide.com, entitled “Dental Implants: Consultation, Procedure, Recovery and Aftercare“

Dental implants have been used for several decades. They are manufactured anchors that look like cylinders or screws.  Implants are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots which are made of titanium and other materials that are well suited to the human body.  They attach to the jawbone to become a stable base for replacement teeth.  Implants can be used to replace single teeth or to support partial or full dentures.