In order to understand how implants work it is important to appreciate the way in which healing takes place. When a tooth is taken out it leaves quite a large hole in the gum which fills up with a blood clot. Within two months the hole in the jaw is covered with gum, slowly over the next six months the bone fills the hole completely. The healing of implants depends on this natural process. Implants require a small operation to be inserted. The gum is lifted and a small hole made in the bone using special drills made from titanium. The titanium implant is placed and the gum is put back very much like the lid on a box.

Over the next six months the implant lies under the gum and heals in a closed environment. The patient carries on functioning normally throughout this six-month period, unaware of the implant that has been inserted. Under certain circumstances, where the implant is rigid and unlikely to have any micromovement, the implant can be brought into function on the same day.

Denture wearers can continue to wear their dentures throughout this time. In cases where a few teeth have been removed and other teeth are present, it is possible to construct a fixed temporary bridge to enable the patient to function. In either case there is no interruption to the patients lifestyle.

The second stage of the treatment, after six months involves lifting the gum and attaching a post to the implant. It is at this stage that the implant emerges from the gum. A temporary crown is made to fit onto the post so there is no need to be without teeth.

Preparation for the final restoration can be started one month later when the gum has matured.