Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace lost teeth. After placement, the implants integrate with the bone of your jaw and act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth are then mounted to the implant and provide the biting and cosmetic portion of the teeth

The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed.  This takes at least 6 weeks but can be as long as 6 months in some situations.  In the meantime, a temporary tooth restoration  can be placed until the bone integration with the implant is complete.