There is considerable variation in what can be achieved with implant surgery. The implant surgery plan is tailored for each individual patient. Variations often occur depending on whether an implant is to replace an existing tooth or teeth or whether the tooth/teeth have been missing for many years.

Bone integration or osseointegration is a very important concept if you wish to understand the reasons for your dental implant treatment plan. When an implant is placed it is the screw thread which holds it in place. Over 3-6 months the jaw bone grows into the implant surfaces and bonds (or integrates) to it. Bone integration is required before the final restoration can be placed on the tooth.

The term 'immediate implant' is used when a tooth is extracted and the implant placed during the same procedure. This can be achieved when the extraction socket has not been damaged by infection or an injury. This technique will assist in the preservation of gum tissues which can otherwise shrink after tooth extraction.