When there is a large enough gap, a dental implant (or artificial root) can be screwed into the bone and serve as a support for the fixed prosthesis (artificial tooth).
The integration of dental implant and bone requires a latent period that can range from six to nine months. Subsequent to this period, one or more teeth can be screwed into or cemented to the implants.
The procedure is carried out under local anesthetic and does not usually entail postoperative discomfort. This procedure requires two visits, spaced out over several months to allow the bone to integrate into the dental implant properly.