A dental implant is a screw-shaped fixture that is surgically placed in bone. Following implant placement, bone grows into the implant and forms a strong bond over the next 3-6 months, which is a process known as osseointegration. Once the healing is complete, the implant body serves as a replacement for the root portion of a natural tooth.
Majority of implants are made with titanium, and a smaller percentage is zirconia-based (a type of porcelain with metal-like property).
In simple term, osseointegration the process of bone growing into dental implant. This effectively "incorporates" implant into bone, allowing the implant to serve as an anchor for abutment and crown.
There are many factors that can affect osseointegration.
Typically, 3 to 6 months are needed for proper healing and integration after implant placement. Once osseointegration is achieved, then a final prosthesis can be custom-made and placed.
A full-arch implant-supported prosthesis is different. This type of prosthesis is commonly known as "all-on-4" or "all-on-X". Under certain conditions, a temporary prosthesis can be placed immediately after the implants are placed. This is possible because the prosthesis splints all the implants together to significantly improve their stability.