Dental implants are titanium anchors surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called ìosteointegration,î the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time. Generally, three to six months or more is allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implants and hold them securely in place. Once the jawbone is healed, a post is attached to the implant and serves as an anchor for the replacement teeth. Once the gums have healed, the replacement teeth are securely attached to the posts.