text: Implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth.  A titanium "screw" is placed in your bone by an oral surgeon.  The surgeon covers the screw with your gum tissue to let it heal.  This screw heals for 3-6 months, depending which tooth is being replaced.  The bone integrates around the screw.  After it is healed, the screw is uncovered.  A dentist then bonds a "tooth" on the screw.  Once it is complete, the implant functions and looks like a normal tooth.  You can eat and floss like normal.  Most patients say the implant does not hurt being placed.