Implants are placed in the site of missing teeth with or without grafting and the gum closed over for uninterrupted healing. A few months later the implant is exposed to the mouth and a healing screw used to allow the gum to grow a cuff around it as it later needs to do around the implant crown. An impression is taken 6-8 weeks later and the new crown constructed by the laboratory. When the implant crown is fitted you effectively have grown a new tooth. Implants can also be used to hold dentures in place.