A surgeon places the implant into the bone to simulate a tooth's root.  After a period of healing, an abutment is attached to the implant so that a crown can be made to cover it.  During the healing process, the patient usually wears a temporary removable device with a "false tooth" attached.

The radiograph at left shows four implants placed into bone.  The abutments have been attached, and individual crowns can now be made to sit atop each implant.  This particular patient was missing many teeth, however an implant can be an option even if only one tooth is missing.