An implant is a screw like device that is placed into the jaw bone. A hole is drilled into the jaw bone and the implant is screwed into the hole until it is tight and immovable.

An implant must be integrated into the jaw bone for it to be successful. Integration means that there is an actual attachment of bone cells to the implant so that the implant cannot be loosened or removed. A loose implant is a failure and cannot be used to support a restorations

A restoration is the "tooth" portion of the dental prosthesis (a crown or a bridge or a denture). It is attached to the implant so that the implant actually holds the restoration in place and allows it to function properly (like a real tooth). The restoration can be attached to the implant with screws or cemented onto a third piece that is screwed into the implant. this third piece is called an abutment.

An abutment is a small part that usually looks like a tooth that has been prepared for a crown. It is usually screwed into the implant and acts as an interface between the implant and the restoration.

When implants are placed in the jaw bone, the top of the implant is usually covered over by the gum tissue to allow the implant to heal properly. Some dentists will leave the top of the implant completely exposed so that the gum tissue heals around the implant. This is called a one stage procedure.

When the gum is closed up over the implant at placement, the top portion of the gum will have to be removed at a later date in order to use the implant. Hence a second surgical procedure is necessary and this total procedure is referred to as a two stage implant placement.