First, you have to be considered a candidate for dental implants. This is not a dental solution that works for every patient. The first step to dental implants is meeting with your dentist to determine your eligibility. The second step will see the metal post surgically implanted into your jawbone. This requires three to four months to heal completely. If the post has properly fused to the bone, a custom-designed crown is attached to the screw with an abutment. This new tooth will look like the rest of your natural teeth.