Traditional dental implant surgery usually involves two surgical procedures placed several months apart. During the first phase, the implants are placed within the jawbone. Typically, patients will then wait 2 to 4 months in order to allow the implants to bond securely with the jawbone. Most patients can wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this interim. During the second procedure, your dental implant surgeon will uncover the implants and then attach small posts that will serve as healing abutments until final replacement teeth are made by your restorative dentist.