Traditionally, an extraction site is allowed to heal for several months before implants are placed (first stage). During this time period, the patient wears a complete denture. Also, patients with long-standing edentulism that have been wearing a denture are a candidate for this procedure. Once the implants are inserted, the tissues are sutured over the implants. The implants are exposed to the oral cavity 3-6 months later (2nd stage), after the “osseointegration” period. Today, this approach is still essential when primary stability of the implant at time of insertion can not be accomplished; however, in a healed ridge of bone this is observed very rarely.