What happens before, during, and after dental implant surgery? Dental implant surgery is a technique that substitutes metal for dental roots, screw-like posts and prosthetic teeth that seem and function much like actual ones for damaged or missing teeth. Dental implant surgery may provide a welcome alternative to dental or bridgework that does not fit correctly and can offer an option if a lack of natural roots of teeth does not permit the replacement of dentures or tooth work. About …