The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for replacing biological joints, but applies also to the fixation of any solid implant for use in dental or orthopaedic applications. In general, an ideal amount of bone mineral substance is applied to the implant prior to going in to the operating room. Next, the setting (e.g., drying) process is suspended with a coating and/or a chemical. Once the implant(s) are needed in the operating room, the setting process is resumed. In this manner, the bone mineral substance does not need to be applied in the operating room, the surgeon does not need to "race the clock," and each implant is placed with the ideal amount of bone mineral substance in the ideal consistency.