Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth
need to be altered to place the new tooth.
The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw
bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are
sutured.
The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing
time you may want to have a temporary tooth especially if it is an esthetic situation.
After the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. An impression is taken utilizing specific impression materials for your brand of implant. This is sent to the lab which will fabricate an abutment that screws into the implant and a crown that is cemented over the abutment. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of
getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.