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 titanium screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gums 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. Afer the implant has healed it is time to restore the implant with an abutment and a crown. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. the crown typically cements to the abutment. Once it has been determined that the implant is integrated, an impression is taken and used by the lab to create the abutment and the crown. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look and feel just like it used to.
