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 can have
temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak
normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your
smile.
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.
One this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is
used to create your permanent restoration. Some offices have an
onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send it
to an outside lab. 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.