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 implant is placed into the jaw bone. An incision and hole is made in the gum and bone 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 and the implant can not be seen except by x-ray.
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 grown to the bone it is time to place an abutment and crown on the implant. The abutment serves as the base (root) for your new crown. One this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to cement the crown permanently. Your smile will look just like it once did.
