Dental implants are a very appealing solution for the replacement of missing teeth. They are better than other alternatives such as bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth; and they are more comfortable and convenient than dentures as they are fixed and do not require removal at night.
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 the "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 use temporary teeth replacements so that you can eat, speak normally and maintain the aesthetics of 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. Once this is placed, an impression of the abutment is taken and used to create your permanent restoration. For our office, the fabrication of your implant crown is done in a lab abroad. Once the crown is completed, you can return to the office to attach the it 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.