A dental implant is a metallic or ceramic artificial tooth root. It is carefully placed directly in your jawbone. The implant is placed in a strategic location where it can support the tooth replacement option chosen. A combination of implants and bridgework can eliminate the need for dentures and gives the patient a natural and more comfortable set of teeth.

It can take from as little as three months and up to 9 months to complete an implant, depending on the patient’s healing time. It is done in several steps:

• The dentist surgically anchors the implant into your jawbone and the gum is restored over the implant.

• Sometimes a temporary crown is placed on the implant or a removable device to fill gap will healing

• An impression is obtained to make the crown for the implant

• The crown is placed on the implant

The success of the implant depends heavily on the patient’s oral care routine.

Schedule a consult to go over the entire process and pros and cons of dental implants. See if an implant is right for you.