What exactly is a Dental Implant?

A natural tooth has a crown - the part which shows above the gum, and a root - the anchor hidden below the gumline. When a tooth is missing, a dental implant takes the place of the missing root and a prosthetic (artificial) crown replaces the natural crown.

The Implant Procedure : Following are the steps in Implant placement

Missing Upper front tooth

Implant placed

1) Implant Site Preparation
The gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure. Once healthy bone material has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.


2) Placing the Implant 
After the bone has been prepared, the implant is placed and the tissue is sutured.

Placement of post over implant

3) The Healing Process - Osseointegration
The healing process takes three to six months. This is the amount of time it usually takes the implant to become part of the lower jaw, commonly refered to as osseointegration. The sutures are typically removed however, seven to fourteen days after surgery.



4) Attaching the Post and Placing the Crown

Final Prosthetic tooth

When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant. It is the support for the new porcelain crown. After impressions are taken a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented. The final prosthetic crown appears as a natural tooth.