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 an artificial root 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 become part of your jaw. During this time your bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. You can have a temporary appliance so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile while the implant is integrating.
After enough bone has grown around the implant it is time to place an abutment and tooth on it. The abutment serves