What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are more successful than any other treatment for missing teeth, and they are the only treatment to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants replace the root of the natural tooth. The crown of the natural tooth is replaced by a manufactured crown. The implant and crown are connected by means of an abutment. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown produce a replica of your tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
What Are The Steps Involved In Placing Implants?
Step 1
The dentist will place an implant into your jawbone where the tooth root was previously located. The incision is closed with stitches. Bone will grow around the implant and attach to the implant surface. This process is called osseointegration and usually takes 3–6 months.
Step 2
After osseointegration is complete, the abutment is secured to the implant with a screw and the crown is secured to the abutment. Now you have a prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
How Long Does Implant Treatment Take To Complete?
Only rough estimates can be made as to the duration of a planned implant treatment. The time line below demonstrates an average treatment time of five to eight months. Times may vary greatly depending upon numerous factors including the quality of bone into which the implants are placed. Treatment time may increase for patients with compromised bone, as additional procedures to build up the bone that will accept the implant may be required. The dentist will assess your individual situation and present a safe and effective treatment designed specifically for you.
*Information provided by Henry Schein, Inc. For additional information visit www.camlogus.com.