Dental implants are often the best 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. After determining if you are a candidate for dental implants, the first part of the process is to install the implant itself. A screw is placed into the jaw bone. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed, the gums will heal over the next few weeks.
The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal. During this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
After the implant has healed, an impression is taken and the laboratory will fabricate a custom implant crown. Once the restoration is completed, you return to the office to insert the implant crown. After a short period of time getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.