Dental Implants

The first step of the dental implant procedure is implant placement. The dentist will be surgically placing the implant in the upper or lower jaw. The dentist ensures that the implant goes in without damaging any nerves.
 
This requires expert knowledge of the mouth, along with the assistance of technology and years of experience. When the implant is placed, a “healing cap” is placed over it to protect it. It’s important to note that bone grafting may be required either before or during the implant placement.

Once the implant is in place, it is now time to heal. This step is critical. You have to let the bone in your jaw grow around the implant. This takes some time but is what makes a dental implant a durable, long-term tooth replacement option.
 
Osseointegration is a big word for the implant "fusing" to the jaw bone. Fusion off an implant to the bone is strong than tooth to bone fusion. The bone locks the implant in place and grows around it to reinforce it, just like your other teeth. This process can take a few months. Don't worry though; your gums will be healed and smoothing over as the implant integrates. Ask your dentist about the possibility of placing a healing cap

Your dentist will create a custom crown for you that will look, feel, and act as your new tooth. If you are replacing more than one tooth, then a bridge or denture may be needed instead of a crown. What is most important about this step is that you will leave the dentist's office with your new tooth. No one will be able to tell that you had a missing tooth in the first place. The procedure is complete.