How do dental implants work and what is involved in the process?

There are three components to a dental implant: the actual implant, the abutment, and the dental restoration.

The implant is a tiny titanium post that is surgically placed planted in your jaw. The titanium is naturally biocompatible, so it integrates seamlessly into the surrounding bone.

The abutment is the part that attaches to the implant once it has fully healed and integrated into the bone. It provides an anchor of sorts for us to secure the dental restoration, which is more or less a crown (it can be made from many different types of material like porcelain or gold).

The treatment sequence goes like this: first the implant is placed in the jaw. Then we wait for your body to heal from the surgery, and for the implant to fully integrate into the bone. Next, the abutment is attached to the implant. Finally, the dental restoration, which is more or less a crown, is securely attached to the abutment.

If you have missing teeth, and would like more information regarding implants, please contact our office today and arrange a consultation with our doctors.