Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is the closest you can get to having your natural tooth back. The oral surgeon places an implant in your jaw bone which will act like the root of your natural tooth. After approximately six months of healing and several stability tests, the implant should be ready to restore. It is very important to make sure that the bone around an implant has healed fully and that the implant is stable to avoid damaging the jawbone when biting. Once the healing is completed an abutment will be placed on the implant. The abutment serves as an attachment between the implant and the crown. Abutments are selected specifically for the individual patients situation. After the abutment is in place, an impression will be taken to fabricate a crown to fit over it. The crown will be custom made by a dental laboratory to match the patient's natural teeth. This process takes approximately three weeks after which the crown is cemented. Implants are brushed, flossed and otherwise maintained just like a natural tooth, they can not get decay, but are susceptible to periodontal disease. |
| Implants |
| Dental Implants are placed by the oral surgeon |
| An Abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the crown. |
Gorham Family Dentistry, P.A.
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| Fully restored implant |
