There is no doubt that a missing tooth can greatly impact the appearance of your smile and have an effect on you self confidence. Thankfully, it is now possible to permanently replace that missing tooth with a natural looking tooth implant. Not only do teeth implants closely mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, but they also offer the strength of a natural tooth since they are anchored directly into the jawbone. This is a significant benefit when compared to the option of using bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth and it is one of the reasons why so many people prefer the use of dental implants.

If you are interested in replacing one or more missing, damaged, or decayed teeth with the help of dental implants, you may be wondering exactly what to expect when undergoing this procedure. The step by step process outlined below can help you to better understand what comes next.

Step 1: Assessing The Health Of Your Jawbone

A strong healthy jawbone is vital to the success of any dental implant treatment. If your jawbone is not strong or thick enough to properly support an implant, your dentist may need to perform a bone graft before your implant can be put in place. In order to access the health of your jawbone your dentist will begin by taking a series of dental x-rays and impressions. 

Step 2: Complete Any Necessary Preparation

The next step in the process will be to complete any dental work that is necessary prior to implanting the implant in the jawbone. This preparation may include bone grafting, tooth extraction, and the use of antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. If you require a bone graft or tooth extraction, you will need to heal completely before your dentist can move on to the next step in the process. This healing process can take several weeks to several months depending on how quickly your body heals.

Step 3: Getting Actual Implant

Once you are completely healed and your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant, your dentist will schedule you to have the implant put in place. While this is considered dental surgery, it can typically be done in your dentist's office with the use of just a local anesthetic. 

Once the implant is placed in your jawbone you will need to wait several months while the bone grows around the implant providing it with the strength is will need to hold your new permanent tooth in place. During this time your dentist may suggest the use of a temporary bridge or denture to take the place of your missing tooth.

Step 4: Attaching Post And Crown

After your jawbone has healed properly you will head back to your dentist's office for one final visit. During this visit the dentist will attach a metal post known as an abutment to the implant in your bone. This post serves as the root of your new tooth reaching down from above the gum line and down into the bone. A dental crown is then permanently cemented to the abutment and you are off to enjoy your new beautifully restored smile.