A tooth implant is a surgical procedure that replaces a missing tooth with an artificial one. The implant is made of metal, and it is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth was. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone and becomes permanent.
The first step in getting a tooth implant is to have a consultation with your dentist. They will assess whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, they will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to create a custom dental implant just for you.
The next step is surgery. During this outpatient procedure, your dentist will make an incision in your gums and insert the implant into your jawbone. Once it’s in place, they will close up the incision with stitches.
After surgery, it can take several months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. During this time, you may need to wear a removable denture or bridge to cover the empty space left by your missing tooth.
Once the fusion process is complete, you will return to your dentist’s office to have them place a permanent crown on top of the dental implant. This crown will match your natural teeth in both color and shape so that no one will be able to tell that you have an artificial tooth!