Let us help you to understand all that goes into the procedure. Consultation. The first step, the consultation, usually involves taking X-Rays and digital images of the mouth or impressions where the implant will be placed. X-Rays allow our dentists to evaluate the bone density in the jaw bone at the site to make sure it can support an implant. Plans will be made for the next step in the process. Preparatory procedures. If the bone is not strong enough to support an implant, a bone graft procedure may need to be performed first. This involves surgically placing a piece of bone over the existing bone to strengthen it and encourage regrowth. A bone graft procedure will need to be done a few months in advance of the implant procedure. Placing the implant. When the jaw bone is ready, the implant will be surgically placed in the jaw. The implant base is made of titanium and has ridges like a screw to hold it in place. It will fuse with the jaw bone over a few weeks or months to form a solid hold. Attaching the abutment. After the implant base has healed, the gums are reopened and the abutment is attached. The abutment is a small post that extends above the gum line from the implant root that the crown will attach to. Fitting the crown. The crown, or the lab made tooth, will attach to the abutment. If it fits well and looks right it will be cemented into place permanently, completing the procedure. This extensive process is the reason for the cost of dental implants. Implants are well worth the investment because they look and function just like your natural teeth. Once an implant is placed, you will hardly know it is there. You’ll have the same bite strength as you have with your natural teeth and you brush and care for it the same way as well.