Firstly, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made out of high-quality titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to twelve weeks.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post — called an abutment — is attached to the post to hold the new tooth securely. To make the new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes molds of your teeth and creates a model of your bite. The new tooth or teeth are based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.
Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.
Your dentist also will match the color of the new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.
