Dental implants are titanium screws, which replicates a tooth’s root. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone and fuses with the jaw as it heals. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts will then support the dental crowns or denture to recreate your tooth or smile.
Surgery involves the dental implant being placed within your jaw bone and allowed to heal for three to six months. During this time the implant gradually fuses with the jaw bone beneath your gums. If a temporary replacement is needed during this healing process, a temporary tooth can be used to eat a soft diet.
Once the dental implant has properly fused to the jaw bone, the second phase may begin. Your implant will be uncovered from beneath your gums and an attachment (a healing abutment) will be connected to your implant to start forming the gums around it. After the tissue has properly formed around the healing abutment, Dr. Quickstad and Dr. Wang can begin making your new tooth. A mold must be taken to get the exact measurements of your future dental crown. A custom post or attachment will then be created to connect to the implant. A dental crown will then be made to connect to the post and recreate your tooth.