The Implant Process

Placing an implant is a 3 step procedure. The first 2 steps are surgical procedures, while the last step consists of placement of your artificial tooth or bridge.

A small incision is made in your gums at the site wherethe implant is to be placed.

The first surgery involves placing the implant into your jawbone. This is the anchor which fuses with the bone to give strong support to your artifical replacement. This integration with your jawbone takes 4 to 6 months to occur.

The implant is placed into the space created with special instruments.

The gums are sutured and the implant is allowed to integrate with the bone for 4 to 6 months.

The second surgery involves attaching the support on to the anchor, which connnects the anchor to the artificial tooth.

The third stage involves placing your new artificial teeth onto the implant. Your dentist will take impressions (measurements) of you jaws and get the artificial teeth fabricated from a laboratory. On arrival from the laboratory, these can be cemented onto the implant supports. The total implant process may take 3 to 9 months because of the time needed for the jawbone and gums to integrate and grow around the implant, and for your new teeth to be fabricated.