Dental Implants - The Process

How Does Dental Implant Placement Work

First, your dentist will perform diagnostic procedures to ensure that you are a good candidate to receive a dental implant.  This may include conventional digital x-rays, impressions for study models, or even a three-dimensional, digital x-ray known as a Cone Beam CT.  If all conditions are favorable, the next step will be the actual surgery to place the implant in your jawbone. We will refer you to a specialist for the placement of the implant.

After implant surgery, the surrounding bone will heal via a process called osseointegration, during which the bone grows around the implant to hold it firmly in place.  Complete integration with the jaw bone typically takes 3-6 months.  Finally, your dentist will place a restoration (tooth or teeth) which resembles your natural teeth, such as a crown.