How do dental implants work?

The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps:

• Consultation: During a consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. They will take x-rays and impressions to plan the placement of the implants.
  
  
• Surgery: The surgical placement of the implants is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation. The dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone, then drill a hole and insert the implant.
  
  
• Healing: After the surgery, the implant and the surrounding tissue will need to heal for several months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant, creating a strong bond.
  
  
• Attaching the abutment: Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the dentist will attach a small post, called an abutment, to the implant.
  
  
• Placing the crown: The final step is to place the porcelain crown on top of the abutment. The crown will be color-matched to your surrounding teeth and shaped to fit in with your bite.