Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.

The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone, by Dr. Clark. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.

The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time you may be able to have temporary crowns installed by your dentist so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.

After the implant has healed an abutment will be placed on the implant by either Dr. Clark or your dentist. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed an impression of the abutment is made by your dentist and is used to create your permanent restoration in the laboratory. Some offices have an onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send the work to an outside lab. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.