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HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone in approximately
the same places where the natural teeth once were. The dentist
placing the implant creates a hole into the jawbone that will accept the
implant. The hole approximates the shape of the previous tooth and
the new artificial implant to be placed. The implant is then
inserted into the hole and the gum tissue
is closed over the implant to heal. The implant must
heal from three to seven months depending on the situation. The bone
and gums mature around the implant, and the implant becomes securely
fastened to the bone. This healing process is called
osseointegration. After the bone has healed, the dentist removes a
small portion of the gum tissue covering over the implant and the implant
is exposed. The artificial tooth or reconstruction is then attached
to the implant. |
