A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. During the first stage of surgery the implant is placed into the jawbone. In most cases, three to four months are required for the bone and soft tissue to heal around the implant. The second stage of surgery will be to attach an abutment to the implant; this is a post that connects the replacement tooth to the implant. Next an artificial tooth is made and connected to the abutment. Replacing missing teeth with implants may take several appointments over several months of time. Artificial replacement teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth and need to be cared for using a toothbrush and floss and checked regularly by your dentist. If you are in good health, have healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant, dental implants may be a good option for you.
