How is a dental implant placed?
The first step is surgery to place the anchor of the implant into the jawbone. The procedure may take several hours under local or general anesthesia. You will then wait for the bone to heal firmly around the implant, which takes from six weeks to six months. The metal post that attaches the tooth to the anchor may be placed during the same surgery or in a second procedure. When the gums have healed, your artificial teeth will be made and fitted on the post. This often requires x-ray images, impressions, and bite registration records, so it may take several appointments over a few months to get your new teeth fitted properly.
The first step is surgery to place the anchor of the implant into the jawbone. The procedure may take several hours under local or general anesthesia. You will then wait for the bone to heal firmly around the implant, which takes from six weeks to six months. The metal post that attaches the tooth to the anchor may be placed during the same surgery or in a second procedure. When the gums have healed, your artificial teeth will be made and fitted on the post. This often requires x-ray images, impressions, and bite registration records, so it may take several appointments over a few months to get your new teeth fitted properly.
Related Questions
- I must have some teeth extracted and I intend to have implants placed to restore my ability to chew. Can a dental implant be placed at the same visit as the teeth are extracted?
- Can a tooth be removed and a dental implant placed at the same surgical appointment?
- How much does it cost to have a dental implant placed?
