For many people, dental implants can provide the perfect solution to tooth replacement. If you wish to have your missing or severely damaged teeth replaced by dental implants, you should know that this can be accomplished in just five steps. Continue reading to learn more about each of these steps.

Step #1: Get Impressions Done For Dental Crowns

When using implants to replace a natural tooth, the implant serves as the tooth root while a dental crown is used to replace the actual tooth. In order to ensure this crown perfectly matches the shape and size of your natural tooth, impressions will need to be taken of both the tooth that is being replaced and the surrounding teeth. This can be done in a very short visit to the dentist and will not cause any pain or discomfort. 

Step #2: Complete Extractions And Bone Grafts

If your natural tooth needs to be extracted or if you require bone grafts in order to strengthen your jaw, this is the time when these procedures will be completed. If you are having multiple teeth extracted, your dentist may provide you with a temporary denture or bridge to use until the implant process is completed. 

Step #3: Surgically Place Implants

This is the part of the process which requires oral surgery. While you are under general anesthetic, your dentist will surgically place your implants into your jawbone through small incisions in the gums. This process is actually rather quick and will have minimal downtime after the surgery is complete. You will however need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home from this appointment since you will not be able to drive for at least several hours after the anesthesia has worn off. 

Step #4: Allow For Healing

Once the implants have been placed in your jaw, you will need to allow time for your jawbone to heal around the implant. This is very important because as the bone heals, it will essentially bond with the implant. This is what gives dental implants the strength and durability that make them ideal for tooth replacement. Since all people heal at different rates, there is no way to know how long this step will take. In many cases, your dentist will have you return after several weeks in order to check your healing status. 

Step #5: Attach Dental Crowns

Once your dentist determines that your jawbone is sufficiently healed, they will attach the dental crown to your implant and this process will be complete.

For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.