Implant restoration is the process by which an artificial tooth is inserted into a gap in the mouth, by connecting it to a dental implant. This can involve a single or a multiple number of implants being placed if you have several missing teeth in your mouth. The implant restoration starts with dental implant surgery. A specialist inserts an implant in the area of the existing empty space in the jaw. This basically replaces the root of the missing tooth. The implant is then protected by having a healing cap screwed onto the implant. The implant is allowed, over a period of time to fuse with the jaw bone and the tissue around it to heal from the trauma. This healing process takes about three to six months.

Once the implants have integrated with the jaw bone, an impression is taken and a model of the patient’s jaw and teeth is produced with the proper location of the implants in the jaw accurately reproduced. This model is sent to a dental laboratory and an abutment is fabricated that will be screwed into the implant. The dentist will then determine the color and size of the crown and tries to ensure that the final tooth restoration blends in with the patient’s other natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it is cemented onto the abutment. The dentist may have to make a few adjustments to ensure a good fit and proper occlusion of the crown with its opposing teeth.

Restoration of the bridge
Implant bridge restoration is similar to a single implant restoration but involves several crowns fixed to multiple implants. The bridge is composed of two crowns on either side of the empty space in the arch, and a false tooth called the pontic, that fills the empty space is attached as one piece with the other crowns involved. The dentist cements the bridge to the abutments such that it cannot be removed.

An implant retained denture
You can also have an implant retained denture. This improves the denture’s retention and function.

Talk to your dentist about dental implants and other options available for restoring your lost teeth.