Tooth Loss
Aside from embarrassment and difficulty speaking and chewing, tooth loss causes the underlying bone to recede. Bone loss can cause lack of support for dentures, which causes discomfort, mobility and lack of retention. Continued loss of bone in the jaw can cause a sunken, aged appearance.

Healed Bone
The implants site requires sufficient bone in order for the procedure to be successful. The tooth socket may need treatment before an implant can be placed. Bone grafting is necessary if the socket has not healed properly or the bony ridge that supports the tooth is thin. People with very large or low sinus cavities may require bone grafting or augmentation as well.

Implant Placed
The implant process begins with the patient made comfortable using anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide. An incision is then made into the gum tissue. A socket is gently created in the jawbone and the implant is carefully inserted into the socket. The surgeon may close the incision with sutures if necessary.

Healing Cap
Depending on the patient's needs, the healing cap can be placed at the time the implant is inserted. Sometimes the surgeon waits for the area around the implant to heal, then the implant is uncovered and a healing cap is placed.

Abutment
In time, the healing cap is removed and an abutment is attached to the implant. (The prosthesis will ultimately be attached to the abutment.) A temporary crown may be worn at this point.

Implant Restored
Although a healing phase of about six months is required before the implant can be restored with a prosthesis, impressions for the replacement teeth are made at the time of surgery. The restorative phase is very detail oriented and is performed by a restorative dentist, who creates and places the final prosthesis (either fixed or removable.)