It is vital to have an implant consult to discuss if the area is a candidate to have an implant. Many factors such as your oral hygiene, how much bone has been lost, how you bite, if you grind, etc. can affect the treatment planning for an implant.

A CBCT which is a 3D x-ray is important to take in order for us to assess your bone. Sometimes we can plan an implant at the time of pulling a tooth if we are able to and there is no infection present. 

Once it has been decided you are a candidate for an implant you will come in to place the titanium post into the jaw bone. Of course, you will be sufficiently numb at this appointment. Following placement, we will either cover the implant under your gums or have a small metal abutment coming out of the gums to allow healing.

There will be no permanent crown yet as we have to wait 3-6 months in order for your natural bone to grow around the implant and make it stronger. If the implant was placed in the front, we have options to place a fake tooth so it looks like you aren't missing anything. It is vital you do not place pressure on the implant when biting as it can cause the implant to fail.

After the 3-6 month wait period you will come to our office for an impression of the implant. We will unscrew the abutment on the implant and use either our scanner or impression material to take a mold of your implant to send to the lab. The lab will then be able to fabricate a crown in 2-3 weeks. 

At this last appointment we will try on your new implant crown sent from the lab. We will take an xray to see how it is seating. If all is well we can proceed with delivering your crown.