Restoring your mouth with a dental implant is accomplished in two phases. The first phase of the procedure is the surgical placement of the implant. After several months of healing, the implant is securely attached to the bone and the second phase begins. The healing cap or temporary crown is removed, new attachments are placed, and your new crown is made.

For the surgical placement of the implant, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed. An incision is made in your gums and a channel is made in the bone to receive the implant. After the implant is snugly in place, a temporary crown or healing cap is placed. Over the next few months, the implant becomes securely attached to the bone.

The second phase starts with removal of the temporary crown or healing cap. A new attachment is placed to support the final crown. We then start a series of appointments to make your new crown. Though some of the steps might be different in your case, they usually include making impressions of your mouth. From these impressions, we make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. It's on these models that your restoration is fabricated. The last step is the placement of your new crown.

The success of your implant depends on your care of the implant at home, and our support through regular checkups and cleanings here in our office.