1. Your dentist or oral surgeon inserts a small metal stud into the jaw beneath the gum tissue.
2. As the tissue heals with stitches, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum. It can take several months to heal.
3. The post or implant forms a solid base for receiving one or more artificial teeth.
Because the implant fits into the jaw’s bone structure, it can be treated like a natural tooth except that it is more delicate. This means it must be given careful cleaning during brushing and flossing. A toothbrush with a longer bristle tip can help you clean behind the implant.
Finally, you should floss at least once a day, paying particular attention to the junction of the implant and the gum. Using a dental floss holder can be helpful in achieving optimal cleaning.
You must:
If your jawbone has shrunk or if it has not developed normally, you may be able to have a bone graft to build up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone. Your dentist or dental specialist will tell you if bone grafting can be done.
You must also be prepared to: