Getting Dental Implants: Common Questions and Concerns Answered

A dental implant is a revolutionary restoration made up of three separate parts. The first part is the dental post, made using biocompatible titanium. The post is inserted directly into your jawbone and bonds with the bone during osseointegration.

The abutment is the connecting piece that attached the post to the third piece, the dental crown. The connecting part resembles a socket you would screw a bolt into.

Another way to describe it would be to think of the post and abutment as a lightbulb socket, with the dental crown (the part that makes up the visible tooth) being the light bulb that screws right in.

When done correctly, dental implants can be stronger than natural teeth as the posts have a stronger bond within the jawbone than even natural tooth roots.

Recovery after the implant surgery is quick as far as what you feel.  There is usually minimal postoperative pain associated with implant placement. The tissues and bone will continue to heal for three to six months, with limited to no associated pain. During this time, your soft tissue must heal as the bonding process completes. Dr. Garrett will determine if a temporary crown or appliance is needed to protect it while it bonds with your jawbone.

There will be some physical discomfort after the surgery, which is usually managed well by over-the-counter pain medication.

The final touch will be the placement of your permanent crown, which is custom-designed to perfectly match the color and shape of your surrounding natural teeth.