First a hole is made in the bone where your tooth was removed and a small metal implant is inserted. The implant has grooves, channels, or holes like swiss cheese. These deliberate design features allow your bone to grow through, in and around the implant, integrating it into your anatomy. Quite literally, you grow into it! This piece of the implant acts as a bolt for the second phase of the implant placement. Once this lower bolt part is securely integrated into the bone, the top part is permanently screwed onto the implant. That completes the implant process, and your new "tooth" is now ready for a crown.

Single Tooth Implant Crown
Missing front tooth to be replaced by an implant. (Other front teeth veneered for ideal appearance)	Implant crown & veneers in place	The new smile!

The process for a single tooth implant works equally well for multiple teeth, even a whole mouth to replace dentures. Implants restore the ability to chew like natural teeth - for a lifetime. Multiple implants are placed in the same manner as a single implant.

When replacing a denture, it is well worth considering an implant-retained bridge. Usually, 5 or 6 are placed, a gold bar is fabricated which is screwed onto the bolts. Teeth are added to the gold bar and now you have the ability to chew as though you had your own natural teeth back again.

Whether replacing a single missing tooth, several teeth, or securing a bridge or denture, implants are truly one of the miracles of modern dentistry, and the treatment of choice for many patients.

For detailed information on implants, visit the manufacturer's website at

Nobel Biocare or ITI Straumann