We have already explored everything you need to know before getting a dental implant and the phases and time in between each part of this treatment.

Phase One: Treatment Planning

Phase Two: Surgery

Now, we are at the last step, what we call: Phase Three -Restoration.

The second surgery in your dental implant process begins with a new incision to expose the heads (tops) of the implants. A collar, called a healing cap, is placed on the head of the implant after it is exposed. This guides the gum tissue to heal correctly. The collar is a round piece of metal that holds the gum away from the head of the implant. The collar will be in place for 10 to 14 days. After the tissue heals around the collar, we will remove it. Then an abutment (usually made of ceramic or titanium) is screwed into the implant and a final impression is made of the abutment for each tooth. The abutment, which acts as a connector between the dental implant and the crown, is screwed into the threads of the implant. After the abutment is attached to the implant, I’ll place the temporary crown on the abutment. In some cases, you may get the abutment and temporary crown immediately after the implants are uncovered, and you won’t need a healing cap.

The temporary crown will be in place for four to six weeks. The gums will heal around it and will look like the gums around your natural teeth. The temporary crown is made of softer material than the permanent crown. The softer material helps to cushion and protect the implant from the pressure of chewing, and gives the jawbone the opportunity to gradually get stronger.

The permanent crown is the final restoration of your dental implant. It fits on the abutment and resembles a natural tooth – both in how perfectly it blends into your smile, and in the way it functions. You care for your implants in the same way you care for your natural teeth – by brushing and flossing daily.