Dentist Plano Texas Patient Library

Surgical Placement

The implant procedure is relatively straight-forward, with a healing/waiting period involved between steps. Once we've worked out your specific placement strategy with your general dentist, we surgically place the tiny screw-shaped implant(s) into your jawbone. For three to six months, we allow those to bond with the bone, forming a secure foundation to which we'll then attach your new tooth or teeth. We often provide a temporary tooth replacement for you to wear over the healing site during the waiting period.

Abutment Attachment

Depending on your particular situation and the type of implant system we use, we may perform a second surgery to uncover the implants and attach extensions or abutments. Abutments are small metal posts that simply complete the secure foundation onto which we'll then attach your replacement teeth. Again, we allow a healing period following this surgery, this time only a couple of weeks. A one-stage implant system doesn't require this step at all, as the abutment piece is already attached at the time of placement into the jawbone.

Final Restoration Placement

When your implants have completely bonded to the bone and any attachments are securely in place, your general dentist will plan and create your replacement tooth or teeth. If you're replacing a single tooth, this replacement will be a simple porcelain crown. For replacement of multiple teeth, we'll typically use an implant-anchored bridge or bridges. And if we're replacing all of your teeth, we'll use implant-supported full bridges or dentures.

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