Selecting the artificial tooth or teeth

Upon the abutment being placed and secured, your gums need to heal for a couple of weeks prior to the artificial tooth being placed. Upon healing, you have additional impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth made. The impressions are employed to manufacture the crown — the natural-looking artificial tooth or prosthesis. The crown being placed is the last step because your jawbone needs to gain strength before it can support using the new tooth.

There are two choices in regard to artificial teeth. First, there is a removable implant prosthesis. This is similar to a traditional removable denture and is comprised of artificial teeth surrounded by pink artificial gums. Its foundation is a metal frame which is attached to the implant abutment by snapping to it. It can be easily taken out for repair or cleaning. This removable implant is often a wise choice in the case where many teeth on the lower are replaced mainly because it's less costly than many individual dental implants. In addition, it is more secure and stable than conventional dentures.

The second choice of implant is a fixed implant prosthesis. With this type, an artificial tooth is secured permanently by screws or cement onto an individual implant abutment. This type cannot be removed. For a higher cost, this is a way to replace several missing teeth, and each crown is secured to its own individual dental implant.