Standard surgical procedure

Before the procedure:
The doctor conducts a thorough evaluation and outlines a treatment plan.  Any necessary corrective procedures, such as bone grafting, are done at this time in preparation for the surgery.

Stage I surgery:
The implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and the gums are sutured closed.  This may be done under a local anesthetic, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.  You will be given a temporary prosthesis to wear until your new permanent teeth are placed.
There is usually no discomfort during the procedure, and most patients are able to return to work the following day. After the implants are placed you may experience mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for a few days.

Stage II surgery:
This takes place after the bone and gums have been given adequate time to heal—usually three to six months after the initial surgery.
Small incisions are made to expose the implants so your surgeon can attach and tighten the abutments (the pieces that connect the implants to the crowns) in preparation for the restoration.  Your doctor will then put new temporary teeth in place and suture the gums closed.  These implant-supported crowns function like normal and are to withstand the pressure of chewing.
Fabrication of your new permanent teeth will take between one and eight weeks depending on how many teeth are being replaced.

Restoration:
Several weeks later your new teeth will be ready to be fitted to the abutments and examined and adjusted to ensure that the size, shape, color and fit are perfect.  Several follow-up visits may be needed to adjust your bite.

End result:
Your new teeth will be so hard to distinguish from natural teeth—both for yourself and others—that you may forget that you were ever missing teeth in the first place!  With proper care, your implants will last a lifetime.

Follow-up care:
Your doctor will give you detailed after-care instructions to keep your new implants and gums in good condition.