|1.The implant is placed into the hole in the bone.||2. A hole is drilled in the bone.|
|3. The implant is placed into the hole in the bone.||4. The incision is stitched closed.|
|5. After healing, a new incision is made over the implant. A metal piece called a healing cap usually is screwed on top of the implant to guide the tissue as it heals. Later, the healing cap is removed. Then a permanent part, called an abutment (pictured), is screwed onto of the implant. It is used to support a crown.||6.The crown, which is made to look like a natural tooth, is cemented or screwed onto the abutment.|
Illustrations created by Simple Steps designers Kelly Farrington and Glenna Hartwell
09/25/13© 2002- Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.