Dental implants are created by putting a titanium implant into the jaw and connecting a ceramic crown once the jaw has fused the implant. Once this occurs, the dental implant is secured in place. A wide variety of techniques can be utilized depending on the state of the implant site. One quick method can be completed in one single day, and can be done if the tooth is replaced in a healthy gum over good bone. Grafting or growing new bone is considered very complex and can take up to half a year or longer to do. If a tooth needs to be extracted because it is decayed or damaged, as long as the surrounding gum is not damaged, the dental implant may be installed the same time as when the broken tooth is removed. This procedure will typically include a temporary crown and later replaced with a permanent crown once the bone fusion is complete. While heeling, it may be best to avoid certain foods after the dental implant has been installed. Common dental implants occur through a process of stages. An implant is installed to the jaw bone and will need to fuse for roughly 3-6 months. Once this stage is complete, a post, known as an abutment, is put in the implant. Then the casts are removed off of the teeth and a crown made to match the existing tooth is adhered to the abutment. When the bone structure is weak, one of the most complicated dental implant procedures can take place. In some cases a bone graft might be needed, or the bone can be stimulated to grow. The bone must be allowed to heal before the dental implant is installed. This can make the process very lengthy. A custom fit plate can be placed between the jaw and gum if the bone structure is not in good condition for a dental implant. In order to obtain accurate measurements a CAT scan may be utilized or a cast cane be made by exposing the jaw. Visit with your dentist to discuss which dental implant procedure is right for you. Your dentist could possibly perform the surgery at their office, or in more extreme cases, you may be referred to a periodontist. More information regarding dental implants can be obtained at eZ-search.us