The loss of a tooth can have devastating impact on many facets of your life. You may face a loss of confidence stemming from your altered smile, and you may even have trouble enjoying your favorite foods. Luckily, there is a way to restore your teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, illness, or accident. If you plan to get dental implants, you should know about the procedure. Here are the five steps involved in getting dental implants:

1. Prepare your jawbone.

Dental implants are secured through your jawbone. Since your jaw is large and stable, it's the perfect place to put an implant. First, your oral surgeon will put you under general anesthesia before drilling a hole into your jawbone. You'll be sent home to heal after the procedure. 

2. Install the metal implant.

One your jawbone has fully healed, your doctor will insert a metal rod into the hole that was created. Your body will probably need 4 to 6 months to heal following this step. In this time, your jawbone will regrow around the implant, securing it firmly in place.

3. Take a mold of your teeth.

Next, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth surrounding the implant. This will help them shape your final implant so it will fit perfectly into your mouth. A proper fit is important, since a poorly fitted implant can cause malocclusion and pain.

4. Finish the implant.

Finally, you'll go back to the dentist's office where they will finish your dental implant. A porcelain piece shaped and colored just like your missing tooth will be screwed into the metal rod in your mouth. After this, your dental implant procedure is complete.

5. Take care of your new implant.

Once your implant is finished, it's very important that you follow all of your doctor's instructions regarding proper care. You may be given antibiotics during this process to help keep infection at bay. Any implant procedure carries a risk of infection, but you can minimize that risk by keeping your implant site clean and not touching it with your fingers until it's fully healed.

Dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life. If you're interested in getting implants to replace your missing teeth, make an appointment with your dentist today. They can refer you to an oral surgeon who can start you on the process to getting your new dental implants.