Once an implant has had time to heal and an abutment (the metal post that protrudes through the gums) has been placed, it is now time to make the implant look and function like a tooth. Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and how many implants are present will determine how the area will be restored. For a single tooth, it’s just a matter of constructing a conventional crown (cap). For a section of missing teeth, a row of teeth can be made and screwed into the abutments. For patients who are needing all of their teeth in a particular arch (upper or lower) replaced, there are a number of options available. If two implants are placed, then the abutments can be placed that have little balls that look like trailer hitches. Then “O” rings are placed inside the denture to allow it to snap onto the implant abutments. Although this setup doesn’t hold the denture in rigidly, it does keep it from shifting laterally, greatly improving function. If four or more abutments are present, then special clips can be placed in the denture that can hold the denture in fairly firmly. The denture can then be unclipped to allow for easy cleaning underneath. The other alternative is to screw the denture directly to the abutments. This way, the denture is rigidly held in place and is as close to having one’s natural teeth.