Dental Implants…What are they?

Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for porcelain teeth or they can strengthen your denture.
Dental Implants…What are they?
Small posts called “abutments” are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable support for replacement teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration, which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are nothing new. They were invented in 1965 in Sweden. They entered the U.S. in the early 1980’s. In the last 10-15 years, significant advances have propelled implants into the spotlight. When done correctly, they have a very high success rate. In fact, my own success rate with this procedure is 99.6%.

16 thoughts on “Dental Implants…What are they?”

  1. Hello dr
    I just got a set of implants 8 it’s a high cost and foreign objects In my body .
    I’d like to know if metal implants is hazard to your body and what are the extra precautions to have
    Am I going to have a bad metal feeling in my mouth or migraines or electrical reaction or anything as.i ve heard metal is not healthy for you what is the type of crowns I should get individuals or a set thks so much

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  2. I am going to be getting implant supported dentures. How do I know if my dentist is certified in this area. Also if it is the type that snaps in does food still get stuck underneath like a partial?

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  3. Hi Izzy,
    In most situations, having a dental implant is better than having a bridge.
    At times a bridge is better for front teeth esthetics but each situation is unique.
    A bridge will probably need to be replaced in 5-10 years, so keep that in mind when you consider price.
    In my Burbank dental practice, a bridge vs. an implant are about the same cost.
    Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
    Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
    Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
    Burbank, California
    https://www.burbankdentalimplants.com

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  4. Hi Dr. I can’t decide whether I should get a dental implant or a fixed bridge. Money is an issue and also I worry about having a foreign object in my jaw. Thoughts?

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  5. Hi Kevin,
    If it is possible, a same day implant and temporary crown is often the best treatment for your situation. Each tooth is very different though.
    I do this very routinely.
    Respectfully,
    Dr. Amin

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  6. Hi Doctor, I had a dental implant on my lower back tooth done several years ago. I remember having them take out the tooth and covering it up. I now need to have one replaced on my upper jaw, front tooth. I do not want to go a long period of time without a tooth in my fronth smile line. Is there something you can do to cover up the space with a tooth? I have also heard of “teeth in a hour” which places the tooth at the same time as the implant.

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  7. Hi Carli,
    I completely understand you! I would not want to be in that situation either.
    I assume you have a missing lateral incisor from birth. That would a top small tooth just one tooth off of center.
    This is a similar case I did…here are the photos:
    https://www.burbankdentalimplants.com/SmilePhotoGallery_42.aspx?gid=227843#Content
    If that is the case the implant can be placed while you still have your braces on. The tooth can be made the same day you take your braces off if this is all planned correctly. Many times, an “immediate implant” can be done with your situation if the bone permits and you have a really good implant dentist that can do the surgery and make your tooth. Most dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons do NOT do both phases of treatment so I suggest you seek out someone that does. A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry would be your best person.
    Most implants in my practice do not take a full six months. If the immediate implant can be done, you will have a nice temporary put on the same day, that will look feel and function like the real one. Usually about 3 months is enough time to wait for the real one to be placed.
    Because you may be still growing at your young age, it would be prudent to make sure you are done growing so you don’t “out grow” your implant. This is done with an x-ray of your hand/wrist area and/or and x-ray of the side of your skull. You may or may not need a bone graft. A ct scan should be taken too.
    Watch this video —http://www.dentalimplantdentistryblog.com/2009/08/how-long-do-dental-implants-take-to-heal.html
    Bottom line is you should always have a tooth present during the dental implant process!
    Good luck!
    Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
    Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry

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  8. Hello Doctor Amin,
    I read this in your article but i am still not very clear.
    I have braces right now with a fake tooth attatched to the braces. I am in highschool and my biggest concern is not having a tooth. After I get the braces off i am planning to get an implant. However, I heard that the process of having the rod in takes around 6 months to actually attatch the fake tooth on it. I cannot be with out a tooth for a day, let alone 6 months. What is an immidiate implant? is that just for temperary use or is it for permanent? Also, I have heard the option of having a fake tooth attatched to a retainer for the time waiting for the rod to be ready. I am in highschool and i don’t want to be at the lunch table and just pull out my retainer with my front tooth on it to eat my sandwich. Are there any other options?
    Your article was very helpful and now i feel like i know alot more about implants.

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  9. Great posting. I have been interesting in learning more about dental implants and I will continue to reference your site in the future.

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  10. Hi Tomo,
    Bone actually has no nerve endings. If the procedure is done very skillfully, most of my patients experience very little pain.
    In my own practice, whether I place one or twelve implants at the same time, the patient usually says they did not have much pain.
    How well you heal, also has a lot to do with it. Your health is of paramount importance.
    Intravenous steroids also help greatly and are given with the sedation.

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