What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are actually artifitial tooth roots. A picture of a dental implant can be seen by clicking here.
It has 3 main parts. The implant part is inserted into the place of missing tooth. On top of it comes a so called abutment. And finally comes the crown which is the visible tooth. 

How is a dental implant procedure carried out?

In any dental implant procedure the first thing is a thorough examination. General health and condition of the existing teeth and jaw bone is checked out.
After a panoramic X-ray or preferably a CT is done and analysed the dental surgeon can tell what kind of procedures are needed. When the jaw bone is too thin other procedures like the so called bone grafting is carried out. This allows that an implant can be placed.
When a the patient is set up for the dental implant procedure the first step is creating a hole in the jaw bone. This receives the implant.
The inmplant is now in the jaw bone. However it needs time to really cement in the bone. A hurriedly placed implant will probably fall out. Bone formation around the implant is vital. This is the foundation of the artifitial tooth. And it is only as good as the foundation.
When the jaw bone is healed the crown can be placed.

Here you can see a video of an animated dental implant procedure.

Is it painful? 

Dental implant procedures naturally done in local or complete anesthesia. During the treatment the patient does fell pain in the proper hands.

What are dental implants made of.