Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD  |  Tooth Fairy Workshop  |  Updated June 2026  |  7 min read

Missing a tooth changes more than your smile. It affects how you chew, how adjacent teeth shift, and over time, how your jawbone resorbs beneath the gap. Dental implants solve all of these problems in a way no other replacement option can — which is why they’re considered the gold standard by periodontists and oral surgeons worldwide.

Dr. Tamara Rojas, periodontist and implant specialist at Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL, explains exactly how dental implants work — from the titanium post to your final crown.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the surrounding bone — a process called osseointegration — it provides a stable, permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

The completed restoration consists of three components:

• The implant post — the titanium screw placed in the jawbone
• The abutment — a connector piece that attaches the crown to the post
• The crown — the visible tooth, custom-made to match your natural teeth

Together, these components create a restoration that looks, feels, and functions identically to a natural tooth.

How Dental Implants Work: The Biology

The key to what makes implants different from any other restoration is osseointegration — the biological process by which the titanium post fuses with living bone.

Titanium has a unique property called biocompatibility: bone cells recognize titanium surfaces and grow directly onto them. Over 3–6 months after placement, new bone tissue grows into the microscopic surface texture of the implant, locking it in place as firmly as a natural tooth root.

This fusion is why implants are the only restoration that:

• Stimulates the jawbone — preventing the bone loss that occurs under bridges and dentures
• Can withstand normal chewing forces without loosening over time
• Doesn’t require neighboring teeth to be filed down as a bridge does
• Can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene

Step-by-Step: The Implant Process

Understanding each phase helps patients know what to expect and why each step matters.

Step 1: Consultation and 3D Imaging

Every implant case begins with a comprehensive evaluation. At Tooth Fairy Workshop, this includes a cone beam CT scan (CBCT) — a 3D X-ray that shows the exact dimensions of your available bone, the location of nerves and sinus cavities, and the ideal implant position and angle. This planning step is what separates safe, predictable outcomes from guesswork.

Step 2: Preparatory Treatment (If Needed)

Patients with insufficient bone receive a bone graft first, which heals over 3–6 months before implant placement. Patients with active gum disease receive periodontal treatment before any surgical work begins. Dr. Rojas handles all preparatory care in-house as a periodontist — no referrals to outside specialists.

Step 3: Implant Placement

The implant post is placed under local anesthesia in a 45–90 minute procedure. A small incision is made in the gum, a precise channel is drilled in the bone, and the titanium post is inserted and secured. The gum is sutured closed over the implant. Most patients drive themselves home and return to desk work the next day.

Step 4: Osseointegration (3–6 Months)

The implant is left undisturbed while bone grows around and into it. A temporary restoration (crown or flipper) maintains your appearance during this phase. You’ll return for progress checks at 6 weeks and again at 3 months.

Step 5: Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece (the abutment) is attached to the implant post. This typically requires a brief appointment with local anesthesia and heals in 2 weeks.

Step 6: Final Crown

Impressions (or digital scans) are taken of your mouth and sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is fabricated to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The crown is attached to the abutment — and your new tooth is complete.

Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures

Patients often ask whether implants are really worth the investment over less expensive options. Here’s an honest comparison:

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the two neighboring teeth — which must be permanently filed down (irreversibly altered) to serve as anchors. The bridge doesn’t stop bone loss under the gap, and it typically needs replacement every 10–15 years. An implant leaves neighboring teeth untouched and can last a lifetime.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Traditional dentures rest on the gum surface and provide no bone stimulation — accelerating bone loss and causing the “sunken face” appearance associated with long-term denture wear. Implant-supported dentures or full-arch implants (like TeethXpress) snap onto implants for a fixed, stable result that restores full chewing function.

Dental Implants at Tooth Fairy Workshop

Dr. Tamara Rojas is both a periodontist and implant surgeon — meaning she provides every phase of care at a single practice:

• Periodontal disease treatment before implant placement
• Bone grafting and ridge augmentation
• Sinus lifts for upper back implants
• Single implant placement and restoration
• Full-arch implants (TeethXpress) for patients missing all or most teeth

Patients from Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami come to Tooth Fairy Workshop for implant care that doesn’t require bouncing between multiple specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

The implant post itself can last a lifetime — titanium is highly resistant to corrosion and the bone fusion is permanent. The crown typically lasts 15–25 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings are the most important factors in long-term success.

Does the implant surgery hurt?

The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most patients report being surprised by how little discomfort they felt during surgery. Post-operative soreness is well controlled with ibuprofen and typically resolves within 3–5 days.

How much do dental implants cost in Hollywood, FL?

A single implant (post, abutment, and crown) typically ranges from $3,000–$5,000 in the Hollywood, FL area. Cases requiring bone grafting or sinus lifts will have higher total costs. Call (954) 963-4700 for a detailed estimate based on your specific situation.

How soon can I get an implant after tooth extraction?

In some cases, an implant can be placed the same day as extraction (immediate implant placement). More often, the socket is allowed to heal for 8–12 weeks first. If bone grafting is needed at the extraction site, a longer waiting period (3–6 months) is required. Dr. Rojas will recommend the right timing after evaluating your X-rays.

Can I get dental implants if I have dentures?

Yes. Many patients who have worn dentures for years are good candidates for implant-supported dentures or full-arch implants. The amount of bone grafting needed depends on how long you’ve worn dentures and how much bone has resorbed.