As a periodontist and implant surgeon, one of my greatest sources of satisfaction is people's reactions to implants. We constantly hear comments like, "They feel just like my teeth," "I wish I'd gotten them sooner," and "I can eat anything now." Of course, implants require some minor surgery, which is normally performed using local anesthesia. There is no pain during the procedure. Post-operative pain is minimal and usually well controlled with prescription pain medication.

The implant restoration usually consists of porcelain fused to metal crowns, which look and feel like natural teeth. Sometimes implants are restored with attachments to partial or full dentures.