Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small, biocompatible titanium post is placed into the jawbone where the original root used to be. Over the following months, the bone naturally grows around and fuses to that post in a process called osseointegration — creating a foundation as stable as a natural tooth root. Once it has fully integrated, a custom crown is attached on top, color-matched to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.

This is fundamentally different from a bridge or a denture. A bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and a denture simply rests on top of the gums. An implant stands on its own, preserves the surrounding teeth, and — crucially — keeps the jawbone active so it doesn't shrink over time. That's why implants look, feel, and function more like a real tooth than any other tooth-replacement option available today.

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate. Without the stimulation of a root, the body gradually reabsorbs the bone, which can change the shape of your face over time, shift neighboring teeth out of position, and make future restorations more complicated. A dental implant is the only tooth-replacement option that actively prevents this bone loss, because the implant post stimulates the bone just like a natural root.

There are functional benefits too. Implants restore full chewing power, so you can eat the foods you love without worrying about a denture slipping. They don't affect your speech the way removable appliances sometimes do. And because they're cared for exactly like natural teeth — brushing, flossing, and routine checkups — they integrate seamlessly into your daily life. For many Burbank patients, that combination of health, function, and confidence is what makes implants worth the investment.

Every implant case at Olive Dental Studio begins with a thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging that lets Dr. Hakobyan assess your bone density and plan the precise position and angle of the implant. This planning stage is where quality implant dentistry is won or lost — careful placement is what produces a result that looks natural and lasts for decades. If you've been missing the tooth for a while and have lost bone, a bone graft may be recommended first; we'll explain exactly what your case needs before any work begins.

The implant placement itself is a relatively quick procedure performed under local anesthesia, and most patients are surprised by how comfortable the recovery is. After a healing period of three to six months, during which the implant fuses to the bone, you'll return for your custom crown. Because Dr. Hakobyan plans and restores implants in-house, you get continuity of care from start to finish — one doctor who knows your case, not a referral chain across multiple offices.

Dental implants are remarkably flexible. A single implant and crown replaces one missing tooth without touching the neighbors. When several teeth are missing, a few implants can support a fixed bridge. And for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, full-arch solutions use just four to six strategically placed implants to anchor a complete, fixed set of teeth — a life-changing alternative to traditional dentures that restores both function and confidence.

Because the right approach depends entirely on your situation — how many teeth are missing, your bone health, and your goals — Dr. Hakobyan provides a personalized treatment plan with a clear, itemized estimate at your consultation. If you'd like to understand pricing before you come in, our Burbank dental implant cost guide breaks down what affects the investment and how patients typically finance it. Implants are a long-term solution, and our goal is to make sure you have every piece of information you need to feel confident in your decision.