Dental Implants in Manhattan

The concept of dental implants is very simple – they replace missing teeth! If you’re considering implants, your most important concern should be the level of expertise and skill of the practitioner you choose. Successful implant dentistry depends upon a “second sense” that can be achieved only by experience. I am proud to have extensive training and vast clinical experience and I am a faculty member of the New York University College Of Dentistry where I teach dentists the art and skill of dental implants in Manhattan, NYC.

If you’ve been struggling to find the right provider for dental implants, with me, you’re in good hands.

Dental implants explained

In its most simple application, a dental implant is a root replacement that is inserted into the jawbone and serves as a support or a foundation for a dental crown. Dental implants are an amazing feat of bioengineering that are placed under the gum and enable patients to receive “permanent” natural-looking crowns or bridges. Crowns and bridges restore gap-toothed smiles and incomplete dentitions to a fully functional and esthetically pleasing state of dental health.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, is a potential candidate for dental implants with the exception of people with certain pre-existing health conditions. The only real limiting factor to candidacy for dental implants has to do with the quality and quantity of your jawbone. But even in cases where the natural bone is deficient, we can generally overcome this by using modern bone grafting techniques.
Age is only a contraindication for implant dentistry when a patient is too young and still growing.

The process of dental implant treatment involves three stages:

Stage 1: Surgical Placement of the Implant Itself – Implant Surgery

Implant surgery is performed with the use of a local anesthetic. Light sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available if you request it. Once the area is completely numb I create a small incision in the gum to reach the bone that will receive your implant. This procedure is referred to as raising a gingival (or gum) flap. Your implant, usually made of titanium, is then placed in the bone.

During the procedure, most of my patients experience very little discomfort (really!). And afterward, they generally get by with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil. In fact, many patients go right back to work after the procedure; depending upon how many implants I have placed.

My staff and I will be in touch with you during the first days after surgery to make sure you are feeling well and to answer any questions that may come up. If you need stronger medication, it will be prescribed.

Stage 2. Healing – A Crucial Part of Dental Implant Success

Through a process called osseointegration your titanium implant forms an intimate bond with your jawbone. This healing process can’t be rushed and typically lasts four to six months. Your implant needs time to” fuse” with your natural bone.

During the healing process, you can choose to wear a removable temporary tooth called a flipper (for a front tooth) or nesbit (for a back tooth). And, if you desire a more natural-looking temporary during the healing process, you can opt for a fixed or non-removable bridge (also called a Maryland bridge). It’s your choice.

Aesthetics are very important to most of my patients. For example, when a front tooth is being replaced it’s often possible for me to place a temporary crown on the implant the same day it is placed. Or when an entire arch (all teeth in the entire upper or lower jaw) is being treated with implants, I can place a fixed (non-removable) temporary to replace all the missing teeth the same day. This technique is sometimes referred to as teeth in a day.

Stage 3. Placing The Crown – Your New Tooth!

An implant is ready to receive the crown when the healing process is complete. First, I will take an impression of the implant and surrounding teeth. The impression is then sent to a top dental laboratory, which uses it to create custom-fitted, beautifully contoured, natural-looking crowns (or a bridge that is comprised of multiple crowns with additional replacement teeth attached). These crowns are strong and designed to last for many, many years.

Dental implants can be the means to regaining (or attaining for the first time!) natural-looking teeth that will stand the test of time.

Call for an appointment today to discuss your options for dental implant surgery in Manhattan at 212-685-3040

Find out more about dental implants in Manhattan:
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost In NYC?
Some Miracles Take A Little Longer
All-on-Four® Dental Implants Explained