Implant Dentistry

If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

Dental implants are biocompatible posts that are placed into the jaw to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. Over time the implant bonds with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. The visible restoration is custom-made to match your bite, shade, and facial proportions so the finished tooth looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Because implants replace the root as well as the crown, they help preserve bone volume and facial support that can be lost after tooth extraction. Modern materials and digital planning tools improve the accuracy of placement and the fit of the final restoration. This combination of internal stability and tailored prosthetics produces long-term function and natural aesthetics.

Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth may be considered for implants, but candidacy depends on overall health, gum condition, and available bone. During a consultation the clinician reviews medical history, examines the mouth, and uses imaging to assess bone quality and surrounding structures. If there are medical concerns or habits that could affect healing, those factors are discussed and addressed before planning treatment.

Reduced bone volume does not automatically rule out implants because grafting or sinus lift procedures can often rebuild the necessary support. Equally important are realistic expectations about treatment timeline and maintenance. The goal is to choose a solution that matches both clinical needs and a patient’s long-term oral health priorities.

Bone evaluation typically involves clinical assessment and three-dimensional imaging to measure both the height and width of the jawbone at potential implant sites. These images help the clinician determine if there is sufficient bone to support an implant and to plan the ideal position for placement. If bone dimensions are inadequate, the precise location and amount of augmentation needed can be mapped out before surgery.

Bone grafting is recommended when there is not enough native bone to achieve stable implant placement or to avoid damaging nearby structures such as sinuses or nerves. Grafting materials and techniques vary and may include autografts, allografts, or synthetic materials depending on the situation. When performed as part of a staged plan, grafting can create a predictable foundation for long-term implant success.

Implant restorations range from single crowns to multi-unit bridges and full-arch prostheses, and the choice depends on the number of missing teeth, bone availability, and patient goals. Single implants restore an individual tooth without altering adjacent teeth, while several implants can support fixed bridges or permanent full-arch restorations. Implant-retained overdentures offer a removable option that provides improved retention and comfort compared with conventional dentures.

Restorative design also considers hygiene access, functional load, and aesthetic needs so the solution is practical and maintainable. In some cases immediate provisional restorations are possible to preserve appearance during healing, but the timing of final restorations is based on clinical stability and tissue health. Each plan balances short-term comfort with long-term durability and appearance.

Treatment generally follows a sequence of diagnostic planning, surgical placement, healing for osseointegration, and delivery of the final restoration. Planning may include digital imaging and surgical guides to improve accuracy, and the surgical phase is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Healing times vary by clinical site and patient health, but follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor integration and tissue healing.

When bone grafting or additional procedures are required the overall timeline is extended to allow for adequate healing before implant placement or restoration. In straightforward cases many patients complete treatment in a few months, while more complex reconstructions may take longer. Clear communication about expected milestones helps patients understand what to expect at each stage.

Surgery for implant placement is typically performed with local anesthesia and, when appropriate, adjunctive sedation to enhance comfort. The procedure involves placing the implant into a precisely prepared site in the jaw and covering it to allow for uninterrupted healing; most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort that is manageable with routine post-operative care. The clinical team provides instructions on diet, oral hygiene, and activity during the immediate recovery phase.

Swelling and minor bruising are normal and usually peak within the first 48 to 72 hours, then subside over the following week. Follow-up visits are important to check healing and to remove any sutures if needed. If a temporary restoration was placed, care instructions are given to protect the implant while osseointegration occurs.

Long-term implant success depends on excellent daily oral hygiene and regular professional care. Implants cannot decay, but the surrounding gum tissue is susceptible to inflammation and infection if plaque accumulates, so brushing twice daily, interdental cleaning, and routine dental cleanings are essential. The dental team will provide specific recommendations for tools and techniques that work best with your restoration.

Routine follow-up visits allow the clinician to monitor tissue health, check the fit of the restoration, and address any early signs of complications. Maintaining overall health, quitting tobacco if applicable, and managing conditions such as diabetes also support long-term implant stability. With proper care, implants can provide many years of dependable function.

As with any surgical procedure, implant placement carries potential risks including infection, nerve injury, sinus complications in the upper jaw, and failure of the implant to integrate with the bone. Meticulous planning, sterile technique, and appropriate case selection reduce these risks, but patients are informed about possible outcomes before treatment. Early detection and management of complications improve the likelihood of a favorable resolution.

Another important long-term concern is peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis, inflammatory conditions of the soft tissues and bone around implants. Regular maintenance, good oral hygiene, and timely professional intervention help prevent and manage these issues. The treatment team reviews risk factors and provides personalized strategies to minimize complications.

Implants restore the root portion of a missing tooth and therefore tend to preserve bone and maintain facial support better than conventional bridges or removable dentures. A traditional bridge requires altering adjacent healthy teeth to support the prosthesis, while single implants restore a tooth without changing neighboring teeth. Dentures are a noninvasive option but often lack the stability and bone-preserving benefits that implants provide.

That said, each option has trade-offs in terms of treatment time, maintenance, and clinical suitability. The best choice is determined by the number of missing teeth, bone condition, hygiene ability, and personal preferences. A thoughtful evaluation allows patients to weigh functional and aesthetic priorities and select the most appropriate path forward.

To explore implant options, schedule a consultation with the practice to review your medical and dental history, perform an oral exam, and obtain any necessary imaging. During this visit the clinician will explain recommended steps, discuss alternatives, and outline the clinical sequence tailored to your situation. Bringing a list of questions and any relevant medical records helps ensure a productive conversation.

If you would like to arrange an appointment, contact Emerald Dentistry at the Yonkers office to speak with the team and request a consultation. The practice can provide information about the diagnostic process and what to expect at your first visit.