Dental Implants NYC & NJ
Permanent tooth Replacement In Queens (Flushing), Brooklyn (Brighton Beach), & Westfield
Dental implants are the optimal solution for replacing missing teeth. They are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants provide a strong foundation for the attachment of replacement teeth, such as individual crowns, bridges, or even full dentures. Dental implant placement enables a person the ability to eat virtually anything and retain their natural facial contours.
Smile with confidence,
eat your favorite foods again, and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Online Resources
New patients may register with our office prior to their appointment by filling out our secure online patient registration form. Or, check out our Dental Implant FAQs and patient testimonials.
How do Dental Implants Work?
Dental Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown.
In replacing the tooth, we start by placing a small titanium implant into the jawbone which acts as the new root. We then allow some time for the jawbone surrounding the dental implant to heal.
Next, an abutment (support post) is placed on top of the implant
Then a new replacement crown (part that you eat with) is placed on top of the abutment.
Roll over the hot buttons on the image to get a better understanding of the anatomy of a dental implant.
Titanium Implant
Your oral surgeon places this piece into your jawbone. It acts as your new tooth root.
Abutment
This is the support post, connecting the implant to the crown.
Crown
Your dentist will create this crown, designed to match the rest of your teeth in color and size for the most natural appearance.
7 Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Appearance: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Improved Chewing Ability: Dental implants allow for comfortable and efficient chewing, enabling you to enjoy a wide range of foods.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, making them a durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option.
- Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone’s structure and prevent bone loss, maintaining oral health.
- Convenience: Dental implants are a permanent solution that doesn’t require removal, adhesives, or special cleaning routines like removable dentures.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require modification of adjacent teeth, preserving the integrity of natural teeth.
- Enhanced Confidence: Restoring your smile with dental implants can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile and speak with assurance.
Schedule your consultation today!
I found Dr. Li on my insurance preferred provider list after my mother had failed dental implants done by a general dentist. I visited multiple doctors in order to find someone I could trust to re do my mother's implants. We finally visited Dr Li and after our initial consult with him, we decided he was perfect.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental Implants are designed to potentially last a lifetime. With proper care, successful implants can function and look just like natural teeth. Your oral hygiene is very important, so it is important to brush and floss your implants just like you would natural teeth. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
Be sure to floss regularly to lengthen the life of your dental implants.
Patient Experience: Dental Implants
Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Plan
During the initial phase of the dental implant process, imaging is gathered along with your medical and dental histories to give us a clear picture of your current health. We will then explore your treatment options with you to formulate a plan that ensures that both your health goals and budgetary needs are met.
Step 2: Extraction
The next step is to have the tooth in question extracted. In some cases, we may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction. In others, bone grafting will be required prior to implant placement (see next step).
Step 3: Bone Grafting
It is fairly common for the jawbone to lack the mass needed to accept an implant. In this case, a bone graft will be performed first to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is typically followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
Step 4: Dental Implant Surgery
During the implant procedure itself, a titanium screw is inserted into your jawbone. You will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery, which takes about 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Osseointegration
After placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and let it sit for 3 months in order to fuse with the bone.
Step 6: Final Restoration
After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration. Typically, the final restoration is done by a general dentist.
Dental Implant FAQs
Why choose to replace teeth with dental implants?
First and foremost, they restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, just like natural teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like your own teeth, enhancing both your smile and your overall oral health.
Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve the structure and integrity of your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can start to deteriorate over time. By replacing the missing tooth root with a dental implant, it stimulates the surrounding bone, preventing further bone loss and maintaining facial harmony.
Do dental implants feel like real teeth?
Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look, and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!
Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?
If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed (“loaded”) onto the implant at the same time as surgery.
What should I expect during dental implant procedure?
Initially, our skilled oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, including digital imaging, to assess your suitability for dental implants. If you’re a good candidate, the procedure can typically be broken down into three main phases:
Placement of the implant: Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is precisely positioned in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.
Osseointegration: Over the next few months, a process called osseointegration occurs. This is when the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a solid and stable foundation. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.
Restoration: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Then, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.
Do dental implants hurt?
During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times – you won’t feel a thing! And after surgery, you’ll be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit.
How is the recovery after dental implant surgery?
Recovery from a dental implant procedure is typically smooth and well-tolerated. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is normal to experience some minor swelling and temporary dietary restrictions, such as sticking to soft foods for a few days. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
Choosing dental implants is an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. They provide a durable and natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care, ensuring your comfort, and delivering exceptional results.
Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?
Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site, and their pre-op health.
What are single-stage implants?
In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.
What if I am missing a lot of teeth?
If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the number of teeth provided by a denture, but don’t want the hassle associated with it.
What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.).
How long do dental implants last?
Studies have shown that properly placed and well-cared-for dental implants can last as long as 25 years. Advanced technology and experience enable us to give you the very best shot at keeping yours for life!
When will I have my permanent teeth?
Permanent restorations are placed as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.
What is the average cost of a dental implant in NY?
In New York, a single, complete dental implant—including the titanium post, abutment, and final crown—typically costs between $3,500 and $6,000. If you require preliminary procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifts, or extractions, total out-of-pocket costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000+ per tooth.
How can I get dental implants if I can't afford them?
If upfront costs are a barrier, several alternative pathways can make treatment more affordable:
- Third-Party Financing: Healthcare credit programs like CareCredit or Proceed Finance offer zero-percent interest or long-term monthly payment plans.
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts: Use tax-free dollars from an FSA or HSA to pay for eligible implant procedures.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies significantly depending on your specific policy:
- Partial Coverage: Many modern PPO plans cover portions of the procedure (such as 50% of the crown or preliminary extractions), up to your annual maximum—which typically caps out between $1,500 and $2,500.
- No Coverage: Basic or preventative dental policies frequently classify implants as a cosmetic or elective procedure, excluding them entirely.
- Medical Insurance: In cases where tooth loss was caused by severe physical trauma, jaw reconstruction, or a medical disease, your primary medical insurance may help cover surgical costs.
What happens after 20 years of dental implants?
Because the titanium implant post fuses directly to your jawbone (osseointegration), the post itself is designed to last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. However, after 20 years, you may encounter normal maintenance needs:
- Crown Wear: The visible porcelain crown undergoes regular chewing stress and may chip, wear down, or require replacement after 10 to 15 years.
- Hardware Maintenance: Internal abutment screws can loosen or require minor tightening over time.
- Peri-Implant Health: Aging, systemic health shifts, or changes in oral hygiene can increase the risk of peri-implantitis (gum inflammation and bone loss around the implant). Regular dental cleanings ensure the foundation remains secure.
What is the 3/2 rule for dental implants?
The 3/2 rule is a fundamental surgical spacing guideline used by implant dentists to protect surrounding bone and soft tissue:
- 3 Millimeters: The minimum recommended distance required between two adjacent implants.
- 2 Millimeters: The minimum recommended distance required between an implant and a natural tooth.
Maintaining these clear gaps ensures adequate blood supply to the interdental bone and prevents black triangles (gaps) from forming in your gumline.