Dental implants are an advanced method of tooth replacement for missing or badly damaged teeth. They are composed of an implanted titanium post with a custom implant restoration firmly attached to the top. The implant posts are surgically placed in the jawbone where they are designed to fuse with bone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration. When successful healing occurs around the implanted post, it can become a secure anchor for attaching customized implant prosthetics, which could include single implant crowns, multi-tooth implant bridges, or full arch dentures. High-quality dental implants can deliver impressive stability, function, aesthetics, and longevity.

Although many dental professionals offer dental implants, choosing a dentist with certified expertise in performing complex dental implant cases can be vital to the success of your treatment. As top implant dentists in NYC, our prosthodontists at Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC are exceptionally qualified to plan, design, surgically place, and restore dental implants. Each of our dentists has completed in-depth postgraduate training and received extensive experience in advanced methods of tooth replacement and restoration. If you are considering dental implants, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our prosthodontists to explore your tooth replacement options.

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What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer several significant advantages over other methods of tooth replacement. For qualified candidates, they can:

We perform every stage of the dental implant procedure in-house at Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC, which enables us to provide continuous, highly-customized care and achieve a high rate of implant success.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Candidates for dental implants must typically meet the following criteria before undergoing the implantation procedure:

During a consultation, your dentist will perform a thorough dental examination and medical evaluation to determine if you are well-suited for dental implants. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled implant dentists, please contact our office.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

While there can be risks with any surgery, when dental implants are placed by experienced prosthodontists with advanced training in every aspect of the procedure, the potential for complications is greatly reduced. From the initial assessment for candidacy to attachment of the final restoration(s), our prosthodontists at Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC prioritize safety and provide dental implant services that meet the highest-standards of care. Our approach to all dental implant procedures is aimed at delivering healthy, successful results that are natural-looking, functional, and comfortable. If any issues do arise through the process, our goal is always to provide swift, appropriate treatment that can prevent more serious complications from developing. Patients are always encouraged to contact our dental implant NYC practice with any concerns and we can make arrangements for same-day appointments when necessary.

What Types of Dental Implants Are Available?

Dental implant posts can be used to anchor several different types of implant prosthetics, depending on the patient’s unique dental needs, aesthetic goals, priorities, and budget. These include single tooth implants, implant bridges, and implant dentures.

Single Tooth Implants

Single tooth implants are comprised of one implant post and a crown prosthesis, which replaces a single missing tooth. Multiple single tooth dental implants can be used to replace several missing teeth in various areas around the mouth, or in a series. For patients missing all of their teeth, single crown dental implants may provide a viable option for full mouth rehabilitation, though implant overdentures are typically a more common solution for this kind of case.

Implant Bridges

When a patient has a series of missing teeth, a multi-tooth dental implant restoration consisting of two dental implant posts and a custom bridge prosthesis may provide the most suitable solution for replacement. For some patients, implant bridges and single tooth implants may be combined into a single treatment plan.

Implant Dentures

Replacing a full arch of missing teeth can be efficiently and effectively achieved with a custom upper or lower implant denture that’s secured by four or more dental implant posts. The posts are implanted strategically in areas with adequate jawbone density to support the denture. When both upper and lower implant dentures are placed, the procedure is commonly referred to as full mouth restoration.

What Happens During the Dental Implant Procedure?

The first stage of the dental implant procedure involves the surgical implantation of the titanium post, which ultimately anchors the restoration to the jawbone. During surgery, the post is carefully implanted within the area of your jawbone that provides proper positioning and maximum stability for your future restoration. The area is then allowed to heal, and over the next three to six months the implant should become securely fused with the bone. When the implant (or implants) is fully healed, the abutment (fastener) and custom-designed restoration can be attached and fine-tuned to complete the process. In the unlikely event that a complication arises during the lifetime of your dental implant, our team is equipped to quickly diagnose and treat your concerns to prevent incidents of implant failure.

What Are the Dental Implant Healing Stages?

The dental implant healing process is comprised of two stages. For a safe and successful recovery, it is important that you follow the instructions of our NYC dental implant specialists. Initially, the implants will need plenty of time to safely fuse to your jawbone (usually three to six months).

Once the abutment and restoration are placed, the second stage of healing begins. Soreness and swelling are common at first, but these can be eased with over-the-counter medications and should fade a little more every day. You will be advised to eat only soft or liquid foods for the first day or so and are discouraged from drinking from a straw, which can distort the effects of surgery. Remember that every patient heals at his or her own rate, and additional factors, such as whether or not a bone graft is needed, may warrant additional healing time.

What Results Can I Expect with Dental Implants?

Results achieved with dental implants at our practice are incredibly natural-looking. The majority of implant restorations are fabricated in our own, on-site lab according to the exact specifications of each patient’s needs. Our implant-supported dentures, crowns, and bridges are crafted with the highest-quality materials and attention to detail, which enables them to look, feel, and function much like natural teeth. Many of our patients report that receiving dental implants has not only improved their smile, but enhanced their confidence and quality of life as well.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Ideally, dental implant posts that are properly placed and maintained should last for a lifetime. The customized implant prosthetics that are attached to the posts should also be long-lasting; however, it is possible for them to become damaged or require adjustments over time. Since the prosthetics we create at our in-house dental lab are crafted from high-quality materials to the exact specifications provided by your prosthodontist, they are exceptionally durable and expected to last for decades. If you do experience a problem with your implant(s) or prosthetic(s), we encourage you to contact our practice as soon as possible to discuss the issue and schedule a prompt appointment.

Why Choose Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC for Dental Implants?

At Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC, we are a specialty practice that provides top-quality implant dentistry services in-house, from start to finish. Unlike many general and cosmetic dentists you’ll find offering dental implants, our prosthodontists have completed years of advanced training in implant dentistry techniques and take a special interest in complex cases. They have a proven, in-depth understanding of the oral structures and can be trusted to replace missing and badly damaged teeth with results that yield proper function, optimal aesthetics, and a foundation of good oral health.

We not only perform all dental implant procedures in-house, we also have an in-house lab that custom-fabricates all of our implant prosthetics and dental restorations. This provides our prosthodontists with the utmost control over each detail of your treatment, and the ability to request quick prosthetic adjustments from our skilled lab technicians. Our in-house process is designed to have a positive impact on every patient’s care by creating continuity in the process, which can lead to more satisfactory and longer-lasting treatment outcomes.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

At our Manhattan dental implant practice, the overall price for your custom dental implant treatment plan is determined by specific details of the work you have performed and the restoration(s) used to complete your smile. Generally speaking, our prices for implant placements are $2750 each and implant restorations are $3450 each. To get an accurate estimate for how much dental implants cost in your unique case, you will need to schedule a personal consultation with one of our experienced prosthodontists. Factors that affect the total price for dental implants typically include:

You will likely find that we do not have the lowest prices in town; however, the quality of our work speaks for itself, and we know our prices are fair. The cost for your care reflects the specialty implant dentistry we perform and the proven expertise of our board-certified prosthodontists. Each of our prosthodontists is fellowship-trained and has completed the strenuous certification process required by the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, though typically dental implants are considered an elective procedure. For those who are curious about their dental care benefits, our office team can explain your coverage and calculate any out-of-pocket costs. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options, which include in-practice payment plans and dental financing through a trusted third-party lender called CareCredit®. If you are considering dental implants and have concerns about pricing, cost, insurance, or financing, we encourage you to contact our practice to get the information you need.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?

At Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC we offer the full range of tooth replacement options in addition to dental implants. For patients who are not good candidates for dental implants or those who would rather consider alternative options for a variety of reasons (i.e. pricing, dental insurance coverage, or personal preference), our prosthodontists can discuss custom dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures to restore a beautifully complete smile. Each restoration and/or denture is fabricated to provide long-lasting tooth replacement as well as a healthy, functioning bite and natural-looking aesthetics.

Additional Dental Implant FAQs

Do dental implants look and feel natural?

When dental implants are placed and restored by an experienced prosthodontist, the final results typically look, feel, and function much like natural teeth. Whether dental implants support custom-designed crowns, bridges, partial dentures, or full-arch dentures, the majority of patients agree that their new replacement teeth offer a superlative outcome. Our prosthodontists carefully plan and implement each step of the treatment process to improve the success of each implant, as well as the fit, comfort, and aesthetics of every implant restoration.

How do I care for my dental implants?

For the most part, your oral hygiene routine and dental maintenance schedule will remain the same with dental implants. Our prosthodontists recommend twice-daily brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings and exams every six months (or three to four months if your oral health requires additional supervision). You may also be encouraged to massage the gum tissue around the implants to stimulate circulation and improve gum health. If you notice any problems with your implants, restorations, or gums, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible so that we can provide prompt treatment and prevent the development of any serious complications.

Does the dental implant procedure hurt?

Local anesthetic and sedation techniques can help to ensure you remain both relaxed and free from discomfort throughout the dental implant procedure. Some swelling and tenderness are to be expected following treatment; however, these effects are temporary and should fade with healing. Pain relief medications, cold compresses, specialized rinses, and consumption of soft foods during the recovery process can help to provide additional comfort as you heal.

Are there risks associated with dental implants?

As with any oral surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of when you receive dental implants, such as infection or failure of the implant. Closely following post-treatment instructions—which include taking antibiotics as prescribed, practicing effective oral hygiene, and refraining from tobacco use and alcohol consumption—and attending all follow-up appointments can help minimize these risks. Our prosthodontists generally have high rates of dental implant success and low rates of complications, especially when patients practice proper homecare, follow post-treatment guidelines, and notify the practice when the first signs of a problem arise.

Can smoking negatively affect my dental implants?

Reputable studies have consistently shown that tobacco use can lead to higher rates of dental implant failure. Most notably, nicotine is proven to restrict circulation, which can prevent proper healing after the implants have been placed. Our prosthodontists ask that patients refrain from tobacco use for a period of time both prior to and following surgery to support optimal healing and implant longevity.

Will I need a bone graft before my dental implant procedure?

It is common for patients to require a bone graft prior to the placement of dental implants. During your consultation, your prosthodontist will evaluate the health, volume, and density of your jawbone tissue to determine whether a bone graft will be necessary to provide adequate support for the implant(s). Some dental implant types and techniques do not require as much jawbone density for support, and these options may prevent the need for a bone graft. You can expect your prosthodontist to explain all of your treatment options once a complete evaluation of your oral health and structures has been performed.

What causes dental implants to fail?

While implants have an extremely high success rate when placed by a highly qualified dental implant specialist, there is nearly always a small chance of implant failure. This occurs when the bone rejects the implant and osseointegration cannot be completed. It can be the result of poor dental hygiene, insufficient bone structure, smoking during recovery, or a previous existing infection. That said, our implant dentists have extensive experience helping patients through the dental implant process, and their meticulous skill regularly exceeds expectations. They will only recommend dental implants to patients they deem good candidates.

Contact Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC

For more information about restoring your smile with dental implants, contact our practice to schedule a consultation today.