61 Hilton Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
Missing teeth change more than your smile — they alter how you chew, how your face supports soft tissues, and how confident you feel in everyday interactions. Modern implant dentistry replaces lost teeth with small, biocompatible posts that integrate with the jawbone and act as stable anchors for lifelike replacement teeth. This approach rebuilds both form and function so patients can eat comfortably and speak without hesitation.
Dental implants are appropriate for many situations, from a single missing tooth to full-arch reconstruction. Treatment is planned around each person’s oral health, anatomy, and goals. With careful evaluation and the right technology, implants can deliver a natural-looking result that performs like a healthy tooth.
Every case begins with a conversation about goals and a thorough assessment. At Callahan Family Dentistry we focus on clear explanations and individualized planning so patients understand their options and what to expect from the process.
Implants are widely regarded as the most advanced solution for replacing missing teeth because they recreate the function of a natural root as well as the visible crown. That root-like support preserves the jawbone and provides a secure foundation for crowns, bridges, or full-arch prostheses. The result is improved chewing efficiency and a stable solution that avoids the limitations of removable appliances.
Because implant restorations are anchored into bone, they do not shift or click in the mouth the way removable dentures can. This stability supports comfortable speech and allows people to enjoy a wider variety of foods with confidence.
Implant fixtures are made from materials chosen for their ability to fuse with bone. After placement, a process called osseointegration occurs, where the surrounding bone grows close to the implant surface, creating a long-term mechanical connection. This biological integration is key to achieving predictable, lasting support for replacement teeth.
Integration times can vary depending on the site and whether additional procedures are needed, such as bone grafting. During the healing period, temporary restorations can often be used to maintain appearance and function while the implant becomes firmly established.
Implants offer several practical advantages over traditional bridges and removable dentures. They preserve adjacent teeth because they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, they help maintain jawbone volume by transmitting functional forces into bone, and they provide a fixed, secure solution that reduces worries about slippage during eating or speaking.
Because implants replace the root as well as the crown, they help maintain the facial structure that can change when tooth roots are missing. Over time, this preservation of bone supports natural facial contours and contributes to a more youthful appearance.
Maintenance of implants is similar to caring for natural teeth: effective daily hygiene and regular dental visits. With proper home care and professional follow-up, implants can remain a functional part of your mouth for many years.
Beyond the improvements in stability and bone health, implant restorations are built from durable, biocompatible materials that resist decay and wear. This means restoration design focuses on strength and esthetics, producing teeth that blend with the remaining natural dentition in shape, color, and proportion.
Implants also allow clinicians to restore single teeth without altering adjacent healthy teeth — a conservative approach that preserves more of the natural dentition and avoids unnecessary preparation of neighboring crowns.
Implant dentistry is highly versatile. Treatment can be tailored to replace one tooth, span a gap with an implant-supported bridge, or restore an entire arch with a fixed full-arch prosthesis. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health and quantity of available bone, and the patient’s functional and cosmetic priorities.
During the planning phase, we consider both short-term needs and long-term maintenance. Some patients benefit from a single implant and crown for a gap created by a lost tooth; others prefer the stability of implant-supported bridges or full-arch solutions that eliminate removable dentures altogether.
Decisions about implant placement and restoration type are always made with an eye toward predictable outcomes, balanced aesthetics, and ease of ongoing care.
For an isolated gap, an implant topped with a custom crown recreates the look and function of a natural tooth without relying on adjacent teeth. This conservative approach maintains neighboring tooth structure and delivers a comfortable, natural feel.
When multiple teeth in a row are missing, strategically placed implants can support a bridge without requiring crowns on adjacent healthy teeth. This option restores chewing function while preserving the integrity of remaining natural dentition.
For patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, a full set of prosthetic teeth can be supported by a small number of implants. This fixed solution offers the feel of natural teeth, improved chewing ability, and greater confidence when speaking or smiling.
For those who prefer a removable option, an overdenture secured by implants gives superior retention and stability compared with conventional dentures. The appliance snaps into position on attachments and can be removed for cleaning, combining convenience with improved function.
Determining whether implants are appropriate begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of your health history, an oral exam, and imaging. Advanced 3D imaging or digital impressions provide detailed information about bone volume, tooth relationships, and anatomical structures so treatment can be planned precisely.
When bone volume is sufficient, implants can be positioned to maximize support and esthetics. If bone loss has occurred, grafting procedures can be used to rebuild missing volume — a common and predictable step that creates a stable foundation for implant placement.
Treatment is typically staged: planning and any preparatory procedures, implant placement, a healing period for osseointegration, and final restoration with crowns, bridges, or prostheses. Many patients can receive temporary teeth during healing to maintain appearance and function.
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia and can be combined with sedation when appropriate to maximize comfort. Because the process is outpatient and well-controlled, recovery is usually straightforward. The clinical team provides detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to support healing and minimize discomfort.
Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor integration and to guide the transition from provisional to final restorations. Clear communication and careful follow-up help reduce unexpected issues and support a smooth treatment trajectory.
Bone grafting is advised when existing bone is insufficient to support an implant. Grafts can be performed at the time of extraction, prior to implant placement, or concurrently with the implant in selected cases. Modern grafting materials and techniques make it possible to rebuild lost bone reliably so implants can be placed in a stable environment.
Grafting decisions are individualized and based on the quality and quantity of bone, the location in the mouth, and the patient’s overall health. Your clinician will explain the rationale and expected timeline when grafting is part of the plan.
Success with dental implants depends on professional planning, precise placement, and consistent home and professional care. Daily oral hygiene, routine dental check-ups, and professional cleanings help keep soft tissues and bone healthy around implants. While implants do not experience cavities, the supporting gum and bone can be affected by inflammation if hygiene lapses.
Periodic maintenance visits allow your dental team to check the health of the tissues around the implant, assess the integrity of the restoration, and deliver preventive care. Addressing small issues early helps protect your investment in oral function and appearance.
If you’re curious whether implants are a suitable solution for your smile, or you’d like to explore the treatment steps in more detail, our team at Callahan Family Dentistry can provide a personalized assessment and clear guidance on next steps. Contact us to learn more about implant dentistry and how it might help restore your smile and oral health.
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.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
