Dental Implants

An ultimate war that is centuries long, between dentist and tiny germs. We battle for each individual tooth, and yet, unfortunately, at times, lose a war. We get a missing tooth.

We are good at removing decay, efficient at treatment of root canals, and knowledgeable at protecting teeth with crowns. Nevertheless, we still struggle, on occasion, to stop recurrent development of decay, reinfection of root canals, or to even prevent fracturing of the teeth.

Yes, until recently, those problems would constitute loss of a tooth. We would believe that we lost a war to bacteria. However, today, it is only a lost battle, not a war. We have Dental Implants!

Missing Teeth? Not Anymore!

For more than forty years there has been a growth in the science of IMPLANT DENTISTRY. They have proved to be 95% successful at Osseo integration with a jaw bone. Dental implants will never develop decay (they are made of titanium alloy,) and they have no root canal systems. Dental implants can last for many years, even decades in 90% of the cases.

Success of dental implants and their restorations directly correspond to how well each implant placement and each implant crown were preplanned. At Scarsdale Dental Spa & Wellness, we take pride in providing implant dentistry to our patients. Each patient, each individual implant case is thoroughly discussed between Dr. David M. Greene, DMD (implant restoration specialist) and Dr. Mark Pakan, Periodontist (implant surgeon.)

We believe that only a team effort, collaboration between an implant surgeon and a restorative dentist under one roof can lead to a predictable comfortable outcome for every patient.

We offer a comprehensive dental team diagnosis and treatment plan at Scarsdale Dental Spa & Wellness. Our group of dental specialists will do everything they can to keep and save each individual tooth. However, if there is a lost tooth, if there is a battle that is lost, no worries, we will win the war. Our implant specialists will bring comfortable chewing and pleasant smiles back.

Dental Implant F.A.Q

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE ANESTHESIA WEARS OFF?
No, it is usually done under local anesthesia by our periodontal specialist in our office, in just about the same way as you would do a filling. Once, the anesthesia is gently administered and takes effect, you shouldn’t feel a thing.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE ANESTHESIA WEARS OFF?
It is beneficial to eat cold foods following implant surgery. These would include ice cream, a smoothie, a shake or some cold yogurt. A straw should be avoided if a shake or smoothie is chosen. Avoidance of smoking for at least 48 hours if necessary to allow initial healing (if one smokes). A regular diet would be fine on the second day following surgery avoiding chewing on the area where the implant was placed. A chlorhexidine rinse should be used following any eating for the first week starting on the second day after implant placement.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?
An implant restoration requires evaluation and cleaning every few months by specially trained dental hygienist. If this schedule is followed, the implant restoration can last for the foreseeable future. There are implant restorations that have lasted more than 40 years are a still quite functional. We have enjoyed a very high success rate over the years using an implant specialist as well as a knowledgeable restorative dentist.

CAN MY BODY REJECT A DENTAL IMPLANT, AND IF SO WHAT THEN?
Do to an undiagnosed infection in the bone and or poor bone structure, it is possible for the implant to no fuse to the bone and “fail”. The surgeon remedies this situation by thoroughly removing the infected bone, placing a healthy tissue bone graft, allowing healing and eventual placement of a brand new implant which is usually quite successful.

ARE DENTAL IMPALNTS EXPENSIVE?
The expense is a great value considering areas of lost teeth are replaced allowing better chewing, speech and facial contours. An implant is slightly more that fixed bridgework which can easily damage the teeth on either side of the bridge. The implant will not only protect these adjacent teeth and usually last much longer than a fixed bridge. Over the course of time, the implant is a superior investment that will give wonderful positive results to the patient. Our front desk offers payment plans to those who are interested in this option.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
A dental implant is still considered an ELECTIVE procedure by many Insurance companies and as such is not covered if they feel there is a cheaper alternative. Our front desk will look into each individual plan to see if any coverage exists so one can plan accordingly. Sometimes, although the implant placement is not covered, the custom abutment and implant screw retained crown may be covered. In our opinion, for long term comfortable tooth replacement with minimal complications, the dental implant is still your best option available for the tooth (teeth) replacement.

HOW LONG DOES HEALING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE REPLACEMENT TEETH (IMPLANT CROWNS) TAKE?
Osseointegration or the process where the implant becomes solid in the jaw usually takes 3 to 4 months. Once our implant specialist (Periodontist) evaluates the area and is satisfied that the implant is solid in the jaw. The restoring dentist can then make a custom abutment and screw retained crown for retrievability. This process is about another 3 weeks using a quality dental laboratory. Start to finish, the process is 4 to 5 months for a successful and comfortable result.

Dental implants are a superior investment that will give wonderful positive results

Make an appointment for your CONSULTATION today!