Dental Implants in Merrick, NY – Modern Dental Hub
Transform Yourself with Dental Implants Service
Modern Dental Hub specializes in the surgical placement of dental implants for single teeth and full-arch restorations (All-on-4 and All-on-6) in Merrick, NY. Using 3D imaging and computer-guided technology, our implant surgeons achieve unprecedented precision during surgery. Patients are kept relaxed and comfortable with local anesthesia and sedation. We then place a titanium implant post into the jawbone, which will later support your crown or denture.
Treatment Purpose
Dental implants replace missing teeth, restoring function and appearance. As artificial roots, implants fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration) to stabilize and preserve bone. This prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure. Replacing lost teeth prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, preserves your bite, and enhances chewing and speech. The end result is a natural-looking, confident smile that can greatly improve your quality of life.
Treatment Outcome
Patients can expect new teeth that look and feel natural. The titanium implant becomes a permanent fixture in the jawbone, providing strength similar to real tooth roots. Clinical studies show dental implants have a 90–95% success rate over 10 years. Full-arch All-on-4 systems also have excellent long-term results, with survival rates above 95% even after 10–15 years. With proper care, your implants can last for decades. You will regain full biting force and function.
Am I a Candidate?
Most healthy adults missing teeth are potential candidates. Crucial factors include having a stable jawbone and healthy gums. Adequate bone is needed to anchor the implant, though bone grafting can often rebuild support if needed. We also consider overall health – conditions like diabetes or heart disease and habits like smoking can affect healing. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical and dental history and design a personalized plan.
Preparing for Treatment
To prepare for implant surgery, plan a consultation and imaging session. We use 3D CBCT scans to map your jaw and plan precise implant placement. Follow any pre-surgery instructions, such as fasting if you’ll receive IV sedation. Stop smoking before your procedure to promote better healing. Arrange for someone to drive you home if you are sedated. Continue any prescribed medications (like antibiotics) as directed by our team.
Treatment Aftercare
- Rest at home and avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Eat only soft foods (yogurt, soup, smoothies) and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for about a week.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a prescribed rinse after 24 hours (about 4 times a day) to keep the area clean.
- You may brush your other teeth normally, but avoid the surgical site for a few days. After a week, you can gently brush near the implants.
- Apply ice packs to the cheek in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- Take prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter ibuprofen as directed to manage discomfort.
- Attend your follow-up visit in 1–2 weeks; most patients feel fully healed by then.
Treatment Side Effects
Side effects from implant surgery are usually mild and short-lived. Common effects include:
- Swelling/Bruising: Expect some swelling or bruising around the jaw or cheek, peaking 2–3 days after surgery. This is normal and can be controlled with ice and elevation.
- Discomfort: Mild soreness or pressure after anesthesia wears off is expected. It can be easily managed with medication.
- Minor Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding or oozing for the first 24 hours is normal; simply bite on gauze as directed.
- Numbness: Temporary numbness or tingling in the lip/cheek can occur if nearby nerves were affected. In most cases, this resolves as you heal.
All these symptoms are signs that your body is healing. If you experience excessive pain, prolonged bleeding, or signs of infection, contact our office immediately. Our team ensures your comfort and closely monitors your recovery.
What Our Patients Say
FAQ
What are dental implants and how do they work?
A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a strong foundation. Once healed, a custom crown or bridge is attached to the implant, restoring the tooth’s appearance and function.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Good candidates are adults in general good health who have lost one or more teeth and have sufficient jawbone to hold the implant. We will evaluate bone density and gum health and discuss any medical conditions (diabetes, etc.) or habits (smoking) that might affect healing. If needed, preparatory treatments like bone grafts can help make you a candidate.
What are All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant systems?
All-on-4 and All-on-6 use just four or six implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. They are ideal for patients missing most or all teeth in one jaw. With careful planning and angled placement, a fixed full-arch denture can be secured on these implants. These systems are well-proven: for instance, studies find All-on-4 bridges have over 95% implant survival even 10–15 years later.
Is implant surgery painful?
Thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation, implant surgery is much more comfortable than many expect. Sedation dentistry keeps you relaxed and virtually pain-free during the procedure. After surgery, you may feel mild soreness or pressure, but this is typically quite tolerable. We provide pain medication and instructions (such as icing) to keep you comfortable. In short, patients usually report only minor discomfort.
How long is the recovery after implant placement?
Recovery is relatively fast. Many patients return to work or normal activities within 1–2 days. You’ll use soft foods for the first week. By about two weeks, the surgical sites are usually healed. The implant will continue integrating with your bone for a few more months, but in the meantime you can function normally with your new teeth.
How do I care for my implants once they are placed?
Caring for implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss normally around the implant crowns. Because implants are fixed in place, they never require adhesives or special cleaning like dentures do. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene will help keep your gums and implants healthy for years to come.
Will Modern Dental Hub also provide the implant crowns or dentures?
Our focus is on the surgical placement of implants. After you heal, your general dentist or prosthodontist will fabricate and attach the final crowns, bridges, or dentures. We communicate closely with your dentist to ensure the implants are ideally positioned for the final restoration. This team approach ensures you get expert surgical care and a beautiful final result.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth:
Dental implant surgery is extremely painful.
Fact:
Myth:
Recovery takes months.
Fact:
Initial healing is quick – swelling and discomfort peak after 2–3 days and then fade, and most people are fully healed in about 2 weeks.
Myth:
Implants often fail.
Fact:
Implants have a very high success rate. About 90–95% remain sound after 10 years, and success rates are even higher with guided surgical techniques.
Myth:
Dental implants look fake.
Fact:
Each implant is topped with a custom crown that matches your natural teeth. Implants look and feel like real teeth, restoring a confident smile.
Myth:
Dentures are just as good as implants.
Fact:
Dentures sit on the gums and do not stop bone loss. In contrast, implants act like tooth roots and help preserve the jawbone, maintaining facial structure and oral health.