Implants
At Delaire Dental, we believe that restoring your smile is about more than replacing a missing tooth, it’s about regaining your confidence, comfort, and quality of life. Located in the heart of New York, NY, our practice offers high-quality, compassionate dental implant care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With the specialized expertise of Dr. Michael Lee, our patients receive care that’s honest, thoughtful, and rooted in the latest advancements in implant dentistry. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking solution designed to last for years.
Why Tooth Loss Demands Specialized Dental Solutions
Tooth loss affects much more than just the appearance of your smile. For healthcare providers and dental professionals, untreated tooth loss presents serious long-term complications, including bone resorption, shifting of surrounding teeth, increased risk of gum disease, and functional issues with speaking and eating. This is why dental implants are an essential part of modern restorative dentistry—they provide a structural and functional replacement that mimics a natural tooth both above and below the gumline. Unlike bridges or dentures that sit on the surface, implants integrate with the jawbone, offering stability and long-term preservation of bone density.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding oral structures begin to shift and break down. Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone deteriorates over time, impacting facial structure and weakening neighboring teeth. In clinical care, dental implants are a proven and effective way to prevent these outcomes while restoring full function and aesthetics.
Signs You May Need a Dental Implant
Tooth loss is not always obvious in its early stages, and some people may not realize the extent of the impact a missing or severely damaged tooth has on their health. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it may be time to consider a dental implant:
- Missing one or more permanent teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Shifting teeth near a gap in your smile
- Speech changes due to tooth loss
- Jawbone loss or changes in facial structure
- Dentures that feel unstable or uncomfortable
- Chronic tooth pain from a non-restorable tooth
Understanding Why Dental Implants Are Essential
Dental implants are more than a cosmetic upgrade—they are a crucial medical intervention for long-term oral and systemic health. Without a replacement tooth root, the jawbone begins to atrophy, leading to a sunken facial appearance and decreased oral function. Dental implants halt this process by stimulating the bone and preserving its strength.
Patients who choose dental implants often experience improved nutrition because they regain the ability to chew a variety of foods. This has broad implications for health, particularly in older adults or individuals with medical conditions that require a high-nutrient diet. Additionally, implants reduce the risk of periodontal complications that can arise from shifting teeth and gaps in the smile.
Unlike dentures, which require adhesives and daily removal, implants offer a secure, permanent solution that becomes a seamless part of your bite. Patients feel more confident, speak more clearly, and report a higher overall quality of life. From a clinical standpoint, dental implants are one of the most successful long-term treatments in dentistry, with success rates of over 95%.
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process
Receiving a dental implant is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and precision. At Delaire Dental, we guide patients through every stage with clarity and compassion, ensuring your treatment is comfortable and stress-free.
- Initial Consultation and Imaging: We begin with a comprehensive exam, digital imaging, and a discussion of your goals. This helps us determine bone health, identify any infections, and plan the most effective implant approach.
- Implant Placement: A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. This step is performed with local anesthesia and sedation options to ensure your comfort.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant naturally fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, permanent foundation for your new tooth.
- Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, a connector (called an abutment) is attached to the implant. This piece will eventually hold your dental crown in place.
- Custom Crown Placement: A custom-made crown, crafted to match your natural teeth in color and shape, is securely placed on the abutment to restore full function and appearance.
- Follow-Up and Maintenance: We schedule regular check-ins to monitor your healing and ensure your implant continues to function optimally.
Preventing the Need for Implants Through Proactive Care
While dental implants are a highly successful solution for tooth loss, preventing tooth loss altogether is always the goal. Practicing consistent oral hygiene is critical—this includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending routine dental visits. Early intervention is also key. Treating cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth early can prevent progression to tooth loss.
Nutrition plays a vital role in oral health as well. Diets high in sugars and processed foods increase the risk of decay, while calcium and vitamin D support tooth and bone health. Additionally, wearing mouthguards during contact sports and treating nighttime grinding with a bite guard can prevent traumatic or stress-related tooth damage.
Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to preserve oral health and bone density. Smokers face higher risks of implant failure and gum disease, making tobacco use one of the leading contributors to avoidable tooth loss.
A Brighter Outlook with Dental Implants
Dental implants offer long-term benefits for both function and aesthetics. For most patients, implants look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. They require no special maintenance beyond normal brushing and flossing, and with proper care, they can last 15 years or more—many lasting a lifetime.
Patients often report increased self-esteem, better digestion from improved chewing, and even clearer speech. At Delaire Dental, we’ve seen firsthand how dental implants transform lives. Our commitment to detail, advanced technology, and patient-first values ensures you receive care that’s not only clinically excellent but genuinely compassionate.
For patients who once hesitated to smile, eat in public, or speak freely, dental implants are a life-changing solution. With the expertise of Dr. Michael Lee, your path to a restored smile is backed by skilled hands and trusted care.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The full process typically takes several months, depending on healing and bone integration. Most patients complete treatment within 3 to 6 months.
Is the implant procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, which is performed under anesthesia. Post-operative soreness is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter medication.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You may be a candidate if you are in good general and oral health and have sufficient jawbone to support an implant. A consultation will determine your eligibility.
How do I care for my implant after it’s placed?
Caring for your implant is similar to caring for a natural tooth—daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential for long-term success.
Can dental implants fail?
Although rare, implants can fail due to infection, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. At Delaire Dental, we carefully screen and monitor patients to minimize these risks.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Choosing to restore your smile with a dental implant is a major decision—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Delaire Dental, our team is here to provide personalized guidance, clear explanations, and expert care every step of the way. From your first consultation to your final restoration, we focus on making the process smooth, safe, and tailored to your needs.
If you’re considering dental implants in New York, NY, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Lee today. Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to begin treatment, our compassionate team is available by phone or email to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward restoring your smile with confidence.
