Missing teeth affect more than appearance — they change how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Advances in implant dentistry have made it possible to rebuild lost teeth with solutions that behave and look like natural teeth. At Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental, we combine modern implant materials with careful planning to deliver results that support both oral function and facial structure.
Dental implants are a durable option for replacing a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. Because implants integrate with the jawbone, they restore the support that natural tooth roots provide — preserving bone volume and helping maintain the contours of the face. That structural benefit is why many patients and clinicians consider implants the most reliable long-term option for tooth replacement.
Traditional bridges and dentures have helped millions of people, but they have limitations. Bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, and removable dentures can shift or require adhesives. Implants act as independent anchors, which means they restore chewing power and speech without altering surrounding teeth.
Because implants transmit bite forces into the jaw, they also preserve bone. When a tooth is lost and nothing is placed in its socket, the bone tends to resorb over time. An implant helps maintain the bone’s volume and density, which contributes to a more natural facial profile and a stable platform for whatever kind of prosthesis is chosen.
Another practical advantage is functional confidence. Implants eliminate many of the common concerns people have with removable appliances: slipping, clicking, limited diet, and frequent adjustments. For many patients, that translates into a more comfortable everyday experience and greater ease when speaking or eating in social settings.
At its core, a dental implant is a small, biocompatible post—typically made of titanium or a titanium alloy—placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root. Once positioned, the implant goes through a process called osseointegration: the surrounding bone grows closely around the implant surface, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
The restoration that attaches to the implant (a crown, bridge, or overdenture) is custom-designed to match your bite, color, and the shape of neighboring teeth. This prosthesis delivers the visible portion of the tooth and restores the function that was lost.
With careful surgical technique and accurate digital planning, implants can be placed with predictable outcomes. The overall timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of implants, and whether any preparatory procedures—such as extractions or grafting—are necessary.
Dental implants bring several advantages that affect both oral health and quality of life. They restore chewing stability, which helps patients enjoy a broader range of foods and maintain balanced nutrition. Functionally, implants feel more like natural teeth, which can make everyday activities more comfortable.
From a biological standpoint, implants reduce the risk of adjacent teeth shifting into empty spaces and help preserve jawbone integrity. This prevents some of the long-term changes in bite and facial shape that can occur after tooth loss, supporting a healthier oral environment overall.
Because implants are anchored in bone and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, they avoid the need to alter healthy teeth for conventional bridgework. They also eliminate many of the retention and stability challenges that come with removable dentures, offering a low-maintenance solution when combined with routine oral hygiene and checkups.
Deciding whether implants are suitable starts with a thorough exam that includes medical and dental history, clinical assessment, and imaging when needed. Key factors include the health of gum tissues, the quantity and quality of jawbone, and overall medical conditions that might affect healing.
Many patients who once seemed poor candidates can now get implants thanks to advances in bone grafting and regeneration techniques. Our team tailors treatment plans to each person’s situation—considering lifestyle, esthetic goals, and long-term oral health—to recommend the most appropriate approach.
We’ll review anesthesia and sedation options, explain the timeline, and describe the steps involved so you know what to expect from consultation through final restoration. If an implant isn’t the immediate answer, we’ll outline alternatives and preparatory procedures that can make implant therapy possible in the future.
Implant placement is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The surgical phase varies: a single implant is a shorter procedure, while full-arch reconstructions take more time and coordination. In many cases, we use digital planning tools and 3D imaging to place implants with high precision, which helps reduce treatment time and improve predictability.
After placement, implants require a healing phase during which osseointegration occurs. Depending on the situation, a temporary restoration may be provided so you can function and feel comfortable while the implant integrates. Once healing is sufficient, the final prosthesis is attached and adjusted for proper fit and bite.
Throughout treatment, careful communication and follow-up care are essential. Pre-op instructions, post-op care, and routine maintenance visits help protect your investment and contribute to the long-term success of the restoration.
Sufficient bone is a critical factor for implant stability. If bone has been lost due to gum disease, long-term tooth loss, or trauma, grafting procedures can rebuild the area to support implants. Grafting uses bone or bone-like materials to encourage new bone growth and create a stable foundation for implant placement.
The timing of grafts can vary: sometimes grafting is done at the time of implant placement, and in other cases it is performed beforehand to allow the site to mature. Your dentist will explain what’s best for your specific anatomy and treatment goals so you have a clear understanding of the sequence and expected healing milestones.
Success rates for implants placed in grafted sites are excellent when proper techniques and materials are used, and when aftercare instructions are followed closely during the healing period.
Replacing missing teeth with implants is a long-term decision that can improve function, appearance, and oral health. Our Richmond Hill practice focuses on evidence-based planning, clear communication, and individualized care designed around each patient’s needs.
To learn how dental implants could help restore your smile, contact us for more information. Our team can walk you through the evaluation and treatment process and answer any questions you have about implant care.
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.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once an implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth. This fusion between implant and bone gives implants their strength and long-term stability.
The complete implant restoration typically includes three parts: the implant post, an abutment that connects to the post, and a crown, bridge, or denture that restores visible function. Together these parts recreate the form and function of a natural tooth, allowing for normal chewing and speech. Implants also support surrounding oral structures by transmitting normal chewing forces to the jawbone.
Dental implants come closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, which makes eating, speaking, and smiling more comfortable and secure. Because implants are anchored in the jawbone, they eliminate the slipping and movement sometimes associated with removable dentures. Implants also avoid the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth, which is often required for traditional fixed bridges.
Beyond improved function and comfort, implants help preserve jawbone volume by providing the stimulation that natural tooth roots deliver to bone. This helps maintain facial contours and reduces the bone loss that can occur after tooth extraction. Implants are also resistant to decay and, with proper care, can provide durable long-term results.
Restorations range from single-tooth crowns to multiunit implant-supported bridges and full-arch fixed solutions using four or six implants. Single-tooth implants replace one missing tooth without affecting neighboring teeth, while implant-supported bridges use a small number of implants to support several replacement teeth. Full-arch solutions, sometimes called All-on-4 or All-on-6 approaches, recreate an entire dental arch and can be fixed or removable depending on the design.
Another commonly used option is an implant-retained denture, which snaps onto implants for added stability while still allowing removal for cleaning. The choice of restoration depends on the number of missing teeth, bone availability, patient preferences, and overall oral health. Your dentist will review these options during treatment planning to recommend the most appropriate restoration for your needs.
Candidates for dental implants generally need to be in good overall health with healthy gum tissue and sufficient jawbone to support an implant. Factors such as uncontrolled periodontal disease, certain chronic medical conditions, or habits like heavy smoking can affect candidacy and may need to be managed before implant placement. A comprehensive clinical exam and imaging, such as CBCT, are used to evaluate bone volume and identify any issues that must be addressed first.
Even if bone volume is limited, many patients can still receive implants after preparatory procedures like bone grafting or sinus augmentation. Age alone is not a disqualifier; what matters most is overall health, healing capacity, and commitment to oral hygiene and follow-up care. A consultation allows the dental team to develop a personalized plan that considers medical history, lifestyle, and restorative goals.
Treatment begins with thorough planning that includes a clinical exam, dental imaging, and a review of medical history to determine optimal implant positions and the need for any preparatory work. Implant placement is typically a minor outpatient surgical procedure performed with local anesthesia and, if desired, options for sedation to keep you comfortable. The implant post is placed into the jawbone and the site is allowed to heal while the implant integrates with the bone over several months.
During the healing phase you may receive a temporary prosthesis to maintain appearance and function, with the final crown, bridge, or denture placed once integration is complete. Postoperative follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and adjust restorations as needed. The office of Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental emphasizes clear communication about anesthesia options, aftercare, and the expected timeline to help patients feel informed and prepared.
Bone grafting or a sinus lift may be recommended when there is insufficient bone height or width to securely place an implant, which can result from long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, or prior extractions. A graft restores lost volume by using bone from another site, donor material, or synthetic graft materials to create a stable foundation for the implant. In the upper jaw, a sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds bone in the posterior areas to allow for proper implant placement.
These preparatory procedures increase the likelihood of long-term implant success by improving implant stability and distribution of chewing forces. Healing time varies depending on the graft type and the individual, often requiring several months before implants can be placed. Your dentist will explain the recommended approach and timeline based on the clinical findings and treatment goals.
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery carries some risks, including infection, swelling, bleeding, and temporary discomfort at the surgical site. Rare but more serious complications can include nerve injury that causes numbness or altered sensation, and sinus problems when implants are placed too close to the sinus cavity in the upper jaw. Careful planning with imaging and adherence to surgical protocols reduces the likelihood of these adverse events.
Long-term complications are uncommon when implants are placed and maintained properly, and clinical studies report high success rates for well-planned cases. Good oral hygiene, regular professional care, and prompt attention to any changes or discomfort are essential for minimizing complications. Your dental team will review potential risks and the steps taken to reduce them during the consultation and consent process.
Daily oral hygiene for implants includes brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and food debris. Implants do not decay, but the surrounding gum tissues can develop inflammation or peri-implantitis if not properly cared for, so consistent cleaning is vital. Avoiding tobacco and following any dietary or healing instructions from your dentist during the immediate recovery period also supports successful outcomes.
In addition to home care, schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings so your dental team can monitor implant health and address early signs of problems. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect implant restorations. Promptly report any pain, loosening, or changes in the implant area so they can be evaluated without delay.
When placed and maintained properly, dental implants can last for many years and often for the lifetime of the patient, with long-term success influenced by oral hygiene, general health, and lifestyle factors. Clinical studies show high success rates for dental implants, and longevity improves when patients maintain regular dental care and avoid habits that negatively affect oral health. The quality of the surrounding bone and the precision of the surgical and restorative procedures also play key roles in long-term stability.
Factors that can reduce implant longevity include uncontrolled periodontal disease, heavy smoking, certain systemic conditions, and inadequate maintenance. Following the recommended hygiene routines, attending routine dental exams, and addressing issues like bruxism or uncontrolled medical conditions help preserve implant health. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations for durability based on your individual situation and preventive care.
To schedule a consultation, call the practice at (718) 322-1415 or visit the office at 112-10 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 to request an evaluation. During the consultation the dentist will review your medical and dental history, perform an oral exam, and likely recommend imaging such as CBCT to assess bone quantity and anatomy for precise treatment planning. This visit is an opportunity to discuss restorative goals, anesthesia or sedation options, and any preparatory procedures that may be needed.
Please bring a list of current medications and any recent medical records that may affect dental care, and be prepared to ask questions about the proposed timeline and what to expect during recovery. The team at Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental aims to provide clear information about the process and to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your oral health needs. If you have specific concerns about medical conditions or healing, mention them at the appointment so the dentist can tailor recommendations appropriately.
Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental
112-10 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419Park One Dental
1601 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 354-0033
