Implant Dentistry

Dental Implants in Manhattan

At CityLife Dental Care NYC, your implant dentistry procedure is in gentle, professional hands. Dr. John Hong has received extensive specialized training in implantology at the Columbia University School of Dentistry in New York City. That precise knowledge and customized care go into every implant, from a single tooth to full-mouth reconstruction.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that hold your new tooth (or teeth!) in place.

Instead of capping a tooth with a crown or veneers, or extracting a tooth altogether, dental implants mimic the tooth’s strong, natural roots and holds your tooth in place, since titanium fuses with the bone.

Your new tooth is held in place with an abutment, which is a small connecting piece between the tooth (a crown) and the implant.

What’s the difference between an implant and other cosmetic dentistry procedures?​​​​​​​

  • Dental implants are permanent. Once a dental implant is placed, it’s there forever (with the proper care, of course)! Other dental solutions such as caps and veneers can stain, chip or break after years of use.

  • Dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration. When your tooth is missing, the roots that once held it in place are missing as well. These roots are crucial to retaining the integrity of your jawbone. Without a dental implant replacement, your jawbone could deteriorate.

  • Dental implants are cosmetic and constructive. Dental implants fill a unique role, in that they help perfect your smile as well as preserve its health. You’ll be thrilled with your new, complete smile – and the health benefits that come with it!

What to expect when getting a dental implant

Implants take multiple appointments over several weeks or months to complete. Read below to learn what to expect at CityLife Dental Care NYC.

Exam

You’ll come in for a thorough examination, which includes taking X-rays of the affected tooth or teeth. Once Dr. Hong has examined the images, you’ll speak with him about your opinions and set a course of action.

Implant placement

Dr. Hong will place the dental implant in your jawbone, right where your tooth or teeth are missing. Dr. Hong offers The Wand® single-tooth anesthesia, local anesthesia and other sedation options for those sensitive to pain or who are otherwise anxious about their appointment. Dr. Hong may place a temporary tooth to make it easier to chew, talk, and conduct other everyday activities.


Occasionally, a connector piece called an abutment is implanted at the same time as your implant. If your abutment was not placed during your implant placement appointment, you’ll have to make another appointment after you recover.

Recovery

Healing is generally a multi-week process, but it could take a few months for some patients. At first, you’ll adhere to a soft food diet to ensure proper healing and avoid unnecessary irritation. 


During recovery, an important process called osseointegration takes place. This process fuses the jawbone and the implant, which creates an ultra-strong, permanent foundation for your implanted tooth or teeth.


You may experience swelling and discomfort at the site of the implantation. This is normally managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Making and placing your new teeth

After you recover, you’ll come to Dr. Hong’s office to have a mold taken of your tooth or teeth. 


There are two methods of creating molds of your teeth. The 3D wand scans your teeth, creating an exact replica of the tooth or teeth you’re replacing. The images are sent to a local lab, and the tooth or teeth are returned to Dr. Hong’s office for implantation.

In some cases, Dr. Hong takes an impression of your mouth, creating an exact replica of the tooth or teeth you’re replacing. The images are sent to a local lab, and the tooth or teeth are returned to Dr. Hong’s office for implantation.