A dental implant replaces a missing tooth at the root with a titanium post that fuses to the jawbone, then supports a custom crown for a result that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The process happens in stages over several months, because the post needs time to fuse with bone before it can safely carry a crown. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, periodontist Dr. Daniel Nejat, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, walks patients through every stage of that timeline.
How the Implant Procedure Works
Treatment starts with a consultation and digital imaging to map your jawbone and determine whether you need one implant, several, or a full arch restoration. During surgery, a small channel is prepared in the jawbone and the titanium post is placed. The gum tissue is then closed over the site, and the post is left to fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
“An implant is more than a cosmetic fix, it’s a long term investment in the jawbone underneath it. Because the post integrates directly with the bone, it prevents the resorption you see with a missing tooth or a denture, and it gives you a stable foundation that behaves like a natural root.”
Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist (Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology)
Once Osseointegration Is Complete
After the post has fully fused to the bone, typically a matter of months, an abutment connects the post to a custom made crown. The crown is shaded and shaped to match your surrounding teeth, completing a restoration that functions like the tooth it replaced.
How Long Implants Last
With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the implant post itself can last a lifetime because it is fused directly to living bone. The crown attached to it is the part more likely to need attention, typically every 10 to 15 years, due to normal wear.
Am I a Candidate?
| Factor | What matters |
|---|---|
| Gum health | Active periodontal disease must be treated before implant placement |
| Bone density | Adequate jawbone volume is needed to support the post, a bone graft can address deficiencies |
| Overall health | Uncontrolled chronic conditions such as diabetes can slow healing, smoking cessation is strongly recommended |
| Commitment to hygiene | Long term success depends on consistent brushing, flossing, and checkups |
These are general guidelines. A personalized evaluation, including imaging, is the only way to know for certain whether you are a candidate today or would benefit from preparatory treatment first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full implant process take?
From consultation to final crown, most cases take several months, largely because osseointegration cannot be rushed without risking implant failure.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement surgery is done under anesthesia, and most patients manage post-surgical discomfort with over the counter or prescribed pain medication.
What happens if I don't have enough jawbone?
A bone graft can rebuild the volume needed to support an implant. Your dentist will identify this during the imaging and consultation stage.
Can one implant replace several missing teeth?
A single implant replaces a single tooth root, but an implant supported bridge or an All-on-4 arrangement can restore several missing teeth using fewer posts.
How do I care for an implant long term?
Brush and floss it like a natural tooth, and keep up with routine dental visits so your dentist can check the crown and the surrounding gum tissue.
Sources: ADA, Dental Implants.
If you are considering dental implants in Staten Island, book a consultation with Sola Dental Spa, or see real patient results in our smile gallery. Related reading: Dental Implant Procedure in Staten Island.