Finding the right dental implant specialist comes down to three things: verifiable training and certification, a track record with implant cases specifically, and a provider who evaluates bone density and health factors before recommending treatment. At Sola Dental Spa, Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, a board-certified periodontist, brings exactly that background to implant cases for Staten Island patients, from the initial bone assessment through the final crown. If you are ready to have that evaluation done, our dental implants page covers what the process involves.
Look for board certification or prosthodontic training specific to implants, ask how many implant cases the specialist handles, and confirm they evaluate bone density and health history before treatment rather than after a problem shows up.
"An implant is a small metal post that has to fuse with your jawbone and support a crown for decades. That only goes well when the person planning it has done the imaging, checked the bone, and accounted for things like smoking or diabetes ahead of time. That's not a sales pitch, it's just the job."
Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist, Sola Dental Spa
Patients researching implants often focus on price first, which is understandable, but the credentials and planning process behind the price are what actually determine whether the implant lasts.
What credentials should an implant specialist have?
Board certification and prosthodontic or periodontal training specific to implants are the clearest signals of qualification, beyond a general dental license.
It is worth asking directly about a provider's educational background, including where they trained and what implant-specific programs or certifications they completed. A general dentist can place implants, but a specialist with prosthodontic or periodontal training has spent significantly more time on the surgical and restorative details that determine long-term success.
Why does experience matter for implant surgery?
An experienced specialist places implants more precisely and manages complications, if they arise, with far more confidence than someone newer to the procedure.
Implant placement has to account for bone density, nerve position, and how the implant will interact with neighboring teeth, and expertise in handling different implant types reduces the risk of complications like failure. If something does go wrong, an experienced provider catches it early. Our article on what happens if a dental implant fails covers what that process looks like.
What does an implant cost, and what does that include?
A single tooth implant, including the post, abutment, and crown, typically runs $3,000 to $7,000. Full mouth implants run considerably higher.
Cost depends on how many teeth are involved, the complexity of the case, and whether additional treatment like a bone graft is needed first. A lower price is not automatically a red flag, but it is worth understanding exactly what is included before comparing quotes between providers.
| Procedure type | Estimated cost range |
|---|---|
| Single tooth implant | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Multiple implants (around 3) | Approximately $15,000 |
| Full mouth implants | $30,000 to $90,000 |
Lifestyle factors matter after the implant is placed too. Smoking reduces blood flow and slows healing, and excessive alcohol can impair recovery, both of which are worth discussing honestly with your provider. Our guide on dental implant maintenance covers how to protect your investment long term.
Frequently asked questions
Is a general dentist qualified to place implants?
Some are, but a specialist with prosthodontic or periodontal training and specific implant experience typically has deeper training in the surgical and restorative details involved.
What should I ask at a consultation?
Ask about their credentials, how many implant cases they handle, whether they do a CT scan and bone evaluation before treatment, and what their maintenance plan looks like.
Why do implant prices vary so much between providers?
Price depends on how many teeth are involved, case complexity, materials used, and whether additional treatment like a bone graft is needed. Ask what is included before comparing quotes.
Does smoking really affect whether I'm a good candidate?
It affects healing and blood flow significantly, so most specialists will discuss quitting, at least temporarily around surgery, as part of your treatment plan.
How long does the whole implant process take?
It varies by case, but from initial evaluation through the final crown, the process commonly spans several months to allow proper healing between stages.