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Precision tooth replacement guided by 3D imaging and a custom surgical guide

Dental implants in NYC — planned from your own 3D scan

A replacement tooth anchored in your own bone — planned before anything is placed.

3D-guided dental implants in NYC by Dr. John Shi. A permanent, natural-looking tooth, planned around your bone and your goals.

Dental Implants NYC | 3D-Guided Placement | Centre Dental - Precision tooth replacement guided by 3D imaging and a custom surgical guide
3–6 months
typical osseointegration
93–98%
5-year implant survival
4.9 ★
226 Google reviews

A missing tooth is more than a gap.

Most people who ask us about implants aren't thinking about titanium grades or torque values. They're tired of chewing on one side, covering their mouth in photos, or feeling a denture move when they talk. If that's you, this is the page to read. Here's what an implant does well, what your own bone has to say about it, and the honest answer on whether waiting has cost you options.

You hide your smile

Covering your mouth in photos, laughing with a hand up — a gap you're always aware of.

Eating is a chore

Chewing on one side, avoiding steak, apples, and the foods you actually want.

A denture that shifts

Loose, clicking, or coming out at the wrong moment — never quite yours.

Dr. John Shi reviewing a 3D CBCT dental implant plan on screen — Centre Dental NYC
How can a dental implant help me?

A fixed tooth that looks, feels, and works like your own.

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a titanium post that your jaw grows onto — so the replacement is anchored in your own bone, not resting on your gums. It stops the bone loss a gap causes, lets you eat and speak normally again, and gives you a tooth you never have to think about. Unlike a bridge, it doesn't rely on grinding down the healthy teeth beside it.

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From our operatory

See the treatment, not just the words

Watch how an implant surgical guide is planned and 3D-printed chairside — the step that translates your CBCT scan into millimeter-level implant placement on the day of surgery.

Understand it fully

The clinical picture — from bone to crown

At a glance

93–98%1
5-year implant survival
3–6 months2
typical osseointegration
Dental implant model — titanium implant, abutment, and crown in a cross-section jaw — Centre Dental NYC

What is a dental implant, exactly?

It's a small post that goes into your jaw where the root of your missing tooth used to be. The clinical word is endosseous, which just means in-the-bone. Once it's placed, the surrounding bone grows against it and bonds to its surface. That process is called osseointegration, and it was first described by the Swedish physician Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who placed the first titanium implant in a human in 1965. So an implant is two separate things doing two separate jobs: a root you never see, and a tooth on top that you do. They get built at different stages. Your implant is placed and restored here by Dr. John Shi, using the process we call the Centre Method.

How is this different from a bridge or a denture?

That fusion with bone is the whole difference. An implant becomes a stable, load-bearing anchor in your own jaw, so it stays put on its own. A bridge doesn't. It hangs a replacement tooth off the healthy teeth beside the gap, and getting it to sit there means grinding those teeth down. They were fine before. A denture rests on your gums rather than in your bone, which is why it can move when you talk or eat. None of that makes a bridge or a denture the wrong choice for every mouth. It does mean the three options behave differently once they're in, and that's worth understanding before you pick one.

The three parts of a dental implant laid out: fixture, abutment, and ceramic crown — Centre Dental NYC

Why does the healing take months?

Osseointegration is a chemical and a mechanical bond at once, formed between your living alveolar bone and the textured titanium surface of the implant. Modern implants are etched, anodized, or grit-blasted for exactly this reason. Roughening the surface increases its area and speeds the bond up. Two kinds of stability matter, and they arrive at different times. Primary stability is the mechanical grip at the moment of placement, and we target around 35 Ncm of insertion torque. Secondary stability builds afterward, as bone remodels around the implant over roughly three to six months. That biology is why an implant isn't a one-visit fix. The bone genuinely has to grow onto it, and there's no way to hurry that part.

What is the implant made of, and why titanium?

The fixture is usually commercially pure titanium — grades 1 to 4, most often CP4. It resists corrosion, the body accepts it, and it is the material Brånemark's original research was built on. The abutment screw is often a harder Grade 5 titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, because it takes the mechanical load of the tooth above it. Titanium is the clinical standard here, and the reason is plain: more than 50 years of outcome data sit behind it. Nothing newer has that.

Dr. Shi reviewing a digital dental implant treatment plan

Is there a metal-free option?

Yes. Zirconia, or zirconium dioxide, is a metal-free alternative, and it is available if you want it. It may lower the risk of peri-implant disease. We'll say the honest part too: the long-term data behind zirconia is still thinner than titanium's decades of track record. Thinner isn't the same as bad, but it isn't the same as equal either. In practice zirconia is a tooth-colored option for specific aesthetic or sensitivity cases, and we'll raise it when your case is one of those rather than offer it as an upgrade.

10 mm

Are you a candidate for an implant?

The single biggest factor is bone — how much of it you have and how healthy it is — followed by the health of your gum tissue. As a rough guide we look for around 10 mm of bone height and 6 mm of width. Bone density is graded from dense to soft, and softer bone changes how we place the implant and how soon we load it. Your medical history matters as well. Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, long-term bisphosphonate use, osteoporosis, and prior radiotherapy to the jaw all raise the risk of failure or peri-implantitis. None of those is automatically a no, but each one changes the plan. Age itself is rarely the barrier. We place implants successfully for patients in their 70s and 80s. The honest answer to "am I a candidate" comes from a 3D CBCT scan, not from a guess across a desk.

CBCT imaging used for dental implant planning

Has waiting cost you options?

Possibly, and this is the part people are rarely told early enough. When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone that once held it begins to resorb — shrink away — because it no longer carries a chewing load. Bone keeps what it uses. That is why a long-empty gap can narrow your choices, and why acting sooner is usually easier than acting later. If your gap is already old, that doesn't close the door. It means the scan matters more, and it may mean rebuilding bone before placing anything.

What if you've been told you don't have enough bone?

Where bone is insufficient, it can usually be rebuilt. Bone grafting can use your own bone (an autograft), donor bone (an allograft), or a synthetic substitute. The graft is often shaped and held by a membrane, a technique called guided bone regeneration. In the upper back jaw there is a second option. A sinus lift adds height beneath the maxillary sinus so an implant has enough bone to anchor into. We stage grafting first when the scan shows it's genuinely required, and not otherwise. It adds healing time up front, so it should never be added as an upsell.

Your next step

Wondering if dental implants is right for you?

A free consultation includes an exam and a written plan — no pressure, no upsell.

Full-arch implant prosthetic model at Centre Dental NYC

How is the placement planned before you are in the chair?

Every case at Centre Dental starts with a cone-beam CT scan — a CBCT. It's a 3D map of your bone, your nerves, and your sinuses, and a flat X-ray simply can't provide it. That data drives CAD/CAM planning software. From the finished plan, a custom surgical guide is 3D-printed to channel each implant to its exact planned position, depth, and angle. Placement is torque-controlled, and stability can be measured objectively with resonance frequency analysis rather than judged by feel. You can read more about our imaging and guided-surgery technology. A 2025 systematic review found that fully-guided placement cuts mean angular deviation to 2.57° versus 7.46° freehand. The guide makes the trajectory more exact; the judgment is still the surgeon's, and Dr. Shi places every implant himself.

Can you leave with a tooth the same day?

Sometimes. It depends on your bone quality, which is decided by the scan and not by the schedule. Where the implant grips firmly at placement, the tooth may be immediately loaded with a temporary within days. Where the bone is softer, we delay for a few months of healing instead. Long-term survival is comparable between the two when initial stability is high. That is the condition, and it is the reason we will not promise a same-day tooth before we have looked at your bone.

What goes on top of the implant?

Once the implant has integrated, an abutment connects it to the visible tooth. For a single tooth that visible part is a crown, in all-ceramic, zirconia, or metal-ceramic, shade-matched to the teeth on either side of it. For several missing teeth, an implant bridge spans two or more implants. For a full arch, our All-on-X full-arch approach uses as few as four to six strategically angled implants to support a complete fixed set of teeth — the number is decided by your bone, not by a fixed formula. Which restoration is right depends on how many teeth are missing, where they sit, and the forces that part of your mouth absorbs. Back teeth take more load than front teeth, and the plan should reflect that.

93%

What does the evidence actually show?

Dental implants are among the most predictable procedures in dentistry. Five-year survival runs roughly 93% to 98%, with single-crown implant survival around 96.8% at five years (Jung et al., systematic review, Clin Oral Implants Res, 2012). Early osseointegration failure sits around 1% to 6%, driven mostly by initial stability and healing. One number is worth saying plainly because it changes what you can control: heavy smoking roughly doubles the odds of failure. Predictable is not the same as guaranteed, and we'd rather say that at the consultation than after.

What can go wrong later?

The main long-term risk is peri-implantitis — a bacterial inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant. It is preceded by peri-implant mucositis, which is reversible. That is the stage worth catching, and catching it is what regular follow-up is for. So hygiene and follow-up matter as much as the surgery itself. An implant that was placed well and then left unchecked for years is not a safe implant. In practice, outcomes come down to three things: precise placement, sound bite management, and consistent home care. Two of those three are yours.

What does an implant cost here?

Most single-tooth cases at Centre Dental fall between $4,000 and $7,500, all in. Where you land depends on what your case actually needs. An implant into healthy bone is a different job from one that needs grafting or a sinus lift first, and we won't pretend those cost the same. We don't quote a figure over the phone that changes once we see your scan. You get a written estimate at the consultation, with a breakdown of what's included. If cost is the deciding factor for you, say so early. It changes what we recommend, and it is a normal conversation to have.

Does insurance help?

It varies by plan, more than patients expect. Many dental policies don't fully cover the implant fixture, but they do contribute toward the crown, or toward the extraction and the grafting. That is why it is worth checking rather than assuming. We'll help you read your benefits before you commit, and financing is available so the cost can be spread rather than paid at once.

What happens at your first visit?

A consultation and a CBCT scan. We look at the 3D image together, on the screen, at the same time. You'll leave knowing which of three things is true: your case is straightforward, it needs grafting first, or an implant genuinely isn't advisable for you. If it's the third, you'll hear it from us rather than find out later. We schedule seven days a week, the initial consultation is free, and we see patients in English and Chinese.

All-on-X full-arch implant model — a fixed set of teeth supported by four to six implants — Centre Dental NYC
All-on-X full-arch: a complete fixed set of teeth supported by as few as four to six implants — the count decided by your bone.

Sources: 1 · 2

What patients say

Reviewed, on Google

★★★★★
I came for an emergency root canal treatment and I did not regret choosing this place. It was quick and painless. Plus, everyone was very quite friendly.
Marie LapenaJuly 2026
★★★★★
I recently had a dental cleaning at Centre Dental, and I had a wonderful experience. The staff was friendly, professional, and welcoming. The cleaning was very thorough yet gentle, and everything was explained clearly th…
Shani WuJuly 2026
★★★★★
A skillful Dentist who goes the Extra Miles I have been flying to NYC from Florida multiple times to this dental office. Dr. Shi has been working on my upper full mouth teeth transplant for over half a year. So far I ha…
Chad LouJuly 2026
Read every review on Google

Concerned about comfort, bone, or cost?

These are the questions a consultation answers directly. Dr. Shi reviews your 3D CBCT scan, evaluates your bone and candidacy, and outlines your options, treatment timeline, and estimated cost — including what your insurance may cover.

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Thinking about it

The questions we hear first

Will the surgery hurt?

Implant placement is done under local anesthesia, so you feel pressure and movement, not pain. Most patients tell us it was easier than the extraction they'd had years earlier. Afterward, expect mild to moderate soreness and some swelling that peaks around 48 hours and settles within a few days — ibuprofen manages it well for the large majority. If you're anxious, we can discuss sedation options at your consultation.

Can I afford it — and what does it cost?

Cost is the most common hesitation we hear, so we're transparent about it — in person. At your consultation you'll leave with a written estimate for your specific case, a clear breakdown of exactly what's included (implant, abutment, crown, and any grafting), and financing options. We'll also review what your insurance may contribute — some plans cover part of the restoration even when they don't cover the implant fixture itself. Full-arch cases are quoted per arch; see All-on-X full-arch.

Am I too old, or have I lost too much bone?

Age is almost never the deciding factor — we place implants successfully for patients well into their 70s and 80s. What matters is the health and volume of your bone, and that's exactly what the CBCT scan shows us. If you've lost bone after a long-standing gap, a bone graft or sinus lift can usually rebuild enough to place an implant safely. The only way to know your specific situation is to look at the 3D image together — we'll tell you honestly whether it's straightforward, needs grafting first, or genuinely isn't advisable.

Will it look and feel natural?

Yes. The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth, and because the implant is anchored in bone rather than clasped to other teeth, it feels like a normal tooth when you bite and chew. Most patients tell us that within a few weeks they forget which tooth is the implant. Getting that result is a matter of careful shade-matching and contouring — where an experienced clinician's eye makes the difference.

How long do implants last?

The implant itself is designed to last decades — often the rest of your life — because titanium osseointegrates permanently with bone. The crown on top is the part more likely to need attention over time; porcelain surfaces can wear or chip and are sometimes refreshed after many years. Longevity comes down to three things we control together: precise placement, a well-balanced bite, and consistent home care with regular check-ups to keep the tissues around the implant healthy.

How long will I be without a tooth?

Full osseointegration takes roughly three to six months before the final crown is fitted, but you're rarely left with a visible gap in the meantime. Depending on your bone quality, we can often place a same-day temporary, or use a simple removable temporary so your smile stays intact while the implant heals underneath. We'll map the exact timeline for your case at the consultation — including whether any grafting needs to happen first, which adds healing time up front.

Does insurance help, and can I finance it?

It varies by plan. Many dental policies don't fully cover the implant fixture but do contribute toward the crown or the extraction and grafting, so it's worth checking — and we'll help you read your benefits. For the remainder, we offer financing so the cost can be spread over time rather than paid all at once. You'll see the full picture in writing before you commit to anything.

Can I get a tooth the same day?

Sometimes — it's called immediate loading, where a temporary tooth is attached to the implant right after placement. Whether it's appropriate depends on how much primary stability we achieve and the quality of your bone; when the implant grips firmly, immediate loading has comparable long-term survival to the traditional delayed approach. If your bone is softer, we'll recommend letting it heal first — a clinical judgment we make from your scan, always erring toward the result that lasts.

The path

Your journey, start to finish

01

Consultation + 3D CBCT scan

A cone-beam CT scan maps your bone volume, density, and nerve position. Dr. Shi reviews your candidacy, your options, the treatment timeline, and a clear cost and insurance estimate.

02

Your custom plan (and grafting, only if needed)

A written treatment plan and timeline. If bone is insufficient, we stage a graft or sinus lift first — never as an upsell, only when the scan shows it's genuinely required.

03

Guided placement

A 3D-printed surgical guide keeps every implant on its planned path. Placement is torque-controlled and performed by Dr. Shi himself.

04

Osseointegration & your final tooth

The implant fuses with bone over three to six months, then a color-matched crown is fitted onto the abutment — a tooth you won't be able to tell from the real thing.

From CBCT scan to printed surgical guide

Centre Dental keeps a SprintRay chairside 3D printer in-house. After CBCT imaging captures the bone anatomy, Dr. Shi designs the implant position digitally, then prints the surgical guide in-office the same week. The printed guide locks the drill angle and depth to the planned position, removing the freehand variance that older implant workflows accepted as routine.

The same SprintRay unit produces study models, temporary prosthetics during the integration phase, and night-guard housings. Keeping production on-site means no week-long turnaround waiting for a third-party lab — patients move from CBCT scan to surgical day on a tighter clinical timeline, and any guide adjustments stay inside the office.

Why CBCT replaces standard panoramic X-rays for implant planning

Two-dimensional dental X-rays compress three-dimensional anatomy into a flat image, which forces guesswork on bone height, nerve canal proximity, and sinus floor depth. Centre Dental uses an in-house CBCT cone-beam scanner that captures a true volumetric model of the upper and lower jaws in roughly twelve seconds at a fraction of medical-CT radiation dose.

For implant patients the CBCT shows exactly where the inferior alveolar nerve runs in the lower jaw, where the maxillary sinus floor sits, and how much usable bone exists at each candidate site. That data drives the digital implant plan, which then becomes a SprintRay-printed surgical guide. For wisdom teeth and root canals the same scan reveals impacted-tooth angulation and accessory canals that flat X-rays miss.

Why in-office printing changes implant timelines

The clinical case for in-office 3D printing comes down to three measurable improvements: accuracy of the surgical guide (translates directly to implant angulation precision), turnaround speed (printing happens in hours instead of days at an external lab), and revision flexibility (if the digital plan changes, the next guide is ready the same afternoon).

For multi-implant cases like All-on-X and All-on-4, the printed guide also provides reference pins that lock the prosthetic position before bone reduction — a workflow that is effectively impossible with hand-fabricated guides.

Inside Our Practice

See it in action

Dental Implants Near You in NYC

Start here

Schedule your consultation

In a single visit, Dr. Shi reviews your 3D scan, assesses your candidacy for dental implants, and provides a written treatment plan with cost and insurance details — so you can decide with all the facts.

Extensive full-arch reconstruction experience by Dr. Shi

3D-guided precision, placed by an experienced surgeon

Bilingual — English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Live clinic hours · 139 Centre St, Lower Manhattan, NYC