Dental Implants NYC — 3D-Guided Precision by Dr. Shi

Implant placement is done under local anaesthesia, 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.

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.

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.

Yes. The crown is custom-made to match the colour, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 judgement we make from your scan, always erring toward the result that lasts.