Dental Implants at Shoreline Family Dentistry in Wading River NY

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth, placed into the jawbone. They serve as artificial roots for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Made of titanium, the implant post is inserted during surgery and bonds with the bone over several months, providing a strong base for a natural-looking crown or denture.

At Shoreline Family Dentistry, you can get implant-supported dentures to restore your bite. This attachment helps maintain bone density and prevents deterioration.

---

Our Dental Implant Services

We work with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan and a calming experience.

• Consultation & Planning: We begin with a complete check of your jaw and mouth using dental X-rays or 3D imaging to assess bone health. This helps us determine the best position for the implants and how many you will need. We'll also review your dental and medical history to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
• Bone Grafting (if needed): If the imaging shows that your jawbone is too thin or weak for an implant, we can perform a bone graft. This adds a small amount of bone material to provide a stable base for the implant.
• Implant Placement: We usually place the implant under local anesthesia (and sedation if necessary). The doctor opens the gum and makes a small cut in the bone to insert the titanium implant. We use precise techniques to place it at the right angle and depth. The implant works like a natural tooth root.
• Healing (Osseointegration): After placement, the implant will bond with the bone, a process called osseointegration. You will heal over a few months as the bone grows around the implant, making it stable and long-lasting.
• Restoration of Teeth: When the implant is fully healed, we will attach an abutment (connector) to it and then fix your final restoration onto it. This could be a single crown, an implant bridge, or a denture. We create the new tooth or teeth to match your natural bite and appearance. Essentially, we fit the artificial tooth onto the implant as planned. The end result is a natural-looking smile that functions like real teeth.
• Follow-up Care: We schedule regular check-ups to monitor your healing and the implant's stability. Good oral hygiene is crucial for long-term success. We will guide you on how to brush, floss, and care for your implant. With proper home care and regular exams, your implants can last for many years.

---

Patient Eligibility & Assessment

Not all patients can get dental implants right away. Whether you qualify depends on several factors:

• Bone Volume & Density: You need enough healthy jawbone for implants. If you have significant bone loss, our expert can perform a bone graft to help.
• Overall Health: It's important that chronic conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, are managed. We will work with your doctor to improve your health before the surgery.
• Oral Health Status: We need to treat any active gum infections or cavities before placing the implants.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smokers often heal more slowly. We also offer smoking cessation counseling to help improve your results.

---

Treatment Timeline & Milestones

• Planning & Imaging (1–2 weeks): First, you will have a complete exam and a 3D scan. We will discuss your treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Bone Grafting (if needed) (2–3 months): If you require a bone graft, we will place it and allow time for it to heal to ensure sufficient bone for the implant.
• Implant Placement Surgery (1 day): We will place a titanium post during a surgery that uses local anesthesia, with sedation available if you prefer.
• Osseointegration (3–6 months): Over this period, the bone will bond with the implant. We will check your progress with X-rays and monitor how your soft tissue heals.
• Restoration Appointment (1–2 weeks): In this visit, we will attach the abutment and place your custom crown, bridge, or denture.
• Maintenance & Monitoring (Every 6–12 months): You will return for regular exams and cleanings to ensure the health of your implant and support its long-term success.

---

Aftercare & Maintenance

Post-operative care is crucial for implant success:

• Gentle rinsing, soft diet, and medications to control discomfort and infection.
• Non-abrasive brushes and interdental cleaners to dislodge plaque from around implants.
• Six-month check-ups to examine implant integration and specifically clean the implants.
• Avoid foods that might put stress on new restorations and keep gums healthy overall.

---

Advanced Technology & Features

Shoreline Family Dentistry takes advantage of cutting-edge digital technology to enhance implant precision and comfort.

• Digital Imaging: We use a high-tech intraoral scanner for accurate 3D images of your gums and teeth, replacing traditional putty impressions for a quicker, more comfortable experience. These high-resolution images help us precisely plan your implant placement and prosthetic tooth.
• 3D Printing: Our in-office 3D printer allows us to quickly produce surgical guides, models, and temporary components based on digital scans. This technology enables personalized treatment and faster restoration turnaround.
• Advanced Services: Shoreline Family Dentistry also offers laser gum therapy and digital records to enhance comprehensive care.

---

Meet Our Doctor

Shoreline Family Dentistry's skilled dental staff offers individualized, compassionate care during your implant process:

Dr. Suzanne Cohen, DDS
Dr. Cohen has had a career spanning more than 25 years of general and restorative dentistry. She oversees implant treatment at Shoreline Family Dentistry through her patient, gentle touch. Patients value that she takes the time to describe procedures and put them at ease before and after surgery.

---

Insurance & Payment Information

Insurance & Financing

Shoreline Family Dentistry welcomes most major PPO dental insurance policies. Our staff can electronically file claims for you and assist in verifying coverage. We also provide payment options through credit cards and financing through CareCredit to help manage costs.

Coverage Note

Keep in mind that most dental plans don't pay for implants completely. (Certain policies offer coverage on a part of the procedure, like extraction or the placement of crowns.) We will assist you and your insurance company to make use of as many benefits as possible.