Tooth loss is more common than many people realize, and it affects more than just appearance. Missing teeth can change the way you chew, alter your speech, and gradually affect surrounding teeth and bone. Modern dental implants offer a predictable, long-term pathway to restore both function and confidence, using materials and techniques that closely mimic natural dentition.
Implants are designed to become part of your jaw, providing a secure anchor for individual crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations. This stability lets people return to eating comfortably, speaking clearly, and smiling without worrying about slippage or movement. For many patients, the result is not just improved oral function but a better overall quality of life.
Every case begins with a careful evaluation that considers your health history, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and your personal goals for treatment. At Suss Dental Group, our approach combines clinical experience with modern imaging and planning tools to create individualized plans that aim for predictable, long-lasting outcomes.
Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants replace the missing tooth root as well as the visible crown. This root-like support integrates with bone and transmits normal chewing forces, which helps preserve the jaw’s shape and strength. The result is a restoration that is secure, highly functional, and harmonious with the rest of the mouth.
Because implants act like natural roots, they support the soft tissues and help maintain facial contours that can soften after tooth loss. That preservation of bone and soft tissue not only supports oral health but also contributes to a more natural, long-term aesthetic result.
Advances in implant design and materials have improved how predictable and comfortable the treatment is. With proper planning and routine maintenance, implants can serve as a durable foundation for a range of prosthetic solutions without the need to alter neighboring healthy teeth.
At their core, dental implants are biocompatible posts, commonly made of titanium or titanium alloys, placed into the jaw to serve as artificial tooth roots. Over time, the bone fuses to the implant surface — a process called osseointegration — creating a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. This biological integration is what sets implant therapy apart from other replacement options.
Once integrated, implants provide support that closely replicates the mechanical behavior of natural teeth. This stability not only improves chewing efficiency but also reduces additional stress on remaining teeth. For patients who have lost multiple teeth, implant-based restorations can distribute bite forces more evenly and protect the long-term health of adjacent teeth.
Modern implant workflows use digital imaging and guided planning to enhance precision. These technologies help the clinical team plan implant positions that optimize function, aesthetics, and long-term bone support while minimizing surprises during surgery.
Implant therapy offers a number of benefits that make it a preferred solution for many patients seeking tooth replacement. Because implants restore both form and function, they often lead to improved comfort, easier eating, and more confidence when speaking or smiling.
When placed and maintained properly, implants can be a long-lasting option that helps maintain jawbone volume and facial structure. They eliminate many of the common limitations of removable dentures — such as movement during function — and they do not require alteration of neighboring healthy teeth like some bridge designs do.
Effective implant care starts with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging to assess bone quality, soft tissues, and the relationship of the bite. This information helps the clinical team select implant sizes and positions that balance function, appearance, and long-term stability. Treatment plans are personalized to the patient’s oral health, aesthetic goals, and daily life needs.
We place a strong emphasis on communication. Before any treatment begins, we explain the proposed steps, discuss anesthesia and sedation options, and outline what to expect during recovery. This helps patients make informed decisions and feel comfortable at every stage of care.
For complex cases, interdisciplinary planning may involve specialists and laboratory technicians to ensure predictable outcomes. Digital workflows, including 3D imaging and virtual surgical guides, are often used to improve precision and reduce chair time.
Candidacy for implants is determined by a combination of medical history, oral health, and specific treatment goals. Many adults are excellent candidates; even patients with limited bone can often be treated successfully with bone-preserving techniques or grafting when needed. A careful clinical evaluation will identify the most appropriate pathway and any preparatory procedures required.
Our team assesses each patient individually and discusses realistic expectations, potential timelines, and the steps involved in achieving a durable restoration. We aim to match the treatment to the patient, rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Good oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and a commitment to follow-up care are key to long-term success. With those factors in place, implant therapy is an effective way to restore oral health and function for many people.
Implant placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation. The complexity and duration depend on the number of implants and whether additional procedures such as extractions or grafting are necessary. Many patients experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly with proper aftercare.
After placement, there is a healing period during which the implant bonds with the surrounding bone. This process can take several weeks to a few months depending on individual healing rates and the type of restoration planned. In many cases, temporary prostheses can be provided so patients maintain function and appearance while the implant integrates.
Final restorations are designed to optimize bite, comfort, and aesthetics. Our focus is on durable materials and precise laboratory work to deliver a natural-looking result that fits the patient’s face and smile dynamics.
Successful implant placement requires adequate bone volume and healthy soft tissues. When bone has been lost after tooth extraction or due to periodontal disease, bone grafting can rebuild the foundation needed to support an implant. These procedures use grafting material to encourage new bone growth and create a stable environment for future implant integration.
Tissue augmentation may also be used to rebuild gum contours around the implant site, improving both health and aesthetics. Your clinician will explain any recommended preparatory steps and how they contribute to the durability and appearance of the final restoration.
Dental implants provide a versatile and reliable method for replacing missing teeth, preserving oral health, and restoring function and confidence. From single crowns to full-arch restorations, contemporary implant techniques are designed to fit the needs and lifestyles of individual patients while protecting long-term oral structure.
Our team in Bergenfield, New Jersey, takes a patient-centered approach, combining experience with advanced planning tools to help you find the right solution for your smile. If you would like to learn more about implant dentistry or discuss whether implants are a good option for you, please contact us for more information.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Dental implants are biocompatible posts, most commonly made of titanium or titanium alloys, that are surgically placed into the jaw to act as artificial tooth roots. Over time the surrounding bone fuses to the implant surface through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. That stability allows the prosthetic tooth to restore chewing function and maintain normal bite forces.
Once integrated, implants behave mechanically like natural teeth by transmitting functional forces into the jaw, which helps preserve bone volume. Implant restorations are designed to match the appearance and contours of adjacent teeth so they blend naturally with the smile. Modern restorative materials and laboratory techniques further optimize aesthetics and long-term performance.
Candidates for dental implants are evaluated based on medical history, oral health, and specific treatment goals rather than age alone. Ideal candidates have healthy gum tissue, adequate bone volume or the willingness to undergo preparatory procedures, and habits that support good healing such as non-smoking or a commitment to quitting. Certain medical conditions are manageable with coordination between the dental team and the patient’s physician.
A comprehensive clinical exam and diagnostic imaging determine candidacy and identify any preparatory steps that may be needed. For patients with limited bone, techniques like grafting or the use of wider or angled implants can often create viable solutions. The treatment plan is tailored to the individual to balance function, aesthetics, and long-term stability.
The implant process begins with an initial consultation, medical review, and diagnostic imaging to plan implant position and prosthetic design. Implant placement is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation; complexity and the number of implants affect surgical time. After placement there is a healing period during which osseointegration occurs, typically measured in weeks to a few months depending on the site and patient healing.
Temporary or provisional restorations can often be provided so patients maintain appearance and function during healing. Once integration is confirmed, the final abutment and prosthesis are placed and adjusted for bite and esthetics. The team will explain follow-up visits and ongoing maintenance to help protect the restoration long term.
Implant solutions are adaptable to different patterns of tooth loss and patient goals, from single-tooth crowns to full-arch restorations. A single implant with a custom crown replaces an individual tooth without altering adjacent teeth, while implant-supported bridges can replace several missing teeth using fewer implants than traditional approaches. For fully edentulous arches, fixed full-arch restorations supported by four to six implants or implant-retained overdentures are common choices that restore stability and function.
The selection of a specific restoration considers chewing demands, aesthetic needs, hygiene access, and long-term maintenance. Prosthetic materials and designs are chosen to replicate natural tooth contours and withstand functional forces. Your clinician will review the advantages and limitations of each option to match the restoration to your lifestyle.
Because implants replace the tooth root as well as the crown, they help transmit normal chewing forces into the jawbone and thereby reduce the bone loss that commonly follows tooth extraction. Preserving bone volume maintains facial contours and supports adjacent teeth, which contributes to both function and appearance. Unlike traditional bridges that may require alteration of neighboring healthy teeth, implants provide support without compromising adjacent tooth structure.
Maintaining the surrounding soft tissues is also important; properly contoured implant restorations support healthy gum architecture and help prevent food trapping. Regular dental visits and meticulous home care reduce the risk of inflammation around implants. When implants are planned and placed to respect biological principles, they become a durable foundation for oral health.
Bone grafting is recommended when there is insufficient bone volume to support an implant safely and predictably, which can result from long-standing tooth loss, infection, or periodontal disease. Grafting restores the necessary foundation by using a variety of graft materials and techniques to encourage new bone formation. Soft tissue augmentation may also be advised to rebuild or enhance gum contours for better esthetics and health around the implant site.
These preparatory procedures are commonly performed either before implant placement or at the same time as implant surgery, depending on the clinical situation. Your dental team will explain why a graft or tissue procedure is recommended, the expected healing timeline, and how it contributes to long-term success. With proper planning, grafting expands treatment options and improves restorative outcomes.
Implant surgery is typically performed in the office under local anesthesia and, when appropriate, oral or IV sedation to ensure patient comfort. Most procedures are well tolerated and involve minimal discomfort that can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics, cold packs, and rest during the initial healing phase. Swelling and light bruising are normal and usually resolve within a week, while sutures may be removed or dissolve depending on the technique used.
Aftercare instructions are provided to support healing, including oral hygiene recommendations and activity limitations for the first few days. Follow-up visits monitor integration and tissue health, and provisional restorations can maintain appearance and function during the healing period. If any unexpected symptoms develop, the practice should be contacted promptly to address them.
Long-term implant success depends on excellent oral hygiene, routine professional care, and healthy lifestyle choices. Daily brushing with a nonabrasive brush, interdental cleaning around the implant, and regular periodontal evaluations help prevent plaque accumulation and inflammation of surrounding tissues. Your hygienist may recommend specialized instruments or home care tools tailored to your restoration type.
Routine maintenance appointments are important to evaluate prosthetic components, check occlusion, and perform professional cleaning around implant restorations. Avoiding tobacco and managing systemic health conditions that affect healing will also support implant longevity. Communication with your dental team ensures prompt attention to any changes and helps preserve the health of your implants.
Like any surgical procedure, implant therapy carries potential risks including infection, implant failure, nerve or sinus involvement in specific anatomical sites, and peri-implant inflammation if hygiene is inadequate. Early complications are often related to healing and can usually be managed with clinical intervention and appropriate aftercare. Long-term issues most commonly relate to the health of the surrounding gum and bone, which is why preventive maintenance is essential.
Careful treatment planning, imaging, and surgical technique minimize many risks, and the clinician will review site-specific concerns during consultation. If problems occur, timely diagnosis and treatment can often preserve the implant or allow for alternative restorative strategies. Informed consent and a clear understanding of expectations help patients participate actively in risk reduction.
Digital tools such as three-dimensional imaging, virtual treatment planning, and surgical guides increase precision in implant placement by translating planned implant positions directly to the surgical field. This accuracy helps optimize prosthetic outcomes, protect vital anatomical structures, and reduce intraoperative surprises. Guided workflows can also streamline treatment steps and, in many cases, reduce overall chair time for the patient.
Digital planning supports interdisciplinary collaboration between the clinician, laboratory technicians, and specialists when complex reconstructions are required. The result is a more predictable restorative result with improved aesthetics and function. When used appropriately, these technologies complement clinical judgment and experience to enhance long-term success.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Suss Dental Group is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
