Strong roots for long-term restoration
Dental implants are small titanium anchors placed beneath the gums to replace missing tooth roots. Once they bond with the bone, they create a secure base for custom restorations such as crowns or bridges. Implants are durable, comfortable, and designed to look and feel natural for years to come.
Implants are designed to function more like natural teeth and don’t depend on the surrounding teeth for support. Also, with a bridge (or with no treatment at all), some of the bone that previously surrounded a missing tooth begins to deteriorate because the root is no longer stimulating and stabilizing the bone. If your bone does begin to deteriorate, your other teeth can shift, which will affect the aesthetics of your smile and the mechanics of your bite. Dental implants actually integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. Bridges can still be a good option in the right situation. We walk through both choices so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs.
With good home care and routine checkups, implants can last many years. The crown may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear, but the implant itself is designed for long-term stability.
To be a good candidate for a dental implant you should be in good overall and oral health. There needs to be enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues and no periodontal disease. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after the implant procedure. Using tobacco can also slow healing and increase the chance of complications.
It depends on what you’re hoping to improve. Some people want more stability, fewer removable pieces, or something that feels closer to a natural tooth. If that’s the case, implants can be a meaningful upgrade. We’ll always help you weigh the benefits and the cost before deciding.
Usually! Even if it has been a long time, implants are often still possible. You may need some additional support, like bone grafting, to help rebuild the area.
The specifics depend on how many teeth you’re replacing.
A thoughtfully made crown should blend in well. We pay close attention to shape, texture, and color so it feels like it fits naturally in your smile.
An implant placement appointment is usually less than two hours long. You should try to avoid strenuous work and exercise, but most people are able to return to work the next day. For the first 24 hours, it’s a good idea to stick to soft foods and liquids, avoiding anything extremely hot, cold, spicy, or rough. We’ll go over all of the aftercare with you so you know the best way to take care of your new implant.
The cost can vary quite a bit because everyone’s needs are different, and each implant case has several steps. It’s difficult to give an exact estimate without seeing someone in person, but we’re always upfront about what goes into the total cost.
A complete dental implant involves at least three separate components: 1) the implant itself 2) the abutment 3) the crown that attaches to it
An extraction and/or bone graft may also be part of a treatment plan. One thing to watch out for when comparing estimates is whether you’re seeing the full picture. Sometimes a quote only includes the implant and leaves out the abutment or crown, which can be misleading.
In general, a full implant with an abutment and crown typically ranges from about $6,400 to $7,500. We offer pay-over-time options to help make treatment more manageable, and a consultation will give you a personalized breakdown.
Sometimes. It depends on your specific plan and the provider you see. Many plans consider implants elective, but we occasionally see partial coverage for certain steps of the procedure. We’re transparent about estimates and help you understand exactly what your plan may or may not contribute.
Dr. Lydia Gardner graduated with an AB in Psychology and a language citation in French from Harvard University. She then went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She was inducted into the prestigious OKU national dental honor society which has moral as well as academic selection criteria. Dr. Gardner then completed her 3-year specialty residency in Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She simultaneously earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology for independent research examining the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. She presented the preliminary results of her Master’s research in Brazil at the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research. Dr. Gardner also traveled to South Africa and Morocco during her residency to participate in humanitarian missions providing care to communities without access.
Dr. Gardner is a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. Board certification denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment, and in the placement of dental implants. She is also a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Northeastern Society of Periodontists, and the International Team for Implantology. Additionally, Dr. Gardner holds a New York State Conscious Sedation certification to provide IV sedation for her patients.
In her spare time, Dr. Gardner enjoys travel, skiing, exercise, reading, and spending time with her husband and their children.
