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Dental Implants

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When patients are considering replacements for badly damaged or missing teeth, NYC cosmetic dentist Michael Kosdon, DDS typically suggests dental implants as the gold standard for restoring smiles with the highest-quality results. The long-term effects of missing teeth can seriously influence one’s oral and medical health, and the emergence of dental implants offers a number of important benefits.

Dr. Kosdon and his experienced team work together to create individualized treatment plans for each dental implant procedure, whether they are replacing one tooth, several teeth, or accomplishing a full smile makeover. Every implant restoration is custom-designed by Dr. Kosdon and fabricated by his trusted ceramist using advanced technology and quality ceramic materials.

Please review the detailed educational sections below or contact Dr. Kosdon’s office for more information on dental implants:

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the longest-lasting, most natural-looking option for tooth replacement. Most commonly composed of a titanium post, fastener (abutment), and porcelain crown, a dental implant can restore the full anatomical structure and function of your missing tooth. Best of all, dental implants can both look and feel like your natural teeth.

An innovative alternative to traditional methods, dental implants are custom-designed to replace teeth, permanently anchor dentures, or provide full-mouth restoration, while mimicking real teeth in both form and function. There is no additional maintenance required for them other than your normal daily brushing and flossing routine; and as an added benefit, dental implants help uphold the overall health of the jawbone and the surrounding teeth and gums. Dr. Kosdon can restore dental implants right here at his practice.

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What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentistry?

Because dental implants are designed to be permanent, they can serve as a remarkable tooth replacement procedure, offering restorative benefits such as improved chewing and speaking. In addition to improved function, dental implants also enhance the appearance of your smile by giving you a replacement tooth that looks completely natural. Dental implants do not move or slip and provide less risk of irritating the gums when compared to removable dental prosthetics.
When you choose hybrid dentures to complete your smile, the arches are made entirely from zirconia, which provides superior strength and beautiful aesthetics. Crown and bridge implant restorations are created from all-ceramic porcelain materials.
Dr. Michael Kosdon will be happy to meet with you to determine if dental implants may be a good option for attaining your goals.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. These effective treatments can replace missing teeth with permanent results that look and feel like natural teeth, improving your ability to chew and speak and significantly enhancing the appearance of your smile. Dr. Kosdon will be happy to meet with you for an initial consultation to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and determine if dental implants or other cosmetic dentistry solutions are the best options for your needs.

Good candidates for dental implants include:

  • Individuals who need to replace one or more missing teeth.
  • Individuals who are looking for a permanent, more natural-feeling alternative to dentures.
  • Individuals who have an adequate amount of jawbone density in the area of the missing tooth. This will be necessary for the successful accommodation of the implant.
  • Individuals who have reasonably good gum health.
  • Individuals who are not currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
  • Individuals who do not have certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, that may complicate the healing process after the implant has been placed.

Many factors are considered when determining candidacy for dental implants. If Dr. Kosdon has decided you may not be the best candidate for this procedure after he has examined you, he will recommend other advanced options that can serve as good alternatives to dental implants. For patients who are candidates, Dr. Kosdon will create a detailed, customized treatment plan to ensure the results of the dental implant procedure look and feel as natural as possible.

What Type of Dental Implant Solutions Can I Choose From?

By offering a wide variety of dental implant types and materials, including metal-free zirconia dental implants, Dr. Kosdon can help ensure that each patient receives the right implant and restoration to create results that are long-lasting, functional, and incredibly natural-looking.

Single Tooth Replacement

Single tooth dental implants are comprised of one implant post and a restoration crown. These types of implants are always used to replace a single missing tooth that is surrounded by two healthy teeth. Each implant crown is carefully customized to pair with the shade, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, so that it looks, feels, and functions much like a natural tooth.

Replacement of Multiple Teeth

When patients are missing multiple teeth, Dr. Kosdon may suggest a couple of different dental implant options. Each individual tooth can be replaced by a single implant, or, if you are missing a series of teeth, an implant-retained bridge may provide adequate restoration. During your consultation, Dr. Kosdon will explain the kind of implants, restorations, and treatment strategies that can yield optimal results. He will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each choice, and communicate a clear picture of the outcome you can expect.

All-On-4® Implant Dentures


The All-On-4 technique is a popular method of retaining a full-arch denture with four strategically placed dental implants. With All-On-4, two implants are placed toward the front of the jaw and two are placed at the back of the mouth and angled forward. It is especially common for this approach to be considered when a patient has reduced jawbone density and wants to avoid a bone grafting procedure. When All-On-4 is used to replace all of the upper and lower teeth, the procedure is typically referred to as a full mouth restoration. Not all candidates for implant dentures are well-suited for the All-On-4 method, and a consultation with Dr. Kosdon can reveal the customized approach that is best for your needs and goals.

Hybrid Dentures for Full Mouth Replacement

If you are missing all of your upper and/or lower teeth, hybrid dentures that are fixed in place by several dental implants offer a stable, reliable, and natural-looking replacement option that surpasses both implant-supported and traditional dentures. The hybrid dentures that Dr. Kosdon offers are screw-retained, rather than removable, and provide superior functionality and aesthetics.

Metal-Free Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia dental implants are made entirely of strong, high-quality ceramic material and do not contain any metal. This aesthetically superior, holistic dental implant option provides several advantages over standard titanium models. The hypoallergenic zirconia dental implant eliminates the possibility of allergies and other biocompatibility issues that can occur with titanium. Additionally, the completely white color of metal-free zirconia implants ensure that no dark discolorations along the gumline or at the base of the crowns can develop. Other advantages of zirconia dental implants include:

  • High-quality cosmetic appearance
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • One-piece design
  • Shorter, more comfortable recovery period for many patients
  • Simplified placement procedure
  • Superior strength and durability

To find out if metal-free zirconia dental implants may be right for you, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosdon.

"Dr. Kosdon and his team are just amazing! I am so happy I decided to chose him. I absolutely love the results, have a new sense of confidence and find myself smiling more! "Nicole S.
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What Happens During the Dental Implant Procedure?

Prior to the procedure, local or general anesthesia can be administered to ensure you remain as comfortable and pain-free as possible throughout treatment. The length of your dental implant procedure will depend upon the number of implants being placed, as well as their location. For each implant, a suitable space will be created within the jawbone below your missing tooth to accommodate the titanium or zirconia implant post. The post is then fit into the jawbone and allowed to heal, which often takes about six to twelve weeks. During this time, the jawbone fuses to the implant post to create a strong bond that fixes it in place. Following healing, the abutment, which fastens the restoration to the implant, will be attached to the top portion of the post. The custom restoration will then be fabricated and placed atop the abutment to create the finished replacement tooth or teeth.

Are There Risks Associated with Dental Implants?

Surgical placement of dental implants is now an extremely common procedure. The techniques and technology used to accomplish implantation have progressively advanced to increase success rates and improve the quality of results. As with any oral surgery, however, there are risks. We recommend seeking only the most skilled and experienced implant specialists to help minimize the occurrence of complications, as well as provide expertise should an issue arise. Risks associated with dental implants are rare, but may include infection, injury or damage to surrounding teeth, sinus complications, and nerve damage. Though they may sound serious, all of these complications can typically be swiftly remedied with appropriate treatment.

How Can a Cosmetic Dentist Enhance Implant Dentistry?

While placement of the dental implant post is a major step in the process, the benefits of including a cosmetic dentist in the entire procedure are twofold. First, by having a cosmetic dentist evaluate the bite and overall structure of the mouth before the implant post is placed, patients are able to address both functional issues, as well as cosmetic concerns, which allows each specialist involved in the procedure to work together to provide optimal results. Second, by addressing all areas of concern at the same time, patients can often avoid the need for additional correctional procedures, as well as more serious health problems in the future.

Why Choose Dr. Kosdon for Dental Implants?

At every phase of the dental implants process, Dr. Kosdon is committed to providing quality, individualized care. When you are considering dental implants and researching dentists, we recommend being careful not to choose a practitioner who may rush the process and provide a one-size-fits all solution for your dental needs. While quality care often takes a little more time and may require more of a significant financial investment, the results are typically more reliable, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking. For some patients, “teeth-in-a-day” dental implants advertised by many implant centers and dentists can seem like an appealing option; however, this kind of terminology is designed to merely attract patients and does not honestly portray the process and results one can expect. If you are interested in the highest-quality results that look and function like natural teeth, teeth-in-a-day is probably not the right avenue for you. When you decide on Dr. Kosdon and his team for your dental implant procedure, you can rely on their extensive experience and superior patient care to deliver the results you expect.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Every dental implant procedure is custom-tailored to the unique needs and cosmetic goals of the patient. Therefore, the cost of dental implants varies between individuals. The exact cost will depend on the number of implants, type of implants, where they are placed, and any treatments that may need to be performed to improve oral health or build bone density before surgery can proceed. After a consultation with Dr. Kosdon, he will be able to quote the full projected cost for your treatment.

Are There Financing Options Available for Dental Implants?

Yes, we provide dental financing to help make your dental implants treatment more affordable. At our practice, we accept various plans through CareCredit®, which can help you cover the cost of treatment over the course of several months with low to no interest rates.

Additional Dental Implant FAQs

  • Why are dental implants advantageous over traditional dentures?

    Dental implants are designed to mimic both the appearance and the function of your natural teeth. As opposed to dentures, which are artificial teeth that fit onto your gum line, dental implants are actually placed through the gum and anchored to your jaw – ultimately becoming a permanent part of your mouth. Unlike dentures, dental implants carry no risk of slipping or moving along the gumline. Plus, there is no hassle or daily maintenance associated with dental implants – other than your regular brushing and flossing routines.

  • Are dental implants custom-designed?

    Yes. Your dental implant is completely custom-made for the most accurate fit and natural appearance. Our cosmetic dentist provides dental implant restorations with permanent dental crowns. The crown is created from a mold of your teeth to give you the best possible fit and the most natural appearance.

  • Will my dental implants look natural?

    Our practice is known for its natural-looking implant restorations that enhance the natural beauty of the smile. This is largely because of our top-quality materials, as well as the skill of our master ceramist. Each implant prosthesis is hand-crafted by Dr. Kosdon’s master ceramist with the utmost attention to detail. We customize the restoration according to your unique dental characteristics and facial appearance to create the most natural look. Dr. Kosdon’s work is one-of-a-kind, and the results of his artistry can help patients’ restored smiles look their absolute best.

  • Will dental implants enhance both the form and function of my teeth?

    One of the chief benefits of dental implants is that they look so natural, in addition to providing you with a permanent tooth replacement. Dental implants can help to improve speaking and chewing, as well as with the prevention of bone loss and movement of healthy teeth surrounding them. As far as the aesthetic results of dental implants, the final result can look so much like your natural teeth that you may not even be able to tell the difference!

  • Do I need implants or veneers?

    While implants and porcelain veneers can each dramatically improve the quality of your smile, there is an important difference between the two treatments. As mentioned above, implants can enhance both aesthetics and function; on the other hand, veneers are considered a solely cosmetic procedure, with their primary purpose being to conceal a variety of physical imperfections (e.g. cracks, chips, and misalignment). Dr. Kosdon can help you decide between these two options after a thorough evaluation of your concerns.

  • What causes implant failure?

    Following the placement of your implants, it is imperative that you refrain from smoking for at least two months.* Smoking can interfere with osseointegration, or the process in which the implant fuses to the jawbone. In addition, consuming tobacco during your recovery from the dental implant procedure can complicate the healing process. If you are a smoker, we encourage you to consider quitting, as doing so can be detrimental to your oral health.

  • Will dental implants enhance both the form and function of my teeth?

    “Implant failure” occurs when the implant fails to fuse with the jawbone.* While this phenomenon is rare when the procedure is in the hands of an experienced dentist, certain factors have been known to increase chances of implant failure, including tobacco smoking, osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications.

Contact Dr. Michael Kosdon

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosdon to discuss dental implant treatment, please contact us today. Our experienced cosmetic dentist will be happy to answer your questions.

Medical Resources*

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