Dental Implants in Syracuse, NY

What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants are made up of two parts; a titanium screw that acts as "the root" of the tooth, and a custom porcelain crown that screws into the titanium implant to match the rest of your teeth and retains your bone structure and bite. 

How do you know if your a candidate for dental implants?

Implants are performed on patients that have lost their adult teeth (permanent teeth). Typically, these procedures are only performed on people ages 22 and older, due to not wanting to disrupt the natural growth of a person's mouth. However, there are some restrictions that we take into account when assessing for implant candidacy. For example, patients that have extreme bone loss that cannot be replaced by a bone graph may not be implant candidates. Regardless, we strongly believe in implants as treatment to preserve a patient's oral health and smile, so we will try to take every avenue possible to make them work for you if you are a candidate!

What is the difference between mini implants and full dental implants?

Mini dental implants have a similar structure to regular implants, but are much shorter and thinner. They have often been used in the past by dentists to retain a temporary prosthetic, and are NOT designed to be a long term solution to tooth/bone loss. Mini implants do not hold as strongly in the bone as regular implants, making them more susceptible to falling out or incurring infection. However regular implants have been scientifically proven to be very strong and often last a lifetime when taken care of properly. 

What is the dental implant process like from start to finish?

Once a patient has chosen implants as treatment, a panoramic x-ray and CBTC scan is taken of the mouth to assess the bone and placement of the implant. The doctor will then determine which kind of regular implant is best fitting for you, and either extract the tooth that is being replaced or prepare the area for surgery. A single implant typically takes an hour to 90 mins to insert into the mouth. A period of at least 4-6 months of healing is needed before the implant crown can be placed within the implant. Once the healing process is complete and the bone has fully healed around the implant, a scan of the implant is taken in preparation for manufacturing the crown. Once we receive the crown make from our renowned dental laboratories, the crown will be place (or "screwed") into the implant and adjusted to match the rest of your smile. You can then go back to chewing and biting as you normally would!  

How long do the dental implants last?

The success rate is very high for dental implants. They can last you your lifetime. There are certain things that could cause an implant to fail. One of them is poor oral hygiene, so not taking care or keeping it clean, not coming in for regular checkups, or there could be some medical conditions that could cause the implants to fail. Coming in for regular checkups and making sure you get it checked up would be the best way for the implant to last your lifetime!

What condition would cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?

Sometimes patients may have a condition where their teeth, gums, or bone are breaking down, making their teeth less functional. While we try to save the teeth as best as we can, certain situations may require a dental implant. Benefits include restoring the ability to chew, smile, and overall health, as better eating leads to better health!

Why is my medical history important?

Medical history is crucial because certain conditions may affect the healing process of dental implants. A thorough medical history helps ensure the best success for your implants.

When will bone grafting be required?

If a tooth has been missing for a long time or recently extracted, there may be bone loss. To ensure a predictable and long-term successful implant, a certain amount of bone is needed, which may require bone grafting.

When choosing new artificial teeth, what options do I have, and what are the pros and cons of each?

There are two options for implant-supported artificial teeth: fixed and removable. Fixed teeth remain in place day and night, feel like natural teeth, but are more expensive and require diligent cleaning. Removable dentures, connected to implants, are more stable than regular dentures and easier to clean but must be removed at night.

What are the costs and financing options involved in dental implants?

Costs vary depending on the procedure. Single implants cost less, and multiple implants cost more. We offer financing options to spread payments over time, making it more affordable based on your needs.

Do most insurance plans cover the costs of dental implants?

Coverage varies, with about half of the insurance plans covering part of the cost of dental implants. However, most insurance plans DO NOT cover implants. 

How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?

To schedule an appointment, call our office for a consultation or new patient exam so the doctor can evaluate your needs.

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More on Smiles By Design

Dentist in Syracuse, NY

Finding the right dentist in Syracuse, NY is about more than choosing a practice close to home. It's about finding a team that takes the time to understand your needs, explains your treatment options clearly, and provides high-quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. At Smiles By Design, we're proud to provide comprehensive family dental care for children, teens, adults, and seniors, helping patients throughout Syracuse achieve healthy, confident smiles at every stage of life.

Whether you're visiting for a routine dental exam, looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, or seeking cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care using modern techniques and advanced dental technology. We believe every patient deserves individual attention, and we work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your oral health goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Comprehensive Dental Care 

As a leading dentist in Syracuse, NY, we provide a complete range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dental services under one roof. This allows our patients to receive consistent care from a team they know and trust, without the need for multiple referrals.

Whether you're scheduling routine care for your family, maintaining your own oral health, or exploring options to restore your smile, we're committed to providing personalized care that supports long-term oral health.

Wellness Dentistry

Preventive care forms the foundation of a healthy smile. Regular visits allow us to identify small concerns before they become larger problems, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums while avoiding more extensive treatment in the future. We provide preventive dental care for families, helping both children and adults maintain healthy smiles through regular examinations, hygiene appointments, and early diagnosis of dental concerns.

Our family dentistry services include:

  • Dental Exams
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Diagnosis and treatment of Cavities

Routine dental examinations allow us to monitor your oral health closely, while professional dental hygiene appointments remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. Digital dental X-rays help us identify issues beneath the surface, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.

We also perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings during routine appointments, allowing for early detection of abnormalities when treatment is often most successful. If signs of gum disease are identified, our team provides personalized gum disease treatment designed to restore healthy gums and prevent further damage.

Restorative Dentistry

Damaged, worn, or missing teeth can affect far more than your appearance. They can impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to rebuild both the function and appearance of your smile using durable, natural-looking materials.

Our restorative treatments include:

Dental implants remain one of the most predictable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. By replacing the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, implants help preserve jawbone health while restoring natural function and aesthetics.

Dental crowns strengthen weakened or damaged teeth, protecting them from further fracture while restoring their natural appearance. For patients missing one or more teeth, custom dental bridges provide an effective solution to close gaps and restore chewing function.

We also offer metal-free fillings, allowing patients to restore cavities with tooth-coloured materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. For patients requiring a full-arch restoration, TeethXpress® offers an efficient solution that combines implant technology with a fixed, functional smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Feeling confident about your smile can have a positive impact on both your personal and professional life. Our cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth while maintaining a natural, balanced result.

Whether you're looking to brighten discoloured teeth, improve symmetry, or refresh your overall smile, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals. We take a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry, focusing on results that complement your natural facial features rather than creating an artificial appearance.

Every smile is unique, and we believe cosmetic dentistry should reflect that individuality.

Oral Surgery

Some dental conditions require surgical treatment to restore oral health or relieve discomfort. Our experienced team provides oral surgery in a caring, supportive environment, ensuring every patient feels informed and comfortable throughout treatment.

Our oral surgery services include:

Whether a tooth has become severely damaged, infected, or cannot be restored, we'll carefully assess your options before recommending extraction. If a tooth does need to be removed, we'll also discuss suitable replacement options to maintain the health and function of your smile.

Treatment for Common Dental Conditions

Maintaining healthy gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. We diagnose and treat a range of common dental conditions, including:

  • Gingivitis

As the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is often reversible when treated promptly. Our team provides thorough assessments, professional cleanings, and personalised home care guidance to help restore healthy gums and prevent progression to more advanced periodontal disease.

A Patient-Centred Approach to Dentistry

At Smiles By Design, we understand that every patient has different concerns, goals, and expectations. That's why we never believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and explain every treatment option so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Our team is committed to creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable throughout every visit. Whether you're returning for a routine cleaning or visiting us for more complex treatment, you can expect compassionate care, clear communication, and attention to detail from start to finish.

We continually invest in modern dental technology and ongoing education to ensure we're providing efficient, comfortable treatment using proven techniques and high-quality materials.

Your Dentist in Syracuse, NY

If you're searching for a dentist in Syracuse, NY, Smiles By Design is here to provide the comprehensive dental care you and your family deserve. From preventive check-ups and gum disease treatment to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, and oral surgery, we offer everything you need to maintain a healthy, confident smile in one convenient location.

Our goal is to build lasting relationships with every patient by providing exceptional dental care in a friendly, professional setting. Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete smile restoration, we're here to help you achieve long-term oral health with treatment that's tailored specifically to you.

Contact Smiles By Design today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference personalized dental care can make. If you're looking for a trusted dentist in Syracuse, NY, our team looks forward to welcoming you to our practice.