Dental Implants 101: The Permanent, Natural-Looking Solution to Missing Teeth

Missing a tooth? Learn how dental implants offer a permanent, stable, and beautiful solution. Dr. Jason Schepis and Dr. Ryan Maher of Rochelle Park explain everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?

If you're dealing with a missing tooth or the discomfort of loose dentures, you've likely heard about dental implants, but you might not be sure exactly what they are. Simply put, a dental implant is the most advanced way to replace a missing tooth. Unlike bridges or dentures that sit on top of the gums, a dental implant is a medical-grade titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root.

At Perfected Smiles, Dr. Jason Schepis explains it to patients like this: "Think of it as building a new tooth from the ground up. We create a new, stable root in the jawbone, and on top of that, we build a beautiful, custom-made crown. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth."

A complete dental implant consists of three parts:

The Implant: The titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone.
The Abutment: A connector piece that attaches to the implant and sits just above the gum line.
The Crown: The custom-made, tooth-colored restoration that attaches to the abutment and is the only part you see.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?

While options like dental bridges and dentures have been used for decades, they come with compromises. Implants offer significant, lifelong advantages that other solutions simply can't match.

Unmatched Stability: Because the implant fuses directly with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, it becomes a permanent part of you. This means no slipping, no clicking, and no worrying about your teeth while you eat or speak.
Preserves Your Jawbone: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink away. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that stimulates the bone, preventing this bone loss and preserving your facial structure.
Doesn't Harm Healthy Teeth: To place a traditional bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be ground down. Implants are standalone solutions that leave your surrounding teeth untouched. As Dr. Ryan Maher notes, "Our philosophy is always to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Implants allow us to do that perfectly."
A Lasting Investment: While the initial investment may be higher, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, often making them the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is anyone who is missing one or more teeth and has adequate jawbone density and good overall oral health. During your consultation at our Rochelle Park office, we use advanced 3D imaging to assess your unique situation.

You may be a great candidate if:

You are missing one or more teeth.
You are tired of the inconvenience of a partial or full denture.
You have a failing bridge or a tooth that needs to be extracted.
You are in good general health.

Even if you've been told you don't have enough bone for an implant, don't lose hope. Dr. Schepis and Dr. Maher are highly experienced in bone grafting procedures that can rebuild the jawbone, making implant placement possible for more patients than ever before.

The Dental Implant Process at Perfected Smiles

We guide you through a simple, streamlined process to restore your smile:

Consultation & Planning: Your journey begins with a comprehensive exam and 3D scan. Dr. Schepis or Dr. Maher will create a precise, customized treatment plan for you.
Implant Placement: The titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure performed with your comfort as our top priority.
Healing & Integration: Over the next few months, your jawbone will naturally fuse with the implant, creating a rock-solid foundation.
Final Restoration: Once healing is complete, we attach the abutment and your beautiful, custom-matched crown, completing your new smile.

Stop Living with a Gap in Your Smile.

A missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue, it affects your confidence, your ability to eat, and your long-term oral health. Dental implants are the gold-standard solution, and you deserve to know if they are right for you.

Schedule a no-obligation dental implant consultation with Dr. Jason Schepis or Dr. Ryan Maher today. As the trusted implant dentists in Rochelle Park, we will answer all of your questions and provide a clear path to rebuilding your smile with confidence.

Call Perfected Smiles get started.

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