Dental Implants & Restorative Solutions in Spring Lake, NJ

Dental Implants & Restorative Solutions in Spring Lake, NJ

Many people find themselves avoiding certain foods they once enjoyed, or covering their mouth when they laugh. Perhaps you've noticed yourself chewing more carefully or feeling self-conscious in photos. These small adjustments often happen gradually, but they can significantly impact how you experience daily life and connect with others.

Dental implants offer a thoughtfully engineered approach to tooth replacement that works with your body's natural healing process. We place titanium posts into your jawbone that gradually integrate with bone tissue through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation that functions like natural tooth roots. Unlike bridges that rely on neighboring teeth or dentures that rest on your gums, implants stand independently and help preserve your jawbone density while distributing chewing forces naturally.

At Smile Studio of Spring Lake, Dr. Robert Scheddin has helped many people throughout Spring Lake, New Jersey restore both function and confidence with dental implant technology. As a fellowship-trained implant specialist with extensive education from NYU and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dr. Scheddin approaches each case with careful planning and precision craftsmanship. If you're curious about whether dental implants might be right for your situation, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your options. Call our Spring Lake office at 732-974-2288 to schedule your consultation.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant serves as an artificial tooth root that becomes integrated with your jawbone. The titanium post we place gradually fuses with your bone tissue over several months through a process called osseointegration, creating a foundation that can be even more stable than the original tooth root. This biological integration is what gives implants their remarkable stability and longevity.

Treatment Process and Timeline

Your implant treatment typically follows these stages:

1. Consultation and planning: We take detailed scans and X-rays to assess your bone density and plan precise placement
2. Implant placement: During a surgical procedure, we place the titanium implant into your jawbone using local anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort
3. Healing and integration: Over 3-6 months, the implant fuses with your bone through osseointegration
4. Final restoration: Once healing is complete, we attach an abutment and place your custom-made crown

Single tooth replacement typically takes 30-60 minutes for placement, with most patients returning to work within 1-2 days. A temporary crown can often be placed immediately for visible areas.

Treatment Options

We provide comprehensive implant solutions from single teeth to full mouth reconstruction. For patients missing most or all teeth, All-on-4 technology offers a complete solution using just four strategically placed implants per arch. This approach allows us to attach a full set of teeth immediately after implant placement, so you can leave with a complete smile the same day.

When bone volume is insufficient, we perform bone grafting using your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials. This process requires 3-6 months for integration but creates the foundation necessary for long-term implant success.

Treatment Alternatives

Each tooth replacement option has distinct characteristics:

• Dental implants: Help preserve jawbone, often last 25+ years, and function like natural teeth but require surgery and higher upfront investment
• Fixed bridges: Stay in place and work well but require modification of healthy adjacent teeth and typically last 10-15 years
• Removable dentures: Most affordable initially but don't prevent bone loss, may shift during eating or speaking, and typically require replacement every 5-10 years

For long-term function and oral health, implants often outperform other options because they're the only replacement that helps preserve bone density and doesn't require modification of adjacent teeth.

Candidacy and Recovery

Most adults with adequate bone density and good overall health are candidates for dental implants. Age alone doesn't disqualify you from treatment—we've successfully placed implants in patients well into their 80s and 90s. We need to address active gum disease before implant placement, but having a history of periodontal issues doesn't prevent you from getting implants.

Recovery is generally manageable, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate discomfort. We recommend taking 600mg ibuprofen every 6 hours for the first 48 hours and applying ice packs intermittently during the first day. Most patients return to normal activities within a week while avoiding strenuous exercise for 3-5 days.

Comfort and Sedation Options

We prioritize your comfort throughout the implant process. All procedures are performed with local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during treatment. For patients who experience anxiety or prefer additional comfort, we offer oral conscious sedation. This helps you feel relaxed and at ease while remaining responsive during the procedure. We'll discuss the best sedation option for your needs during your consultation.

Investment and Financing

Treatment costs vary based on individual needs and complexity. While the initial investment may seem significant, implants often prove more economical over time compared to bridges that typically need replacement every 10-15 years or dentures requiring ongoing adjustments. We offer flexible financing options with monthly payment plans to help make treatment accessible.

Our practice is out-of-network with insurance, but as a courtesy, we submit claims to maximize your benefits. We collect payment upfront, and any insurance reimbursement goes directly back to you. We'll discuss specific costs and financing options during your consultation.

Why Choose Smile Studio of Spring Lake

Our Spring Lake practice combines advanced training with personalized care and careful attention to detail. Dr. Scheddin's extensive implant education, fellowship status, and over a thousand hours of continuing education credits help ensure you receive expert treatment. Our comprehensive approach means we handle everything from consultation through final restoration in our Spring Lake office.

We use advanced 3D imaging for precise planning, offer oral conscious sedation for comfort, and provide transparent information about treatment options and financing. We believe in taking the time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly, and craft a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and comfort level. Learn more about our patient experience and approach to care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 25 years or longer. The crown may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, but the implant itself often lasts many decades with regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene.

Am I too old for dental implants?

Age alone doesn't disqualify you from implant treatment. We've successfully placed implants in patients well into their 80s and 90s. Your overall health and bone density are more important factors than your chronological age.

Can I get implants if I have gum disease?

We need to address active gum disease before implant placement, but having a history of periodontal issues doesn't prevent you from getting implants. Once your gums are healthy, implants can actually be easier to maintain than natural teeth because they don't develop cavities.

Do dental implants hurt?

Most patients experience less discomfort than anticipated. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and post-operative pain is typically mild to moderate. We provide comprehensive pain management guidance and offer oral conscious sedation for anxious patients.

How much do dental implants cost?

Costs vary based on individual treatment needs, number of implants, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation and offer financing options to make treatment accessible.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95-98% when placed by experienced practitioners. Success depends on factors including bone quality, oral hygiene, and following post-operative instructions.

Can I eat normally with dental implants?

Yes, once fully healed, dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods without restriction. They provide superior chewing ability compared to dentures and don't require dietary modifications like some other tooth replacement options.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

If you're curious about whether dental implants might be right for your situation, we'd welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your options without any pressure. Dr. Scheddin takes time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and help you understand all your choices. Call our Spring Lake office at 732-974-2288 to schedule a consultation where we can explore how dental implants might help restore both your oral health and your confidence.