Replace missing teeth, the permanent way.
Titanium implants that fuse with your jawbone and last 25+ years. Single tooth or multiple — planned in-house with 3D imaging by Dr. Vivian Menendez.
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth root used to be; after healing, a custom crown is attached on top. The result looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth — and lasts 25+ years with proper care, often a lifetime. At Art Dental Studio, every implant case is planned with 3D cone-beam CT imaging and executed by our multi-specialty team: Dr. Vivian Menendez (placement), Dr. Cohen (periodontal foundation), and in-house master ceramist Enrique (final crown). No outside referrals required.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post — typically 4 to 5 millimeters wide and 8 to 14 millimeters long — that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over 3 to 6 months the implant fuses with surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. Once fully integrated, a custom-made crown is attached to the top.
The result is a free-standing replacement tooth that does not depend on neighboring teeth (unlike a bridge), preserves the jawbone (unlike removable dentures), and functions like a natural tooth for eating, speaking and smiling. The implant itself typically lasts 25+ years and the crown 15-20 years.
Modern dental implants have a very high, well-documented success rate when placed by experienced clinicians in healthy candidates. Art Dental Studio uses leading implant systems with documented long-term clinical data.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Most patients with one or more missing teeth are excellent candidates. Ideal patients typically have:
- One or more missing teeth (or teeth that need extraction)
- Adequate jawbone density to support the implant (bone grafting available if needed)
- Healthy gums (periodontal disease must be treated first)
- Good general health (uncontrolled diabetes and heavy smoking reduce success rates)
- Commitment to oral hygiene and routine 6-month check-ups
- Preference for a permanent solution over removable dentures or bridges
The dental implant process at Art Dental Studio
- 01
Free consultation with 3D imaging
Dr. Vivian Menendez evaluates your case using 3D cone-beam CT imaging that shows bone density, nerve location and adjacent tooth roots. You leave the consultation with a written treatment plan, timeline and transparent pricing.
- 02
Pre-surgical preparation
If needed: extraction of the failing tooth, bone graft to build adequate bone volume, treatment of any existing gum disease. These steps happen weeks to months before implant placement.
- 03
Implant placement surgery
Under local anesthesia (with sedation options), the titanium implant is placed into your jawbone. The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes per implant. Most patients describe post-op discomfort as mild.
- 04
Osseointegration
The implant fuses with your bone — a biological process that cannot be rushed. During this period you wear a temporary crown or bridge if the implant is in a visible area. We see you periodically to monitor healing.
- 05
Abutment placement
Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece (abutment) is attached to the implant. This is a minor 15-minute appointment.
- 06
Final crown
Master ceramist Enrique fabricates your custom crown on-site, color-matched to your surrounding teeth. The crown is bonded to the abutment. From this point forward your implant functions like a natural tooth.
- 07
Maintenance
Routine 6-month cleanings, daily brushing and flossing. With proper care your implant typically lasts 25+ years.
Recovery from dental implant surgery
Recovery from single implant placement is easier than most patients expect. Mild to moderate discomfort for 3-7 days, manageable with prescribed pain medication. Most patients return to work and normal activities within 1-2 days.
For the first 24-48 hours: soft foods (yogurt, eggs, soup, smoothies), no smoking, no straws, gentle warm salt water rinses after the first day. By day 7-10 you are eating most foods normally with some caution around the implant site.
Full osseointegration — the implant fusing with your bone — is confirmed before the final crown is placed. During this period you wear a temporary crown or bridge in visible areas. Once integration is confirmed by X-ray, the permanent crown is placed and the implant functions like a natural tooth.
Questions answered.
Every case is different, so we do not publish prices. Your free consultation includes a transparent, written, personalized estimate. Financing options with monthly payment plans are available.
Treatment duration varies depending on the specific needs of each patient. During your free consultation, we will evaluate your case and give you a personalized treatment plan with an accurate timeline.
No more than a routine extraction. The procedure is done under local anesthesia (with sedation options for anxious patients). Post-op discomfort is typically mild to moderate for 3-7 days and managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients return to work and normal activities within 1-2 days.
A single dental implant typically lasts 25 years or more with proper care, and many last a lifetime. The titanium post fuses with your jawbone (osseointegration) and becomes a permanent foundation. The crown on top may need replacement after 15-20 years due to normal wear. Success rates are very high and well-documented for properly placed implants.
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates. The main requirements are adequate jawbone density to support the implant, healthy gums (no untreated periodontal disease), and good general health. Patients with severe periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking may need additional preparation. Dr. Vivian Menendez evaluates your case during the free consultation, often with 3D cone-beam CT imaging.
Coverage varies widely from plan to plan. We verify your specific plan in advance and present a transparent breakdown of insurance coverage vs. out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.
For most patients with healthy adjacent teeth, dental implants are the better long-term option. Implants last longer (25+ years vs 8-15 for bridges), preserve jawbone (bridges allow continued bone loss), and don't require modifying healthy neighboring teeth. Bridges remain the right choice when adjacent teeth already need crowns, bone is insufficient, or cost/timing constraints rule out surgery. See our detailed comparison in /blog/dental-implants-vs-bridges.
Implant failure (the implant not integrating with bone, or eventually loosening) is rare — typically due to infection, insufficient bone density, smoking, or uncontrolled diabetes. We screen for these risk factors during consultation. Failed implants are usually replaced successfully on a retry once underlying issues are addressed.
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