A missing tooth can make you chew on one side, hide your smile in photos, or worry that a loose bridge or denture might slip at the wrong moment. Over time, the jawbone under a gap can shrink, and nearby teeth can drift into the empty space.
Colonia Dental Associates places and restores dental implants for patients who know us as their dentist near Edison. Most Edison patients reach our office in under 15 minutes, and Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim and Dr. Gurjinder Singh are Associate Fellows of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry who completed the Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over several months, the bone bonds to the post, creating a stable base for a crown, bridge, or denture. Because the implant replaces the root, it helps keep the jawbone active and can slow the bone loss that follows tooth loss.
Implants are built for the long term when they are cared for well. A 2024 meta-analysis in Clinical Oral Investigations estimated that roughly 4 out of 5 implants were still in place after 20 years, even under conservative assumptions, and the authors stressed that regular follow-up matters.
Implant Options for Edison Patients
The right option depends on how many teeth you are missing and the health of your jawbone. Common choices include:
- Single-tooth implants: one implant and crown to replace one missing tooth.
- Implant bridges: two or more implants supporting a row of replacement teeth.
- Implant dentures: implant-supported dentures that snap securely into place.
- Full-arch teeth: All-on-X dental implants that replace a full arch with fixed teeth.
- Bone support: bone grafting or a sinus lift when more bone is needed.
During your consultation, we explain the benefits, costs, and timeline of each option so you can choose what fits your health and budget.
Book With Us Today
You can book an appointment by contacting our office or by using our online request form.
Your Implant Treatment Step by Step
Implant treatment usually happens over several months, and each step is planned in advance. Here is what most patients can expect.
Evaluation and Planning
We examine your mouth, review X-rays, and measure the bone where the implant should go. If gum disease or decay is present, we treat it first so the implant has a healthy foundation.
Implant Placement
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable while the implant is placed, and nitrous oxide is available if you feel anxious. A temporary tooth can often fill the gap while you heal.
Final Restoration
Once the implant has bonded with the bone, we attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture shaped and shaded to match your smile.
Why Edison Patients Choose Our Implant Team
Our doctors plan and place implants and design the crowns that go on top, so one team oversees your care from start to finish. Dr. Apratim graduated with honors in prosthodontics and continued training at JFK Medical Center in Edison, and Dr. Singh completed a residency at Monmouth Medical Center.
Implant treatment is an investment, and we help you plan for it. We file insurance claims for you, accept PPO plans with out-of-network benefits, and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing. Our insurance and financing page explains your options in more detail.
Implants Versus Bridges and Dentures
Traditional bridges rely on the teeth next to the gap, which must be reshaped to hold the bridge. Removable dentures rest on the gums and can shift while you eat or speak. Implants stand on their own, so neighboring teeth stay untouched and replacement teeth feel secure.
Implants are not right for everyone, and some patients prefer a bridge or denture for cost or health reasons. Our article on dental implants versus dentures compares the options, and we talk through each choice with you at your visit.
Caring for Your Implants
Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can become inflamed if plaque builds up. Brush twice a day, clean around each implant with floss or a water flosser, and avoid smoking, which can slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
Regular preventive dentistry near Edison visits let us check your implants, clean hard-to-reach areas, and catch small issues early. Patients rebuilding several teeth may also benefit from full mouth reconstruction near Edison.
Why Timing Matters After Tooth Loss
After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area slowly begins to shrink because it no longer receives pressure from chewing. The longer a gap stays open, the more likely you are to need bone grafting before an implant can be placed.
Neighboring teeth can also tilt into the space and change your bite. Planning a replacement early often keeps treatment simpler, shorter, and more affordable.
Dental Implant FAQs
Edison patients often ask these questions before choosing implants.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with enough jawbone can get implants. If the bone is thin, grafting may make implants possible.
Does getting an implant hurt?
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable during placement. Some soreness afterward is common and usually manageable.
How long does the implant process take?
Many cases take a few months from placement to final crown because the bone needs time to bond with the implant.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care and regular checkups, implants can last for many years, and many last for decades.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Some plans cover part of the cost. We file claims for you and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing.
Replace Missing Teeth With Colonia Dental Associates
Dental implants may help you chew comfortably, smile with confidence, and protect your jawbone for years to come. At Colonia Dental Associates, Dr. Apratim and Dr. Singh combine AAID fellowship training, prosthodontic honors, and nearly a decade at our practice to plan implant care that lasts.
Your consultation includes an exam, X-rays, and a clear plan with costs. To find out whether implants are right for you, contact our Colonia office today.