Let’s face it, losing a tooth isn’t just about appearances. It changes how you eat, how you speak, and how confident you feel smiling. The good news? Dental implants are one of the most effective, long-lasting ways to bring your smile—and function—back to life.

At Azar Dental, we specialize in delivering fully integrated, high-tech implant dentistry, and we’re here to answer all your questions.

So, What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?

Think of a dental implant as a replacement tooth root. It’s a small titanium post that we gently place into your jawbone, where it fuses naturally with the bone over time. Once healed, it serves as a strong, stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Basically, an implant will yield a new tooth.

Because it’s anchored directly into the bone, an implant looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. And no, it won’t get cavities.

Why Would Someone Need an Implant?

If you’ve lost a tooth due to trauma, gum disease, or decay, or even several teeth, implants may be the right solution. In some cases, they can even replace all the teeth in the mouth. The key is having enough healthy bone to support the implant (and don’t worry, we can help with that too).

How Does the Process Work?

Every patient is different, but here’s the general idea. If the tooth is still present but not savable, we’ll extract it and often preserve the surrounding bone with a graft. If the tooth is already missing, we evaluate the area using a CBCT 3D scan to make sure there’s enough bone to safely place an implant.

Once the area is ready, the implant is placed, and then we give it time to heal. During this healing period, called osseointegration, the implant fuses with your bone. After that, we top it with a custom crown or bridge that matches your natural teeth beautifully.

The timeline can vary, some patients are ready for their final restoration in just 2–3 months, while others may need a bit longer, depending on health and healing.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone?

That’s where bone grafting comes in. If your jawbone isn’t thick or tall enough, we can gently add bone to the area using safe, proven techniques. In the upper back jaw, we may recommend a sinus lift to make room for the implant.

And if you’re someone who’s been told you’re not a candidate for full-sized implants, don’t worry, mini implants are a great option in certain cases. They’re smaller, less invasive, and often have a shorter recovery time.

Fixed Teeth or Removable Dentures—What’s the Difference?

Implants can support both fixed and removable teeth. Fixed teeth are permanent, you don’t take them out at night, and they feel the most like your natural teeth. Removable options (like implant-retained dentures) can be taken out but are still far more secure and comfortable than traditional dentures.

We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals.

How Long Do Implants Last?

If properly placed, healed, and maintained, implants can last decades, even a lifetime. While they can’t get cavities, they do require care. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are just as important for implants as they are for natural teeth. Think of them as a second chance at a healthy, long-lasting smile.

Why Azar Dental?

Our lead implant specialist, Dr. Mehrdad Soheili, completed a prestigious four-year dual-specialty residency at the University of Pennsylvania in both Periodontics and Prosthodontics, making him one of the very few dual-trained implant experts in the country. He's also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Penn Dental, where he teaches the next generation of implant dentists.

At Azar Dental, we pair this level of expertise with advanced technology like CBCT 3D imaging, computer-guided surgery, and precision-crafted restorations to deliver dental implant care that’s safe, seamless, and designed to last.

We believe that no one should have to bounce between offices or specialists for something as important as their smile. That’s why we offer every part of the implant process; consultation, imaging, surgery, restoration, and follow-up all in one trusted place.

Thinking About Implants? Let’s Talk.

We’re here to answer your questions, ease your worries, and help you make the best choice for your smile. You can visit our website, azardentalprinceton.com, to learn more and schedule your implant consultation online or give us a call at 609-924-7910. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, we’d love to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.