A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that fuses with your jawbone and supports a custom crown designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Implants don’t slip, don’t require adhesives, and with basic care, they can last a lifetime.
If you’ve been looking into ways to replace missing teeth in the Latham area, this page covers how implants work, what the timeline looks like, and how to get started at our Delmar office about 20 minutes south on I-87.
Implants are the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it bonds with the bone over time and acts like a natural root. There’s nothing to take out at night, no adhesive to deal with, and no risk of slipping while you eat or talk.
They also help preserve your jawbone. After a tooth is lost, the bone underneath starts to shrink. Because an implant stimulates the jaw the same way a real root would, it slows that process down. Bridges require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and dentures rest on the gums without supporting the bone at all.
If you’re comparing your options for replacing teeth, that difference matters long-term.
We place over 1,500 dental implants each year and have treated more than 7,500 patients across the Capital Region over 60+ years of combined practice.
Dr. Marina Shraga, a graduate of NYU, Dr. Robert Rahm from Stonybrook, and Dr. Sharon Lee from Columbia all focus on implant placement and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Their combined background is a big part of why we’ve earned 500+ five-star reviews from patients in Albany, Latham, and surrounding communities.
We use 3D imaging to assess your bone density and plan the exact position of each implant. You’ll walk out of this appointment with a treatment plan and a full breakdown of costs.
The titanium post goes into the jawbone in a single visit. Recovery is manageable for most people, and the majority of patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two.
Over the following three to five months, the post integrates with your bone in a process called osseointegration. A temporary tooth keeps everything looking natural while you heal.
Once the implant has fully bonded, we place a permanent crown matched to your other teeth. The color, shape, and size are all customized so the result blends in completely.
One post, one crown. This is the most common approach and works well for replacing an individual missing tooth.
Four posts support an entire arch of fixed teeth. This is a strong option for patients missing most or all of their teeth on one jaw.
These snap onto a small number of implants for a secure, non-removable fit. They eliminate the slipping and adhesive issues that come with traditional dentures and restore significantly more chewing strength.
Many PPO insurance plans cover part of the cost. We work with 24+ plans and will go over your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
We also offer financing through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Health Credit Services. Interest-free payment plans are available, and we’ll give you a clear number to work with during your consultation.
We’re located at 4 Normanskill Blvd in Delmar. If you’re coming from the Route 9 corridor, Latham Circle, or Latham Farms, head south on I-87 and you’ll be here in roughly 20 minutes. Parking is free.
Yes. The titanium post bonds with your jawbone through osseointegration, forming a foundation that can last decades. With regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, most implants will last a lifetime.
It depends on how many implants you need, the type of restoration, and your individual treatment plan. We’ll walk you through the numbers during your consultation, and we accept a wide range of insurance and financing options.
Some patients do, especially if teeth have been missing for a while and bone loss has occurred. 3D imaging at your first visit will tell us if grafting is needed.
Most patients are back to normal within a day or two. The full integration period lasts three to five months, but day-to-day discomfort during that window is minimal for most people.
Many PPO plans cover a portion. Our team will review your coverage and help you get the most out of your benefits.
Full mouth reconstruction pricing varies depending on the method used, from individual implants to All-on-4 to implant-supported dentures. We go over every option and the associated costs so you can make an informed decision.
To learn more about dental implant treatment at our practice or to schedule a visit, call 518-261-4800.