Dental Implants in Pennsauken, NJ
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up, so it looks, feels and functions like the tooth that was there before. At AZ Dental Spa, that means a titanium root built to last, a custom crown made to match, and the same spa-like comfort as every other visit.
A replacement tooth that starts at the root
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, made of titanium, that's placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. It's designed to look and function like a natural tooth, not just sit on top of the gum like some other options do.
Once the implant is in place and healed, it supports a crown, a bridge, or a full denture, depending on how many teeth you're replacing. Titanium is used because the jawbone fuses to it over time in a process called osseointegration, which is what makes an implant so stable.
Not the same as a bridge. A bridge anchors to your neighboring teeth. An implant stands on its own in the bone, so the teeth next to the gap don't have to be touched.
Why patients choose implants
An implant does more than fill a gap. Here's what sets it apart from other ways to replace a missing tooth.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with enough jawbone are good candidates. A few things are worth mentioning at your consultation.
What happens if a missing tooth goes unreplaced?
The jawbone under a missing tooth starts to shrink without a root to keep it stimulated, and neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space over time. That drift can throw off your bite and make a future implant more involved than it would've been. The earlier a gap is addressed, the more straightforward the fix usually is.
Which type of implant fits your case?
Most patients get a standard endosteal implant. A second type exists for cases where the jawbone can't support one.
Endosteal implants
- Placed directly into the jawbone
- The most common type used today
- Works for single teeth, bridges or dentures
Subperiosteal implants
- Sits on top of the bone, under the gum
- An option when bone height is too low to graft
- Less common, used in specific cases
Replacing an entire arch? Full-mouth cases usually call for a different approach that anchors a complete row of teeth on a handful of implants. That's a separate treatment we cover in depth on our All-on-X Implants page.
What implant treatment looks like, start to finish
Getting an implant takes a few visits spread over a few months, since the jawbone needs time to fuse to the implant before it can carry a crown.
Consultation and imaging — an exam and imaging check your bone density and gum health, and confirm you're a good candidate.
Treatment plan — we map out how many implants you need and whether bone grafting is required first.
Implant placement — the titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, with sedation available.
Healing (osseointegration) — over a few months, the jawbone fuses to the implant, anchoring it firmly in place.
Abutment placement — a small connector piece is attached to the implant once healing is complete.
Custom crown — a crown made to match your natural teeth is attached, completing the restoration.
From placement to final crown, plan on a few months. A temporary tooth can often fill the gap while the implant heals, so you're rarely without a tooth in that spot.
Implants or dentures — what's the real difference?
Implants are fixed in the jawbone; dentures rest on the gums and come out. Both replace missing teeth, but they work very differently day to day.
Dental Implants
- Doesn't move or slip when you eat or talk
- Preserves jawbone through normal chewing
- No adhesive, no removing it at night
- Higher upfront cost, but built to last decades
Dentures
- Removable, rests on the gums
- Jawbone under the gums tends to shrink over time
- Can shift or click, especially with lower dentures
- Lower upfront cost, may need relining over time
Missing all your teeth? Implants can also anchor a full denture so it doesn't move, which is a different setup from a traditional removable denture. Ask us about implant-supported options at your consultation.
What about a bridge instead?
A bridge fills the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side of it. An implant stands on its own.
Neighboring teeth
A bridge requires shaving down the teeth next to the gap. An implant leaves them alone entirely.
Bone health
An implant keeps the jawbone stimulated. A bridge doesn't touch the bone under the gap at all.
Timeline
A bridge can often be done faster. An implant takes longer but doesn't rely on the strength of adjacent teeth.
What to do (and skip) after placement
Most soreness and swelling settle down within a few days. Once healed, an implant is cared for just like a natural tooth.
Do
- Take pain relief as directed for the first few days
- Stick to soft foods until we say otherwise
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day
- Keep every follow-up appointment during healing
Don't
- Chew on the implant site until it's cleared
- Smoke during healing — it slows osseointegration
- Skip brushing near the site out of caution
- Ignore swelling that's getting worse instead of better
How long do dental implants actually last?
The implant itself, the titanium post in the bone, can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. The crown on top gets more wear from chewing and typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer before it may need replacement. Routine brushing, flossing and checkups do more for that lifespan than almost anything else.
How much do dental implants cost?
There's no single number, because a few things factor into it: how many teeth you're replacing, whether bone grafting is needed before placement, and which materials and components are used for the crown. A single implant costs less than replacing several teeth or a full arch, and grafting adds to the timeline and the total. We accept most major dental insurance, and coverage for implants varies by plan, so it's worth checking your benefits. We also offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Ask us for a personalized estimate once we've seen your imaging.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers. He plans every implant case around your bone, your bite and your timeline, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Dental implants in Pennsauken Township
You might also need
What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“This is the best place to go for dental work. I'm treated like family when I walk in the door. I got my front four replaced recently and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
Questions about dental implants
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium artificial tooth root placed into the jawbone to support a replacement crown, bridge, or denture. It's designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
How much do dental implants cost?
It depends on how many teeth you're replacing, whether you need bone grafting first, and which materials are used. We accept most major insurance and offer payment plans — ask us for a personalized estimate.
Are dental implants worth the cost?
For most patients, yes. Implants tend to last decades with proper care, don't require altering neighboring teeth like a bridge does, and preserve jawbone in a way dentures can't. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term value is usually better.
What's the difference between dental implants and dentures?
Implants are fixed in the jawbone and don't move, while dentures rest on the gums and can shift. Implants also preserve bone, while bone under dentures tends to shrink over time. Dentures are removable and typically less expensive upfront.
How long does the implant process take?
From placement to final crown, plan on a few months. The implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone before it can support a crown, though a temporary tooth can often fill the gap in the meantime.
Do dental implants hurt?
The placement is done under local anesthesia, with sedation available, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with standard pain relief.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with enough jawbone are candidates. If bone density is low, a bone graft can often build up enough support first. Certain health conditions or heavy smoking can affect healing, so we'll review your history at your consultation.
What are the different types of dental implants?
Endosteal implants, placed directly into the jawbone, are the most common. Subperiosteal implants sit under the gum but above the bone and are used when there isn't enough bone for a standard implant. Full-arch options replace an entire row of teeth on a few implants.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant itself can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. The crown on top typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more before it may need replacement.
Do you accept insurance for dental implants?
Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans, though implant coverage varies by plan. We also offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club.
Can I get a dental implant if I've been missing a tooth for years?
Often, yes, though a long-missing tooth can mean the jawbone in that area has shrunk. A bone graft can usually rebuild enough support for an implant. We'll know more after imaging.
What if I'm missing all my teeth — is there an implant option?
Yes, full-arch implant solutions can replace an entire row of teeth using a small number of implants. That's a separate, more involved treatment from a single-tooth implant — see our All-on-X Implants page for details.
Ready to Replace a Missing Tooth?
Dental implants start with a simple consultation. Book your visit and we'll map out the right plan for you.