A general dentist provides routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and preventive treatments. A periodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional 2–3 years of advanced training focused on diagnosing and treating gum disease, bone loss, and placing dental implants. Periodontists are also specially trained to perform complex procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifts, and advanced periodontal surgery.

With proper care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The titanium post fuses permanently with the jawbone and can remain stable for 25 years or more. The crown attached to the implant typically lasts 10 to 15 years before normal wear may require replacement. Dr. Moon evaluates your bone health and oral hygiene at your initial consultation to plan for long-term implant success.

Most patients report the procedure is far more comfortable than expected. Dental implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia and IV sedation is available for anxious patients, so you should feel little to no pain during the appointment. Post-procedure soreness typically lasts a few days and is easily managed. Patients often say recovery is similar to, or easier than, a standard tooth extraction.

Coverage varies by plan. Many traditional dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for the crown, bone grafting, or extraction portion of dental implant treatment. Medical insurance may cover implants when tooth loss resulted from injury or a documented medical condition. Our patient coordinators review your specific benefits and discuss Cherry and CareCredit financing options so that cost is never a barrier to restoring your smile.

Yes, in many cases Dr. Moon can perform same-day tooth extraction and implant placement in a single appointment. This approach reduces the number of procedures and overall treatment time significantly. Candidacy depends on bone quality and gum health at the site, which Dr. Moon assesses using 3D CBCT imaging during your consultation. When conditions are right, same-day placement is both safe and highly effective.

Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone to create a stable foundation for a dental implant. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation, and if volume is insufficient, an implant cannot be securely placed. During bone grafting for dental implants, biocompatible material is placed at the site and integrates with your natural bone over several months. This procedure is routinely performed at Moon Implants & Perio to ensure implants remain stable for decades.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease before it progresses to advanced periodontitis. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, it reaches below the gumline to remove hardened tartar and bacteria from root surfaces. The roots are then smoothed to help the gums reattach and discourage future bacterial buildup. Dr. Moon recommends it when gum pockets measure 4mm or deeper, making it the most effective non-surgical treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease.

 Periodontitis often progresses with few obvious symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Key warning signs include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, visible gum recession, loose or shifting teeth, and pain when chewing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a periodontal evaluation at Moon Implants & Perio in Montvale, NJ as soon as possible. Early intervention significantly improves treatment outcomes and preserves more natural bone.