Restore your smile
with diplomate-level dental implant care from Dr. Kelvin Wong, designed for lasting comfort and confidence.Losing a tooth changes more than just your smile. It changes how you eat, how you speak, and over time, even how your face looks as the jawbone beneath an empty socket begins to change shape. For patients who want a permanent, natural-feeling solution, dental implants remain the standard for tooth replacement because they address the root problem, not just the visible gap.
At Cedar Smiles Dental in Somerset, NJ, implants are one of the cosmetic dentistry treatments Dr. Kelvin Wong has invested the most training into. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry, completed advanced coursework at the Kois Center, and is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) — a credential that reflects extensive implant case training beyond general dental school. When you come to us for implants, you are working with a doctor who has made this a dedicated focus of his practice.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, a custom-made crown is attached on top, creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Unlike bridges or dentures, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and do not sit on top of the gum line. They stimulate the jawbone the way a natural tooth root does, which helps prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone can lose up to 25% of its volume within the first three months after a tooth is lost. Placing an implant promptly helps preserve that bone and protect your long-term oral health.
Because implants are anchored directly in the bone, they are also far more stable than removable options. Patients can eat, speak, and go about their lives without worrying about their restoration shifting or requiring adjustments over time.
The implant journey takes place over several months and involves a few key phases. Understanding the process from the start helps patients feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
We begin with a thorough evaluation, including digital imaging, to assess your bone density, gum health, and overall oral condition. This tells us whether you are a strong candidate for implants as-is, or whether any preparatory treatment is needed before moving forward.
The titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone during a relatively straightforward in-office procedure performed with local anesthesia. Patients who feel anxious about the appointment can ask our team about sedation options to stay comfortable throughout. Over the following weeks, the implant bonds with the surrounding bone. During this healing period, a temporary restoration is attached so you are never without a tooth while you wait.
Once osseointegration is complete, we take digital scans of your teeth and attach a custom crown that is carefully matched to the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. The result is a seamless, permanent restoration that most people will never be able to distinguish from a natural tooth. Caring for an implant afterward is straightforward: brush and floss around it as you would a natural tooth, and keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor its stability over time.
Most adults who are in reasonably good health and have sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. Certain factors can affect candidacy or require additional planning, which is why the consultation phase is so important.
The following are some of the key factors we review during your evaluation:
A thorough evaluation is the only way to determine candidacy with confidence, and we walk through every finding with you so there are no surprises.
Not every dentist has pursued the depth of implant-specific training that Dr. Wong has. He is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry, and has completed additional coursework at the Kois Center. That combination sets our practice apart from general dental offices that treat implants as an occasional service, and our team stays current with the techniques and technology that support strong, long-term outcomes for patients. Learn more about Dr. Wong.
We also understand that dental implants are a significant investment, and we approach every conversation without pressure. Our goal is to help you fully understand your options so you can make the right decision for your situation. For patients who need help managing the cost of treatment, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry. You can also learn more about our practice philosophy and what makes our patient-first approach different when you visit our About Us page.
Cedar Smiles Dental was built around the belief that patients deserve honest guidance and genuine care — not upsells, not quotas, and not rushed appointments. Dr. Kelvin Wong is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and brings that advanced implant training, along with a commitment to personalized care, to every case he treats. He takes the time to listen, explain, and answer every question you have before a single step is taken.
If you are missing a tooth or considering your restoration options, we are here to help you explore whether dental implants are the right fit. We welcome patients from Somerset and throughout Central New Jersey. To get started, contact our office and schedule your implant consultation today.
The cost of dental implants depends on factors like how many teeth are being replaced and whether preparatory treatment, such as a bone graft, is needed. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for implant-related procedures, and we also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry. Our team can walk you through your insurance and financing options before treatment begins.
No. During the healing period after implant placement, a temporary restoration is attached so you have a functional, natural-looking tooth while osseointegration takes place.
Implant placement is performed with local anesthesia, and many patients report only mild discomfort afterward that can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Patients who feel anxious about the procedure can ask our team about sedation options for added comfort.
The full process, from initial consultation to final crown placement, typically spans several months to allow time for osseointegration. Your timeline may vary depending on whether preparatory treatment like a bone graft is needed.
A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with an individual post and crown. Patients missing several teeth in a row may be candidates for an implant-supported bridge, while those missing most or all of their teeth on an arch may be candidates for a full-arch restoration supported by as few as four implants.
You can brush and floss around a dental implant much like you would a natural tooth. Keeping up with regular exams and cleanings allows our team to monitor the implant's stability and catch any concerns early.
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