Nervous about dental implants? Here is what modern treatment is really like.

If the thought of an implant makes you anxious, you are not alone. About 15% of adults worldwide have dental fear or anxiety, according to a 2021 review in the Journal of Dentistry.

Much of that fear comes from not knowing what will happen. This guide walks through it, step by step.

Why are people afraid of dental implants?

Most worries about implants fall into five groups. Each is answered below.

• Pain. The word “surgery” suggests a painful procedure and a long recovery.
• Time. People picture many long appointments.
• Feel. Will it look, feel and work like a real tooth?
• Cost. Implants are often thought of as out of reach.
• Failure. What if it doesn’t work?

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

Implant placement is done under local anesthesia, so the area is fully numb. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure.

Afterward, discomfort is usually greatest on the first day and eases over the following days. A 2021 review in the International Journal of Dentistry found that implant placement is less unpleasant than having a tooth extracted, with less pain afterward and fewer limits on daily activities.

Many of our patients tell us the discomfort was much lower than they expected. Dr. Shin works minimally invasively, disturbing as little tissue as the case allows, and that does the most to determine how you feel afterward.

“My best decision was to get implants done with Dr. Shin. He was very caring, and the whole process was much more painless than I thought it would be. I am able to eat better and don’t have to worry about other people seeing my missing teeth any more. I would highly recommend seeing Dr. Shin for dental work.”

The same review notes that knowing what to expect can lower anxiety, and with it the discomfort patients feel. That is why we explain every step before we begin.

How have implants and implant surgery changed?

Implant treatment has become smaller, more precise and more predictable. These are the changes that matter most to patients.

• 3D imaging. A CBCT scan in our office shows the bone in three dimensions, so the implant is planned before treatment rather than decided during it.
• Guided placement. Implants are planned with 3D-guided placement so each one sits exactly where the bone and your bite require.
• Smaller openings. When the bone allows, an implant can be placed without lifting the gum. In a 2021 meta-analysis of randomized trials, this flapless approach meant less pain on the first day, with the same implant survival.
• Smaller implants for some cases. Shorter and narrower implants can sometimes be used where bone is limited, which can avoid extra grafting. Standard implants have the longest track record, so each size is used where it fits best.
• Digital scans instead of impression trays. We record the site with a digital scan, which also gives a better-fitting crown.

How many appointments does an implant take?

Fewer than most people expect. The implant itself is placed in a single appointment, and the whole process follows five steps.

1. Free consultation. Dr. Shin examines your mouth, with X-rays included and a 3D scan when needed.
2. Planning. Your implant is planned in 3D, and you receive an itemized cost before anything starts.
3. Placement. One appointment, under local anesthesia, with written aftercare instructions.
4. Healing. The implant bonds with the bone, usually over a few months.
5. Your crown. A custom crown, shaded to your neighboring teeth, is attached.

Will an implant feel natural when I eat and speak?

An implant is anchored in the bone like a natural root, so it doesn’t shift when you chew or speak. Our patients often say eating and speaking feel natural and comfortable again.

The evidence is strongest for people missing all their lower teeth. An international consensus statement concluded that a lower denture held by two implants should be the minimum standard of care, because it improves satisfaction, quality of life and chewing compared with a conventional denture.

How much does a dental implant cost in NYC?

At US average fees, a standard implant is about $4,344 per tooth and a porcelain crown about $1,399, or about $5,700 together when billed separately. At Shin Dental, a single implant is $3,500–$4,500, including placement and the crown.

Sources: CareCredit, based on ASQ360° cost studies, 2023–2024; Pearl Dental Costs, based on ADA fee survey data, May 2026.

Careful planning means shorter appointments and fewer surprises. We pass that efficiency on to our patients in our fees, so more people can have the smile they want. We also run a limited-time implant offer from time to time.

What if the implant doesn’t work?

Implant failure is uncommon. About 96% of implants are still in place after ten years, according to a 2019 systematic review (Howe, Keys and Richards, Journal of Dentistry).

Your own result depends on your gums and bone, smoking, grinding, medical conditions that affect healing, and regular cleanings. We assess these at your consultation and tell you what we expect.

Dr. Shin stands behind his work, and he believes how well a treatment lasts matters just as much as the treatment itself.

Could your tooth be saved instead?

If the tooth is still in your mouth, it may not need replacing at all. Our comprehensive exam looks for a way to save your natural tooth whenever we can.

Book a second-opinion visit if you have been told a tooth must come out, or read how modern root canal care can save a tooth.

Why do patients trust Dr. Shin with their implants?

Dr. Peter Shin grew up watching his father practice dentistry. He runs his own practice the same way: unhurried appointments, clear explanations, and treatment planned around what will last.

• Training: DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at NYU, and live-surgery implant training.
• Clear costs: every recommended treatment comes with an itemized cost breakdown, reviewed with you in person before anything starts.
• No surprise bills: once treatment is complete, you will not owe anything beyond what was disclosed beforehand.
• Insurance: we are an out-of-network provider for PPO plans, file your claims for you, and can request a pre-determination of benefits before you commit.

“I had pain on my wisdom teeth, and Dr. Shin took them out in less than 5 minutes. He explained everything thoroughly, and I had no pain the day after.”

Where is Shin Dental?

• Address: 30 Central Park South, Suite 11D, New York, NY 10019, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan.
• Subway: 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W) is a one- to two-minute walk. The F stops at 57 St and Sixth Avenue, about four minutes away.
• Bus: the M5 stops at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Saturday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Phone and text: (917) 773-1353.

Questions patients ask

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Fees and how long treatment lasts depend on each patient’s dental condition, which Dr. Shin assesses at your consultation. US and New York figures are published averages and estimates, shown for comparison only. Individual results vary.