Dr. Kunal Lal, DDS, MS, FACP

• Dr. Kunal Lal, DDS, MS, prosthodontist
• Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (board certified March 1, 2006)
• MS, Post-doctoral Prosthodontics, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2002 · DDS, Columbia, 2004 · BDS, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 1996
• Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2002–2010
• Practice: LAL Dental, 245 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022 · (212) 593-1212

Dr. Lal is a Board Certified Prosthodontist practicing in New York City. He graduated from dental school in 1996 from Manipal, India, followed by his masters degree in Prosthodontics from Columbia University in 2002. After graduation, he continued to teach at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and was appointed the Program Director for Post Graduate Prosthodontics.

Dr. Lal is President and CEO of Digital Dentistry Forum, a continuing-education study club for dentists working with digital workflows.

Many patients are referred by their dentists. New patients are welcome by appointment, and no referral is required. He sees patients at LAL Dental in Midtown Manhattan.

He has authored articles in peer-reviewed journals on prosthodontics and implant dentistry including the use of computer generated surgical templates for prosthodontic and surgical implant planning and placement. He has extensive experience in the treatment of partially and completely edentulous patients using dental implants.

He has lectured nationally on implant, esthetic, and reconstructive dentistry, with a focus on digital dentistry and its clinical applications.

What is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, planning and executing restorative and cosmetic treatments. Dentists who choose to specialize in prosthodontics must complete three or four more years of dedicated training following dental school.

A prosthodontist is in essence an architect, who formulates a comprehensive treatment plan and informs the patient as to what is possible. Missing or defective teeth can be extremely detrimental to self-esteem and self-confidence. Using the latest technology, a prosthodontist is able to fill these gaps with functional, natural-looking teeth that boost confidence and enhance the smile.

There are many reasons why a prosthodontist may be consulted, including (but not limited to):

Creation of partial or full sets of dentures.

Desire to whiten the teeth or improve the aesthetics of the smile. Filling gaps created by one or more missing teeth.

Interest in dental implants.

Questions patients often ask

Do I need a referral to see a prosthodontist?

No. New patients are welcome by appointment, and no referral is required. Many patients are referred by their dentists. Either way, your dentist remains welcome to stay involved.

When should I see a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist in restoring and replacing teeth. People often see one when they are missing teeth, need a complex crown or bridge, are considering dental implants or a full-arch reconstruction, have a worn or heavily restored bite, or need a plan that coordinates several types of treatment. A general dentist remains the right starting point for routine checkups, cleanings, and many straightforward fillings or crowns.

What should I know before getting dental implants?

A dental implant is a root-form support, usually titanium, placed in the jaw to hold a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. It is one way to replace a missing tooth, not automatically the right way for every mouth. Neighboring teeth, gum and bone health, the bite, and medical history all matter. Before treatment, patients should understand the planned restoration, the sequence of care, and long-term maintenance. An individual plan depends on an in-person examination. This is general information, not a diagnosis or a promise of a result.

What is full-arch implant reconstruction?

Full-arch reconstruction means replacing all of the teeth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both, often with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. Names such as “teeth in a day” describe a treatment concept, not a guarantee that every patient can receive a finished, fixed set of teeth in a single visit. Suitability is determined only after examination. Alternatives can include a conventional denture or an implant-retained removable prosthesis.