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Dental Implants

Whether from decay, fracture periodontal disease or injury, many people will lose a tooth at some point in their life. Regardless of the cause, dental implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth, or several missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or to add retention to removable dentures. Dental implants can also be used to replace a full set of missing teeth. They are the most popular way for patients to replace a single missing tooth, and patients report greater satisfaction with a dental implant versus a bridge or denture.

Dental implants are a multi-step procedure that will provide you with a natural looking tooth that can last for years.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are artificial teeth, generally made of titanium, surgically placed into the bone of your jaw. Once a dental implant is placed, sutures will be placed and we will wait for 3-6 months for healing to occur. During this time, your bone will grown into the grooves of your implant, creating an integrated, stable based onto which we can make a crown. Implants are placed by our skilled dentists in our Albuquerque dental office as an outpatient procedure.

Dental Implant Restoration

After healing is completed, the dental implant will be ready for its new crown. Your skilled dentist will take impressions of your implant and surrounding teeth so that the lab can fabricate your new tooth. The abutment and crown will mimic the natural neck and crown of a tooth, creating a natural appearance. Our excellent dental laboratory will make your new tooth to custom fit your implant and mouth. At your following visit, we will try in your new abutment and implant crown and evaluate it for esthetics and function. These pieces will then be screwed on to your dental implant, giving you the ability to chew, eat and smile again without worry.

Why Choose a Dental Implant

Dental implants look and feel a lot like your natural teeth, allowing for exceptional aesthetics, easier eating and maintenance, improved speech and durability. Just like with your natural teeth, it is important to brush, floss and get regular dental cleanings with dental implants. Although you cannot get a cavity on a dental implant, you can still develop gum disease without proper care and maintenance.

Dental implants can also be used to replace several missing teeth. We can create bridges with dental implants when there are several teeth missing in a row. If you are missing all of your teeth, hybrid dentures, All-On-4®, and implant retained dentures can give you better retention and esthetics than traditional dentures. This can allow you to speak, eat, and smile in ways you cannot do with traditional dentures and partials.

Caring for your Dental Implant

Taking care of your dental implant is just as important as caring for your natural teeth. Although you cannot get a cavity around an implant, you can still develop periodontal disease, which can lead to failure and loss of your implant. Regular dental cleanings, flossing, and brushing should be continued.

On occasion, dental implant crowns, abutments, and screws can become loose. Should this happen, we can often tighten the screws and reattach loose parts.

It is often recommended that you use a nightguard after your dental implants are placed to prevent future fracture or damage to your new tooth. A nightguard will protect your new teeth while you are sleeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a dental implant?

Dental implants can be a timely process, but the results are worth it when you have an easy to maintain, aesthetic, functional tooth. The entire process can range from 4 months to 1 year. The length of time involved varies based on many variables including: bone health, gum health, the patient's individual health history, and whether a tooth is already missing or needs to be removed. At your consultation appointment, our dentists will review these factors with you to determine your individual treatment plan.

What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?

Dental bridges and Dental Implants are both excellent ways to replace a missing tooth in your mouth. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and our knowledgeable dentists can help you make the best decision for your mouth.

Dental Implants are like a screw that goes into the bone in your mouth. They can replace one or more teeth without cutting down another tooth in your mouth. They can look very esthetic and are easier to maintain, especially for those who have difficulty flossing.

Bridges can be used to replace one or two missing teeth, when the missing teeth are between healthy natural teeth. Dental bridges use the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth as anchors. The missing tooth is then replaced by a "pontic" that sits above the gum tissue (held in place by the anchor teeth), creating a functional tooth. Bridges do require preparation of the anchor teeth in order to create space for your bridge.

For more information on the details of dental implants and dental bridges, visit our services page.

Meet Our Doctor:

Jonathan Bowers DMD
Dentist

Dr. Jonathan Bowers is originally from Janesville, Wisconsin. He received his BS in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin. After working as a biochemist for a few years, he then attended Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine for his dental education. There, he met his now wife and partner, Dr. Jennifer Oki. Moving to Albuquerque after a few years in Phoenix, Arizona, they fell in love with the "Land of Enchantment." Dr. Bowers enjoys hiking, tennis, and a great meal. Dr. Bowers is a member of the Seattle Study ...