As an implant dentist, we speak with many patients who are frustrated over loose or ill-fitting dentures. Medical technology has improved greatly over the past couple of decades. Dentures are fitting better and looking more natural than ever before, but they are still a removable prosthetic. Since dentures can come out, there is no way for them to provide the same degree of stability as a natural tooth. As a result, the dentures can become loose, leading to unwanted inconvenience during mealtime or when engaged in high-impact activities. For some people, this is not an issue. For others, this can seriously impact their quality of life.
As an implant dentist in Albuquerque, we can replace teeth in a way that is entirely durable and secure. An implant is the only solution for tooth loss that replaces both the root and the visible tooth. As a result, it functions like a natural tooth, providing the patient with the security necessary in order to eat favorite foods, run a marathon, or sing in the choir without worrying about the teeth.
Upon visiting us for an examination, we will inspect the patient's gums and take X-rays to determine if there is enough bone density to begin the procedure. If not, we may recommend alternatives such as performing a bone graft first or using a different type of implant procedure. Once we are certain the patient is healthy enough to begin, we will schedule an appointment for implant surgery. We are skilled at completing this procedure in a way that is as comfortable as possible.
The patient will receive anesthesia and be able to relax during the procedure. We will implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone in each spot the patient lost a tooth. The procedure can take a couple of hours, depending on how many teeth we need to replace. We can give the patient an exact time frame when he or she visits our implant dentist office for a consultation.
After the procedure, the patient will feel sore and experience some swelling. The patient can manage the pain by using an ice pack and taking ibuprofen. For a few days, the patient will need to be careful, only eating soft foods and not irritating the surgical site. Afterward, the gums will begin to heal, and the patient will begin to feel better. It will take a couple of months for the process of osseointegration to take place. The patient will not feel osseointegration happening, but the jawbone and the titanium post will fuse together regardless.
The bone provides the same level of stability to the implant that it would to a natural root. The new tooth will then stimulate the jawbone, so it is a symbiotic relationship. Once complete, we will attach the new tooth (dental crown), and the patient will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come with a secure, full set of natural-looking teeth. To learn more about this process, call our implant dentist office at (505) 634-5657 and schedule a consultation.
Dental patients who are planning a visit to an implant dentist may be unfamiliar with the details regarding implants. It is crucial to learn as much information as possible before scheduling an appointment for this surgical procedure.A dental implant is a common permanent tooth replacement option that can be highly beneficial to a patient’s health…
Dental implant surgery is one of the most reliable and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. However, since this surgery involves inserting an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, it almost always causes some amount of pain. Before undergoing this surgery, many dental patients are worried about the level of pain they may experience afterward…
Curious about how to achieve good oral health? Read on to learn about how a family dentist can help. A family dentist treats patients of all ages and provides comprehensive dental care. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to your health and well-being. Preventing dental issues and keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires regular…
Dental anxiety is common among children and adults. Thankfully, a family dentist has tools and techniques to help patients manage their anxiety while completing preventative and restorative dental work. This article will explore dental anxiety, how to manage it, and how to overcome it.Dental anxiety is when a patient feels fearful, stressed, or anxious about…