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.
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