Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing, natural teeth. They are engineered to imitate the natural structure and function of teeth, delivering a secure and enduring resolution for individuals experiencing tooth loss. Dental implants comprise a titanium post surgically embedded into the jawbone, an abutment linking the post to the replacement tooth, and a tailor-made crown that matches the color and shape of the neighboring teeth.
The Significance of Bone Grafting in Dental Implants
In situations where the jawbone lacks adequate density or volume to support dental implants, bone grafting may become necessary. Bone grafting involves the addition of bone material to the deficient section of the jawbone. This stimulates bone regeneration and establishes a robust foundation to facilitate successful implant placement. The bone grafting process generally necessitates several months for proper healing and integration before dental implant surgery can be performed.
Determining Your Eligibility for Dental Implants
At TruCare Dental, we recognize the uniqueness of each patient’s dental situation. To be considered a suitable candidate for dental implants, you generally should meet the following criteria:
- Missing Teeth: Ideal for those with one or several missing teeth.
- Adequate Jawbone Density: Necessary for implant support. If lacking, we may explore bone grafting options.
- Healthy Gums: Essential for the success of implants.
- Desire for a Permanent Solution: Dental implants are a long-term commitment to restoring your smile.
We recommend a personalized consultation with our skilled dentists to evaluate your specific condition and decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
- Enhanced Oral Function: This treatment restores the ability to chew, bite and speak effectively, enabling comfortable and efficient oral functioning.
- Improved Aesthetic Appeal: Possessing a natural appearance and seamlessly blending with adjacent teeth, dental implants produce an aesthetically pleasing outcome, augmenting the overall beauty of the smile.
- Long-Term Resilience: Dental implants are intended as a permanent solution to missing teeth. With appropriate care and maintenance, they can endure a lifetime.
- Preserved Jawbone Health: Chewing and using your teeth and mouth promotes good jawbone health. By replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, you help to preserve your facial structure, which prevents the sagging or sunken look that may arise due to bone deterioration.
- Restored Confidence and Self-Esteem: Dental implants empower individuals to smile, speak and eat without apprehension, reinstating their self-assurance and enhancing their overall quality of life.
The Dental Implant Process
At [practice_name], the journey to dental implants involves a series of precise and carefully planned steps:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: It all starts with an in-depth assessment, including advanced diagnostics like X-rays or 3D imaging, to plan your unique treatment.
- Pre-Implant Preparations: We may perform necessary procedures such as tooth extractions or bone grafting to prepare for the implant.
- Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is carefully placed into your jawbone, initiating the osseointegration process.
- Healing and Integration: This important phase allows the implant to bond securely with your jawbone, usually over several months.
- Abutment Attachment: Once healed, the abutment is attached to the implant, acting as a connector for the final crown.
- Crown Placement: The journey concludes with the fitting of a custom-made crown, perfectly matched to your natural teeth, restoring your smile's functionality and aesthetics.
For more information about dental implants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contact TruCare Dental at 505-349-3686 to meet with our dentists and schedule a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Andrea Patterson, Dr. Kendra Velázquez or Dr. Margo Rainey.