Missing teeth can affect your smile, confidence, and chewing ability. They may even significantly influence the way you speak, which reduces your confidence, especially in large gatherings. Decaying and broken teeth can also create similar problems. But science has a suitable solution for restoring your missing teeth and bringing your mouth function back to normal. It is called a dental implant. However, many people feel nervous or scared when choosing dental implants Santa Fe NM. This is because they are unsure what the process looks like and how risky it is.
In this blog, we highlight everything you should know before dental implant treatment. So, let’s get started.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, medical-grade, artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once they integrate with the surrounding bone, they can provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, bridges, crowns, or dentures. When done by an expert dentist in Santa Fe NM, dental implants prove to be very effective in:
- Helping restore chewing function
- Supporting the jawbone after tooth loss
- Improving the appearance of your smile
What Does a Dental Implant Include?
A dental implant system has three main components that work together to replace your missing tooth.
- Implant Post: It is placed in the jawbone and assumes the role of the root (acting as an artificial root).
- Abutment: The abutment connects the implant post to the visible replacement tooth.
- Crown: This is a specially designed component that resembles the natural color and shape of a tooth.
These combine to restore everyday functions associated with the missing tooth/teeth. The appropriate implant system and restoration approach is determined by your dentist in Santa Fe NM, based on your oral health, bone condition, and treatment needs.
Understanding the Process of Dental Implant Treatment
Here’s a step-by-step view of the process followed for dental implants Santa Fe NM:
- Initial Consultation: The process starts with a conversation between the patient and the implant specialist. The dental implant expert will review your medical history, check your oral health, and recommend diagnostic imaging.
- Bone Grafting: If your bone density is low, the dental expert may recommend bone grafting. The role of a bone graft in dentistry is to support the implant securely.
- Post Placement: The post is surgically inserted into the jawbone either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- Healing and Osseointegration: After placement, the doctor waits for you to heal and for the implant to get properly integrated with the bone.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant site has healed and osseointegrated, it is time to attach the abutment to it.
- Crown Placement: Finally, your dental expert will custom-design a crown for you and fit it on the abutment.
Eligible Candidates for Dental Implant Procedures: Who Can Get Them Done
Dental implants Santa Fe NM are not for everyone. Here’s what dental specialists consider when assessing whether an individual is a suitable candidate for dental implant treatment:
- Broken teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Missing teeth
- Jawbone volume and density
- Overall health and healing conditions
- Smoking habits
- Gum health
- Existing dental conditions
- Dental evaluation and imaging
What Are the Potential Risks and Complications of Dental Implants?
While dental implants are an excellent way to replace a missing tooth, they carry potential risks and complications:
- Infections at the surgical site
- Nerve damage during surgery
- Sinus issues
- Bleeding and swelling
- Injury to adjacent teeth
- Failed osseointegration
- Shrinking of gums
- Loosening of the screw
Get Dental Implants Santa Fe NM in a Comfortable Environment at El Dorado Dental
If missing, broken, or decaying teeth are affecting your day-to-day life, El Dorado Dental offers dental implants Santa FE NM that can help restore normal tooth function as well as appearance. El Dorado Dental also follows a structured approach to dental implant treatment planning. They assess your eligibility, conduct diagnostic imaging, and proceed with the surgery only after discussing the process, the pros, and the cons with you.
FAQs
- How long does healing and osseointegration take after surgically placing the implant post?
Although the exact time may vary from person to person, it usually takes 3 to 6 months for the implant post to get integrated with the surrounding bone.
- What factors should I consider when choosing a dentist in Santa Fe NM for dental implants?
By considering credentials, qualifications, price, availability, diagnostic technology, and success rates, you can choose the right dentist in Santa Fe NM for your dental implant treatment.
- Do the skills of the surgeon really impact the success of dental implants Santa Fe NM?
Yes. The skills and experience of the surgeon are the most important factors affecting the success of dental implants Santa Fe NM.
- What are the popular materials for dental implant posts?
Titanium and zirconia are the most commonly used materials for implant posts, primarily because they are compatible with body tissues.
Summing Up
By knowing the process, the potential risks, and the factors that determine your eligibility for dental implants, you can move forward with confidence. Once you have made the decision, make sure to choose the right dentist for dental implants Santa Fe NM. It is also helpful to discuss your health concerns, medical history, and treatment goals with your dentist so that they can recommend the right options to suit your needs. Just remember to plan right and do the right aftercare, and you will be impressed with the results from your dental implant treatment.
