Dental Implant Crowns in Albuquerque, NM

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in a patient's jawbone to support the restoration of a missing tooth or teeth. Implants help restore dental function and aesthetics. 

What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?

If you lose a tooth, a dental implant is the next best thing to that natural tooth. Dental implants improve your oral health, enhance your smile, and prevent the bone loss that results from missing teeth. Implants are better than alternative options like bridges or dentures because they look and feel like your natural teeth. They don't require any special care; just regular brushing, flossing, and checkups with your dentist in Albuquerque, NM.

Steps in the Dental Implant Placement Process

• Consultation

Before any procedure is performed, patients will meet with the dentist for a consultation appointment. This will include a thorough examination of your teeth and a review of your dental and medical history. This appointment can also be used to discuss treatment options and answer any questions.

• Diagnosis

Before recommending dental implants, the dentist will perform a full diagnostic dental exam. This will include an X-ray and a CT scan to determine the bone structure, the health of the existing teeth, and the health of the surrounding tissue. If you have enough jawbone, you might be eligible for dental implants.

The dentist will also review your medical history, including any medications you may be taking to determine if there are any contraindications to dental implants.

• Surgery

Once the patient has decided to move forward with dental implant surgery, we refer the patient to an Oral Surgeon for the placement of the Implant Cylinder in the jaw bone. Surgery can take place at the Oral Surgeon's office or in a hospital. The patient will be placed under general anesthesia and generally will not feel anything during the procedure. Then, a healing abutment is placed until the permanent tooth can be attached. 

It takes three to six months for the site to heal and the bone to grow and fuse around the implant. This process is called osseointegration. 

• Crown placement

Once an implant is placed and the site heals, Dr. Armijo will make the crown that will be the final restoration. The crown will be custom-made in our dental laboratory. The crown will be designed to match the size, shape, and color of the natural teeth it will be placed over.

The crown will be attached to the implant with a connector called an abutment. The abutment and crown together form a unit that covers the implant.

• Maintenance

If you're considering dental implants, it's important to know that, though there’s no special way of keeping them in shape, you'll still need to maintain them just like natural teeth by brushing and flossing the area around the implant crown everyday. 

To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.