Albuquerque Dental Implants

Do a Lot of People Lose Their Teeth?

Yes. You should not feel alone or ashamed if some or all of your teeth are missing. In fact, a study by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows:

What Kinds of Implants Does Dr. Kelly Use?

Two kinds of dental implants are offered at our relaxing, friendly Albuquerque, NM, office. Dr. Kelly will carefully weigh these options against factors like your jawbone health, oral health, any allergies to metal, and the locations where the implants will be anchored. He will also use the latest digital CBCT (cone beam computed tomography.) Video image of the teeth creates a 3 dimension model of the bone and teeth. Then we can digitally plan where to place the implant. Length, width, and 3-dimensional positing of where to place the implant is done to determine which of these implant types will work the best for your individual oral health needs:

Traditional

These titanium implants are surgically placed by Dr. Kelly under your gums into your jawbone. There are two pieces: the metal implant itself and a separate connector (abutment) to which your tooth restoration will be attached. The traditional dental implant and tooth restoration process takes two surgeries, several months of healing, and, on average, three appointments.

Mini

These smaller implants are made from one piece of titanium. The implant remains above your gum surface instead of under it, so healing is faster. In some cases, a mini implant and restoration may be placed in one appointment. Mini implants work great if you don’t have enough healthy bone for standard implants or are unable undergo invasive surgery or schedule multiple appointments.

Dr. Kelly Explains the Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most natural, comfortable option in tooth restoration today. Dr. Tim Kelly can determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants at our Albuquerque offices. Dental implants are a permanent treatment that support crowns, partial dentures, and dentures.

Why Should I Restore My Smile?

Healthy teeth make it possible to enjoy some of life’s simplest and most enjoyable tasks, like eating and talking. On the other hand, even one missing tooth can negatively impact your dental health and quality of life. Replacing one tooth or several teeth with an implant at our Albuquerque office can dramatically improve:

Your Appearance

Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to shrink, giving your face a sunken, aged look. Implants prevent this from happening.

Your Smile

A missing tooth leaves a visible gap in your smile. Dental implants support natural-looking crowns and dentures that fill these gaps.

Your Diet

Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew. Implants keep restorations firmly in place so you can eat whatever you want.

Your Oral Health

Implants allow us to replace teeth that are severely decayed or damaged. They also reduce your risk of gum recession, TMJ disorders, and bone loss.

Your Confidence

A complete, healthy smile can improve your self-confidence, which can lead to increased personal and professional success.

Your Speech

Missing teeth can cause lisping, garbled speech. Implant-supported restorations are as secure as natural teeth, so you’ll be able to speak normally.

Your Existing Prosthetic Teeth

Traditional dentures can slip or fall out when you eat, smile, or speak. Implant-supported restorations are much more secure.

See How a Dental Implant Can Complete Your Smile

Dreaming of a completed, healthy smile? Contact Dr. Kelly today, either by calling our state-of-the-art Albuquerque, NM, office or by contacting us online. His extensive knowledge of implant surgery and restoration procedures can make a smile to be proud of more than a dream. Dr. Kelly and his dedicated team of dental professionals can make that a reality.

Let’s Go Over The Procedure Timeline

Dr. Kelly will thoroughly discuss every step of the procedure at our Albuquerque practice with you so you know what to expect. The entire process will take several months, including healing times.

Dr. Kelly will thoroughly discuss every step of the procedure with you so you know what to expect.

Implant Surgery

After making you comfortable with local anesthetic and optional sedation, Dr. Kelly will make small incisions in your gums. Then, he will place the titanium implants through the incisions and into your jawbone. Our practice uses advanced 3-D imaging technology to precisely plan the placement and angle of each dental implant.

Healing Period

A healing period of four to six months is required for the implants to fuse to the jawbone. You’ll be given important oral care instructions to follow during this time. Dr. Kelly will often place a temporary crown, bridge, or denture over the implants so you can eat and speak normally until your next appointment at our Albuquerque office.

Abutment Placement

Once your implants are firmly attached to the bone, you will return to our office for a quick surgical procedure to attach a connector, also known as an abutment, to each implant. A second, shorter recovery period of a few weeks is then required for your gums to heal around the abutments.

Creating the Restoration

Once the implant is placed, healed, and is ready to restore, the crown is fabricated to match the implant and your smile.

Smile!

It’s finally time to have your lifelike, high-quality prosthetic teeth secured in place. You will return to our Albuquerque office one more time so Dr. Kelly can attach your restoration and make any last-minute adjustments. After this procedure is done, no one will ever know you were once missing a tooth or even several teeth. Now you’re ready to live life and eat healthy with a bright, fully restored smile!

How Implants Protect Your Jawbone

Many of our Albuquerque patients don’t realize the full consequences of tooth loss. Yes, losing a tooth creates an unsightly gap in your smile and can make it difficult to chew. But did you know that tooth loss also leads to a weakening of your jawbone?

In order to remain strong and healthy, your jawbone requires constant stimulation from your tooth roots. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation is also lost, and the jawbone begins to atrophy at the site of the missing tooth.

Jawbone atrophy can lead to a sunken facial appearance, a weaker bite, and additional tooth loss. Traditional dentures and bridges do nothing to address this issue because they don’t attach to the bone. The only way to reverse this process is to replace the tooth roots with dental implants.

Does Surgery Make You Anxious?

Relax with Safe Sedation Dentistry

Dental surgery can make some of our Albuquerque patients nervous, causing them to put off important procedures. If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Kelly may recommend one of two kinds of sedation dentistry:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a harmless gas delivered through a mask. It provides a state of happy, deep relaxation, and yes, you might giggle a bit! Nitrous wears off quickly, meaning you can drive yourself home after resting in our comfortable Albuquerque office.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If you choose oral conscious sedation, Dr. Kelly will prescribe anti-anxiety pills to take before the procedure that will help you relax. Since you’ll be a bit groggy, please have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

Is the Recovery Difficult?

Not really. There are very few complications associated with dental implant surgery. However, you may experience some minor discomfort after each step of the procedure:

Swelling/Bruising

Swelling can be easily treated with ice packs and should go away in 48 hours.

Jaw Pain

Dr. Kelly may recommend prescription or over-the-counter medications to relieve minor jaw pain.

Minor Bleeding

Your gums might bleed a little after surgery. This is normal and should stop after a few hours.

Possible Infection

Infections are extremely rare, but antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent them.

Am I a Good Candidate?

As your dentist and surgeon, Dr. Kelly will go over your general health and lifestyle during your consultation at our Albuquerque office. He’ll also perform an oral exam. The following could affect your candidacy:

Poor Health
Illnesses such as gum disease, diabetes, or heart disease could make oral surgery unsafe for you.

Low Jawbone Density
If your jawbone is too thin or weak to support implants, a bone graft may be recommended.

Smoking
Smoking negatively affects the healing process, which could lead to implant failure. It’s best to quit.

Caring for Dental Implants

In addition to being nearly as strong as natural teeth, implant-supported restorations are long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Implants
Once your titanium implants fuse to your jawbone, you can care for them with regular flossing, brushing, and attending cleanings at least twice a year at our Albuquerque dental office. With the right care, dental implants will last a lifetime.

Crown
Dental crowns are cared for like natural teeth. You should take extra care to keep your gums clean and healthy so they can continue to support your implants. Antibacterial and fluoride mouthwashes are safe to use with your restorations. Crowns can last 10 to 15 years with good oral hygiene.

Bridges
For a dental bridge, you can use super floss, a floss threader, or an interdental brush to clean your gums and abutments underneath the restoration. Your dental bridge can last up to 15 years with proper care.

Dentures
Brush your dentures with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste at least once a day. Daily flossing is recommended. Since your dentures are anchored by implants, you don’t have to worry about soaking them in water every night like traditional dentures. It’s important to attend regular dental visits so your dentist can remove your dentures and give them a thorough cleaning. Implant-supported dentures typically last about 10 years.

It is important to be comprehensive about your dental hygiene. Your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth should also be cleaned. You should attend regular cleanings with your dentist so they can make sure there are no complications with your restoration and oral health.

Cost and Possible Insurance Coverage

Dental implants cost around $1,200 to $1,400 each. This is only slightly higher than traditional dentures and is a worthy investment in your health and appearance.

The final cost of your procedure depends on the number of implants and the kind of restorative teeth you need.

Insurance coverage for dental implants can be complicated. Your medical or dental plan may partially cover some parts of the procedure but not others. Our team in Albuquerque, NM, can assist you in maximizing your insurance benefits.