What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an advanced, permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are securely anchored in the jaw with a surgically-placed implant post – usually made of titanium. Attached to the titanium post is an abutment that connects the restorations (replacement teeth) to the implant, which is securely anchored in the maxilla (jawbone). Dental implants can replace an entire upper and lower arch of missing teeth, and are far superior to traditional corrective solutions such as removable dentures. If you have missing teeth and/or teeth that are severely damaged, you may be a candidate for dental implant surgery with renowned oral surgeon Dr. Chris Christensen at Comfort Dental Cottonwood in Albuquerque, NM.
The Lifelong Advantages of Full Arch Dental Implants
Dental implants have three key advantages over dentures: durability, functionality, and preservation. Unlike dentures, which are glued to the top of the gums and wear the gums and jaw bone down over time, full arch dental implants are securely anchored below the gum line, meaning they help preserve the jaw and soft tissue. Implants are also far more durable than dentures, and they restore up to 98% of the functionality of your natural teeth – meaning you will enjoy a lifetime of functionality that is easily maintained through normal brushing and flossing.
Affordable Dental Implants for Every Patient's Needs
No two patients are the same, which is why Dr. Christensen and our team of Albuquerque dental implant specialists will work with you on a personal level to develop the perfect long-term treatment plan. During your initial consultation, we will examine your teeth in their current state, including taking detailed images with cutting-edge dental technology. From there, Dr. Christensen will communicate a detailed, step-by-step approach for the implant protocol, which may include one of the following types of implants:
Single Dental Implants
A single implant is the preferred solution in the event of damage or trauma to an individual tooth. Depending on the extent of damage above and below the gum line, a dental bridge may offer a more affordable solution than a fixed implant.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a cost-effective, intermediate option between traditional (removable) dentures and full-mouth dental implant surgery. They essentially consist of a custom-made set of dentures that are fixated to four or more implant posts in the jaw. Implant-supported dentures offer many of the same long-term benefits as full arch solutions, but are far less expensive. The only downside to implant-supported dentures is that they do not always provide the same fit and functionality as full arch restorations.
Full Arch Dental Implants
Considered the modern-day standard for missing teeth replacement, full arch dental implants offer patients with missing or severely damaged teeth the opportunity to enjoy a gorgeous, fully functional new smile. Full arch restorations are permanently anchored to four or more titanium implant posts, and are custom-made to match the subtle facial features of each unique patient. The result is a brilliant, stunning new set of brand-new teeth that will last a lifetime with normal oral hygiene and routine maintenance.
Dental Implants in Three Easy Steps
The surgical implant procedure can be broken down into three basic steps: consultation, surgery, and recovery. During your consultation at our Albuquerque, NM, office, Dr. Christensen will determine the type of implants you need and will also be able to offer guidance on how long it will take to receive your final restorations. In many instances, Dr. Christensen is able to place same-day restorations, known as ‘Teeth-In-A-Day’ Implants. To find out whether you are a candidate for same-day restorations, a consultation visit is necessary. In some instances, supplementary procedures may be required prior to the placement of dental implants. For example, there must be sufficiently healthy bone in order for Dr. Christensen to place the implant post(s); if a patient has experienced significant bone loss, a bone grafting procedure may be required before implant surgery is an option.
Also, as one of the most common questions that we get, it’s important to point out that dental implant surgery with Dr. Christensen is nearly pain-free thanks to our advanced sedation approach. You can enjoy a stunning, fully functional new smile with virtually zero pain in just a single office visit.
- Your Dentist Stuck In The Past Technological Age?
The Proof Is in our Patients
- Upper and lower implant retained dentures before and after
- Dental Implants before and after
Robin - Upper and Lower All-on-X Procedure
"I Suffered Due To My Smile For Many Years, Dr. Vakil Changed My Life With Dental Implants"
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