Dental Implants
in Las Cruces, NM
Missing or damaged teeth can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and overall dental health. At Gentle Care Dentistry, we offer a range of services to help our patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for tooth replacement that your dentist or oral surgeon surgically places into the jawbone. Over time, the implants fuse to the bone, simulating the look, feel, and stability of natural teeth. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can be mounted to dental implants, providing optimal security and comfort.
Schedule Your AppointmentWhat Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a medical device surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root of a missing tooth and provide a strong foundation to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are typically made of strong biocompatible materials, such as titanium. Through a process called osseointegration, the dental implant fuses to the jawbone and provides a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
Dental implants consist of three main parts:
- Implant Fixture: The implant fixture is a medical device surgically placed into the jawbone. It resembles a screw and serves as the root of the artificial tooth.
- Abutment: The abutment is a connector that is attached to the implant fixture. The abutment protrudes above the gum line and connects to a dental prosthesis.
- Prosthesis: The prosthesis is the artificial tooth (or teeth) attached to the abutment. The prosthesis can be a crown for a single tooth replacement, a bridge for multiple teeth, or a denture for a full arch.
Dental implants replicate the appearance, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Why Choose Gentle Care Dentistry for Dental Implants in Las Cruces, NM?
At our state-of-the-art dental practice, providing reliable results and protecting the well-being of our patients are our top priorities. We pride ourselves in the compassionate, effective, and advanced dental care we provide our patients in Las Cruces, NM, and the surrounding areas.
Our entire team will treat you and your family with the dignity and respect you deserve. We want you to feel at home in our office as we welcome you to our family.
To learn more about how Gentle Care Dentistry can help you with your dental needs in Las Cruces, NM, call us at (575) 524-3722 today!
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Implant in Las Cruces, NM?
Ideal candidates for a dental implant are individuals in good overall health with one or more missing teeth. Candidates must have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums, be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and fully understand the implant process.
Dental implants are a versatile and effective option for tooth replacement, but candidacy and success depend on individual factors assessed by one of our experienced dental professionals.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?
Dental implants offer several benefits and can do the following:
- Provide a comprehensive, permanent tooth replacement solution
- Protect the integrity of your jawbone
- Improve dental function
- Enhance your self-confidence
- Restore a natural-looking and attractive smile
How Do I Prepare for a Dental Implant?
At Gentle Care Dentistry, dental implants are available for patients who wish to replace missing or extracted teeth. Preparing for a dental implant involves an initial consultation with our dentist and a complete mouth exam. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate solution for your dental needs and aesthetic goals. If you are a candidate for a dental implant, your dentist will discuss the treatment plan and answer any questions you may have to ensure you understand the procedure.
How Is the Dental Implant Procedure Performed?
The entire process for traditional dental implants takes a few months. Traditional dental implant treatment involves multiple stages.
- Consultation and Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your gums and jawbone to determine the most appropriate technique and supportive treatment needed to achieve the ideal outcome. Before placing the implant posts, your gums and jaw must be healthy enough to receive and integrate them securely with the bone.
- Supportive Care (if necessary): If your jawbone lacks sufficient density, supportive treatment is needed and may consist of bone grafting and other regenerative therapies. Once the bone is ready, our dental professional can place the dental implant.
- Implant Placement: Your dentist will make an incision in the gums and surgically insert the dental implant into the jawbone. If necessary, multiple implants can be inserted during one procedure.
- Implant Healing and Temporary Crown: Within three to six months, bone forms around the dental implant in a process called osseointegration. You may opt to have a temporary crown placed while your implant fuses to the surrounding bone.
- Abutment Placement & Dental Impression: After the dental implant heals, an abutment is placed, and an impression of the area is obtained to create a permanent restoration that is color-matched to your natural teeth.
- Permanent Tooth Replacement: Once your new crown has been crafted, your dentist will attach it to the abutment to complete the tooth replacement process. A permanent crown, denture, or bridge can be attached to the dental implant, providing optimal security and comfort.
What Should I Expect During My Dental Implant Recovery?
Recovery from a dental implant varies from person to person. Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately following their dental implant procedure.
Recovery after dental implant surgery can generally be divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: Recovery from Supportive Jawbone Treatment
Recovery from supportive jawbone treatments can take weeks to months, but not everyone needs this care. - Phase 2: Recovery from Implant Placement
Recovery and healing after the dentist surgically places the dental implant into the jawbone typically takes a few months. During this phase, the implant fuses to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. A temporary crown can be placed during this time. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or minor bleeding after the implants are inserted, but these symptoms are temporary and will subside. - Phase 3: Recovery from Crown, Bridge, or Denture Placement
Recovery from having a crown, bridge, or denture placed involves little to no downtime, depending on how many teeth are replaced. You may experience some mild discomfort and swelling, but these symptoms are temporary and can be easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
In all three recovery phases, patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
How Do I Maintain a Dental Implant?
It is essential for you to care for your dental implants as if they were your natural teeth. You must brush and floss them daily to remove buildup and keep your gums healthy. Be sure to visit your dentist twice yearly to monitor your oral health. If you experience complications or have concerns about your dental implants, schedule an appointment before your biannual check-up.
What Are Alternative Treatments to a Dental Implant?
Not all patients with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. Those who use tobacco products, suffer from advanced gum disease, or lack adequate underlying bone are more likely to experience difficulty with implants.
Bone grafting is often used to fortify the jaw bone for a better chance of success, but if this fails, these patients may still be able to obtain beautiful results with dental bridges or dentures.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a device composed of two crowns supporting one or more artificial teeth. The crowns are attached to healthy teeth at either end of the gap, producing a long-lasting improvement. Those with advanced gum disease are more likely to lack the healthy teeth necessary for a stable and secure bridge.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable false teeth that replace several consecutive missing teeth. Patients may require full or partial dentures, depending on the extent of correction needed.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are similar to a dental bridge in that they replace only a portion of the dental structure but are removable.
At Gentle Care Dentistry, your dentist will discuss all your options to find the treatment that will best serve your needs.
Your Trusted Dental Implant Provider in Las Cruces, NM
Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, NM, offers a range of tooth replacement options, including dental implants. Our skilled and experienced dentists will design a unique treatment plan to restore a comfortable, functional, and natural-looking smile.
For more information regarding dental implants in Las Cruces, NM, please contact our office at (575) 524-3722 to schedule your consultation.
Dental Implants FAQ
Who can dental implants help?
Almost anyone with missing teeth can benefit from individual dental implants or those that support multiple teeth.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
At Gentle Care Dentistry, we make our procedures affordable, work with your insurance, and offer financing options. We are happy to submit insurance forms to help you recover the most from your benefits. We will do everything we can to help you manage the cost of dental implants and can offer a payment plan designed with an appropriate payment schedule.
For more information, read our blog, Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
How common are dental implants?
Due to increasing patient education, dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement solution due to their ability to replace the entire tooth, including the root.
How safe are dental implants?
Dental implants are extremely safe when placed by a qualified dentist or specialist. The implant posts provide the necessary stimulation to the underlying bone to prevent resorption, a process of increased bone deterioration caused by missing teeth.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
During the dental implant placement procedure, the dentist may offer a choice of anesthetic and sedation to prevent pain. You are likely to experience some discomfort after the procedure is over and feeling returns to the area. However, this discomfort is only temporary and easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does it take to receive dental implants?
The dental implant procedure is typically completed in two phases and can take between three to nine months, depending on your need for bone grafts before implant placement. If your jawbone needs strengthening, this adds an additional step. The number of teeth being replaced and extraction healing time also factor into the length of time necessary to complete the process.
Why are dental implants becoming more popular?
Dentures have been the most common multiple-tooth replacement method for a long time, but the absence of tooth roots ultimately leads to rapid bone loss. This process causes the thinning of the jaw and a prematurely aged appearance. Dental implants protect against this bone loss and offer other excellent benefits, including:
- Provide a natural appearance and function
- A permanent solution for missing teeth
- Restores the ability to eat your favorite foods
- Since they are made of titanium, they don’t decay
- A very high success rate
What are the potential risks or complications associated with dental implants?
Any surgical procedure involves a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain. However, these complications are rare. Choosing a skilled and experienced dental implant provider and following your dentist’s instructions before, during, and after implant placement will reduce these risks.
How soon after a tooth extraction can you have an implant?
Depending on your oral health and the condition of your jawbone, you may be able to receive a dental implant the same day your tooth is extracted. However, if you have advanced gum disease and bone loss, it may take up to six months of healing and supportive treatment before your dental implant can be placed.
Can my gums reject the dental implant?
Dental implants are made from a titanium alloy that is almost never rejected. Rejection only happens in very rare cases where the patient has an allergy.
What should you avoid after receiving dental implants?
Following your dental implant procedure, you should not smoke or use tobacco, as this can cause gum disease and weaken the hard and soft tissue supporting the dental implant.
You should also avoid using a straw for drinking, as this places pressure on the implant site and can dislodge the blood clot, causing prolonged bleeding and healing.
What is the difference between a dental implant and a dental bridge?
A dental implant involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root, while a dental bridge uses adjacent teeth or implants as support. For more information, you can read our blog, Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: What’s the Difference?
How do implants work with full or partial dentures?
Dental implants can secure full or partial dentures and can help improve the stability of a removable overdenture or a fixed denture.
How long do dental implants last?
With a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, your dental implants can last forever. Never use your teeth as tools or chew on non-food items to avoid cracking or breaking your dental implant.
How much do dental implants cost in Las Cruces, NM?
The average cost of a dental implant in Las Cruces, NM, can vary based on multiple factors, including the condition of your gums and underlying bone, the number of implants needed, the type of restoration material used, and the skill of your dental implant provider. At Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, your dentist will evaluate your condition during your consultation and provide an accurate cost estimate for your dental implants.