Dental Implants in Albuquerque

A missing tooth can have a significant impact on your smile and overall oral health, affecting your ability to chew, speak, and feel confident. Dr. Mark Johnson recognizes how important it is to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. Dental implants offer a permanent, effective solution for replacing missing teeth, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth and restoring both the form and function of your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth:

• Permanent Solution: Implants are designed to be a long-term solution, fusing with the jawbone to create a sturdy foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. With proper care, implants can last decades or even a lifetime.
• Restored Functionality: Implants provide stability and support for chewing and speaking, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate clearly. They also help maintain the natural shape of your face, preventing the sagging that can occur with missing teeth.
• Natural Appearance: Dental implants are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend that maintains the aesthetic integrity of your smile.
• Prevention of Bone Loss: When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in the affected area can deteriorate over time. Implants stimulate the bone, preventing loss and maintaining the structure of your jaw.
• Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require support from neighboring teeth, unlike traditional dental bridges, allowing for a complete restoration without compromising the health of surrounding teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dr. Johnson’s dental implant procedure ensures patient comfort and satisfaction throughout:

During the initial consultation, Dr. Johnson evaluates your dental health, including the condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. This assessment helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants and outlines the treatment plan.

If your jawbone is healthy and ready, the implant (a titanium post) is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over time, this implant fuses with the bone, creating a secure foundation. A healing period of several months may be required to allow the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed over the implant to protect it.

Once the implant has fully integrated, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant. This restoration is designed to match the appearance and function of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Here are some care tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Just like your natural teeth, dental implants need to be maintained with a great oral hygiene routine that includes thorough plaque removal via brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the implant crown and gum area gently. Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris between the teeth and around the implant.
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: While implants are durable, avoiding hard and sticky foods can help prevent damage to the crown and the natural wear of the implant.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process of your implants and negatively impact the long-term health of your gum and bone around the implant.

Schedule a Consultation

Don’t let a missing tooth impact your smile and confidence. Take the first step toward a complete smile and improved oral health today. Contact Dr. Johnson’s office at 505-922-9511 to schedule an appointment at our Albuquerque clinic.