Missing teeth can affect chewing, speech, and confidence. Dental implants are one option for replacing teeth, alongside alternatives such as bridges or removable dentures. At Premier Family Dental in Santa Teresa, an evaluation helps determine which choices are appropriate for your health and goals.
Call us today at 575-332-5352 to schedule a consultation.
What Makes Dental Implants So Special?
A dental implant is a post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or teeth. Healing and integration with bone take time and are not guaranteed. Your dentist will explain the stages and expected timeline for your individual treatment.
Depending on the treatment plan, implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture. Full-arch treatment may be an option for some patients; the number of implants and restoration design are determined individually.
A Beautiful & Natural Look
An implant-supported restoration is planned to suit your mouth and appearance goals. Shape, color, fit, and function vary by case, and adjustments or replacement may be needed over time.
Implant-supported teeth may improve chewing, but follow your dentist's dietary and recovery instructions. Comfort, function, and the foods you can manage depend on healing and the type of restoration.
Protecting Your Facial Structure
Did you know that missing teeth can actually change the shape of your face? When a tooth is missing, the jawbone beneath it no longer has a tooth root to stimulate it. Over time, this lack of stimulation causes the bone to shrink. This bone loss can make your cheeks look sunken and cause your face to appear older.
Implants may help support bone in the treated area, but they do not eliminate every cause of bone loss or guarantee a particular facial appearance. Your dentist will assess bone and gum health when planning care.
Understand the treatment plan and risks
Before treatment, discuss your medical history, medications, oral health, healing considerations, and alternatives with the dental team. Implant treatment can involve multiple visits and months of healing.
Ask which planning techniques and comfort options are recommended for your case. Guided planning does not remove surgical risks. Possible complications include infection, injury to nearby structures, delayed healing, and implant failure.
Implants need ongoing care. Clean around the restoration as instructed and keep regular dental visits. Contact the team about pain, swelling, bleeding, or an implant or restoration that feels loose.
To discuss replacing missing teeth, call (575) 332-5352 or request an appointment online. Our team will contact you about availability. A request is not a confirmed appointment.