Dental Implants In Las Cruces, NM

Dental implants can improve the appearance of your smile while eliminating gaps in your teeth and replacing painful, unhealthy teeth. Dental implants are a full tooth replacement, complete with roots and an artificial tooth that matches the color of your natural teeth.

For many people, dental implants are the next best thing to having your own, original, healthy teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth or are struggling with a tooth (or teeth) that are unhealthy, a dental implant may be the right solution for you.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many reasons to get dental implants!

Comfortable fit. Implants are often more comfortable than dentures because they fit in your mouth in the same way that natural teeth fit in your mouth.
Beautiful appearance. Dental implants are just as lovely as natural teeth – and indistinguishable as well.
Pride in your smile. With dental implants, you can smile with pride, knowing that your smile appears healthy and as it should.
Better for digestion. It’s important to have all your teeth because teeth aid digestion. You’ll find eating easier when you have a dental implant because implants fit in your mouth just like your natural teeth.
Convenience. Dental implants require all the same care as your natural teeth, so taking care of dental implants is convenient and similar to your normal oral hygiene routine.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of about 98%. Your dentist can determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. To be a good candidate, you’ll need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant.

Your dentist will also evaluate your candidacy for dental implants based on how well you take care of your teeth and your overall health. If you have a chronic health problem or smoke heavily, this could impact the viability of dental implants for you.

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

First, your dentist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Next, your restorative dentist will create a coordinated plan to schedule your dental implant surgery and prepare you for the event.

Dental implant surgery starts with the implantation of a small titanium post in the jawbone. Once the jawbone is healed, the post is firmly anchored into the mouth. This healing process can take between 6 and 12 weeks.

Once the implant is secured to the jawbone, then the abutment is attached to the post. Finally, the replacement tooth (called the crown) is attached to the abutment. Once the crown is in place, it’s impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth. It will look, feel, and perform just like natural teeth.

Think You Might Benefit from Dental Implants? Contact University Family Dental

At University Family Dental, we help patients meet their oral hygiene and dental health goals. You don’t have to live with unhealthy teeth or a gap in your teeth. We can help! Call your dentist in Las Cruces NM today to make an appointment to find out whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Our skilled dental professionals can help.

Frequently Asked Question

How many teeth can you replace with implants?

Implants are highly versatile. They can replace a single tooth, support a bridge for multiple teeth, or anchor a full denture to replace an entire arch of teeth.

How long does dental implant surgery take?

The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how many implants are being placed and whether additional steps—like bone grafting—are needed.

Will my dental implants last forever?

Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting tooth replacement option, and with proper care, they can last for decades or even a lifetime.

Can dental implants fail?

Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement options available, with success rates as high as 98%. However, the crown—the visible part of the implant—may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear.

Can implants be placed at the same time a tooth is extracted?

Yes, in many cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction. This process is known as immediate implant placement. However, not every situation is right for same-day implants.

Are dental implants painful?

The implant placement procedure usually takes place with local anesthesia, which means you won’t feel pain during the surgery.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The dental implant process usually takes about 4 to 9 months in total. This includes the healing period after implant placement (typically 3 to 6 months) and the time needed to place the abutment and final crown.