Brian K, Dennis, DDS provides dental implants in Albuquerque, NM. Call 505-292-1051 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Single Dental Implant
The most common type of dental implant, a single tooth implant has three components: the implant itself (a small post or screw that is placed in the jawbone), the abutment, and a crown which is anchored by the abutment. This type of implant looks and functions very much like a natural tooth.
Implant Supported Bridges
When three or more adjacent teeth are missing, they can be replaced with an implant-supported bridge. Dental implants replace the two outermost missing teeth, with a porcelain bridge held between them. Implant-supported bridges are functional, aesthetic, and do not damage healthy teeth like traditional bridges.
Fully Edentulous (Toothless) Solutions
For patients missing many or all of their teeth, implant retained or implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. These solutions can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Using implants for retention or the support of dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a more natural alternative to traditional dentures for patients with sufficient jawbone density. For a partial denture, at least two dental implants are needed for support, while a full arch usually requires a minimum of four dental implants. These dentures can be fixed or removable (also known as “snap-on” dentures). Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are not held in place by an adhesive but are instead anchored by dental implants, which means they shift less and cause less discomfort.
Learn More About Implant-Supported Dentures
Full Arch With Only Four Implants
For patients who are missing all teeth on an upper or lower arch, this procedure uses four implants as anchors to support a full arch of replacement teeth.
Guided Dental Implant Placement
Using 3D imaging guided implant placement is possible. Guided implant placement allows us to create customized surgical guides that direct the exact depth, location, and angle for each dental implant being placed. This technology results in better patient outcomes because of improved accuracy, safety, and predictability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Dental implants cost more than dentures and bridges because dentures and bridges only replace the visible portion of your missing teeth. Dental implants also address tooth loss below the gum line by replacing the root, which means there are more costs involved. Both types of restorations include the cost of prosthetic teeth, but with dental implants you’ll also need to pay for the implants themselves, the surgery to place them, additional imaging and surgical planning, and any preliminary procedures that are needed like extractions or bone grafting.