Ross Family Dental can help refer you to an oral surgeon for dental implants to replace missing teeth. You may wonder what the process entails and what these tooth replacements consist of before you schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Ross or Dr. Kerry Ross. Both dentists give Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding region access to this service.
Consultation
Our team does not personally insert the implants at our office. We would refer you to an oral surgeon and then later help you adjust and place the dental crowns.
When you first visit our Albuquerque, NM, office, you'll need to undergo a consultation to ensure you have adequate gum tissue and jawbone for the procedure. During this consultation, your dentist will determine if you'll need a gum or jawbone graft.
If you don't have enough bone to support the implants and grafting won't enhance the bone enough, you may not be able to get dental implants.
Additionally, you may not qualify for the procedure if you have a compromised immune system because you may not recover from the surgery well.
General Information
Dental implants are useful as a permanent replacement for missing teeth, whether you lose teeth from an accident, gum disease, or another cause. Crowns can look more natural, restore function, and keep your teeth from shifting.
The implant consists of the tiny, screw-like structure that the prosthetic tooth will sit on. The screw-like portion of the implant is placed underneath your gum. It might have an abutment of it, which is where the artificial tooth goes. In some cases, the crown screws directly on the implant.
About the Procedure
Before you get dental implants, you may need to have a gum or bone graft and allow that to heal before proceeding.
The next surgery is to place the actual implant. Often, your dentist will allow that to heal and place a temporary crown on the abutment or implant. Then, once this part of the procedure heals, your dentist will schedule you to have the permanent one placed.
You may undergo this process for merely one missing tooth or several. A dentist can even replace all your teeth, though this process is usually more than just three steps.
About Dental Implants
You'll get to choose what crown type you want. Each one differs slightly based on how natural it looks as well as how long it lasts. For example, if you want a natural-looking tooth, you might desire zirconia or porcelain crowns.
With the help of Dr. Jason Ross or Dr. Kerry Ross of Ross Family Dental in Albuquerque, NM, and the neighboring communities, you can decide if dental implants are the right solution for your missing teeth. Your practitioner will also help you select the right material for you.
Call us today at 505-293-7441.