Dental Implants in Albuquerque, NM
What Are Dental Implants?
Losing a tooth affects more than the gap in your smile. It changes how you bite into an apple, how clearly you pronounce certain words, and how confident you feel in conversation. Dental implants replace the entire tooth structure, not just the visible part. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months and acts as an artificial root.
Once that foundation is solid, your dentist attaches a custom crown that matches the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth. The result looks natural, feels stable, and functions the way your original tooth did. Unlike Dental Bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, an implant stands on its own and helps preserve the bone that would otherwise shrink after tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the entire tooth, root and all, so the results feel and function like what you had before.
A Bite Force You Can Fully Trust
Because the titanium post fuses directly with your jawbone, implants restore roughly 90% of your original chewing strength. Steak, apples, crusty bread. Nothing is off the table. That strength comes from the implant acting as an artificial root, carrying force directly into the bone.
Your Jawbone Stays Fully Intact
A missing tooth causes the surrounding bone to shrink over time, changing the shape of your face. Implants stimulate the bone the same way a natural root does, keeping that structure stable for years. That preservation is something no bridge or denture can provide on its own.
No Impact on Neighboring Teeth
Unlike Dental Bridges, which require reshaping the teeth on either side, an implant stands on its own. Your healthy teeth stay untouched, and flossing between them works exactly the way it always did. That independence also preserves the long-term health of the teeth around it.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
If you've lost a tooth to decay, injury, or gum disease, dental implants replace what's missing without touching the teeth next to it. That matters. Adults who have worn Dentures for years often notice their jawbone shrinking over time, which changes the shape of their face. A single implant stops that bone loss right where the tooth used to be.
You might also be a good candidate if you had Tooth Extractions and never replaced the gap, or if a Dental Bridges option won't work because there aren't strong teeth on both sides. Most healthy adults qualify, even into their 70s and 80s. Your dentist at Parkway Dental will check your bone density and gum health first to confirm you're a solid candidate.
Advanced Dental Implants Technology
At Parkway Dental, implant planning starts with a cone beam CT scan, which produces a detailed 3D map of your jaw in about 15 seconds. Your dentist can measure bone density, locate nerves, and identify the ideal angle for the post before any surgery begins. That level of detail means fewer surprises during placement and a more predictable healing timeline.
The implant posts themselves are made from medical-grade titanium with a micro-textured surface designed to speed up how quickly bone cells attach. Guided surgical templates, printed from your CT data, fit over your teeth and direct the drill to the exact planned position. This precision typically means smaller incisions, less swelling, and a shorter recovery compared to freehand placement techniques used a decade ago.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your dentist starts by numbing the area completely, so you feel only light pressure during the procedure. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone where your tooth once was. The whole appointment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes, and most patients say it was easier than they expected.
Your jawbone needs about three to six months to fuse securely around the implant. During that healing window, you will wear a temporary restoration so the gap stays protected. Once the bond is solid, your dentist places the final crown through Dental Implant Restoration, and you are back to biting into whatever you want.
Before Your Appointment
- Bring a current list of all medications and supplements you take, since some blood thinners may need to be paused before implant surgery.
- Eat a protein-rich meal two to three hours before your appointment, as you will need to stick to soft foods for several days afterward.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, because implant placement typically involves sedation or local anesthesia that can affect alertness.
After Your Appointment
- Stick to soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs for the first week while the implant site begins to heal.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water two to three times a day starting 24 hours after surgery, but avoid swishing near the implant area.
- Hold off on brushing directly around the surgical site for the first few days. Clean the rest of your mouth normally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants typically last?
Dental implants can last 25 years or longer when you keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and routine Dental Cleanings. The titanium post fuses permanently with your jawbone, so the foundation rarely fails. The crown on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear.
Can dental implants replace several missing teeth at once?
Yes. A single implant replaces one tooth, but your dentist can also place multiple implants to support Dental Bridges or full arches. For patients missing most or all teeth, All-on-X Dental Implants use just four posts to anchor an entire set of fixed teeth.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
There is no upper age limit. What matters is bone density and overall health, not your birthday. Patients in their 70s and 80s routinely receive implants at Parkway Dental. Your dentist will review your medical history and take X-rays to confirm you are a good candidate.
Will a dental implant feel different from a natural tooth?
Most patients say they forget which tooth is the implant within a few months. You chew, speak, and bite the same way you would with a natural tooth. There is no slipping or shifting like you might experience with removable options.
What happens to the jawbone if I delay getting an implant?
Bone starts to shrink in the area where a tooth is missing, sometimes losing up to 25 percent of its width in the first year alone. The longer you wait, the more bone loss occurs, which can affect neighboring teeth and may require grafting before an implant can be placed.
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