Dental implants replace missing teeth, restore your smile, and preserve your jawbone for long-term oral health. Our board-certified implant dentist places a small titanium post into the jawbone, creating a strong, permanent foundation for a natural-looking crown. Dental implants support clear speech, confident chewing, and a complete smile that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
Tooth loss is one of the most common oral health concerns adults face. When teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the surrounding bone gradually weakens, neighboring teeth shift into the gap, chewing becomes difficult, and both smile appearance and general health decline. Dental implants offer a reliable, durable, and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. ABQ Dental Care has restored hundreds of smiles using modern dental technology and gentle techniques. Our experienced team of board certified oral surgeons delivers a comfortable, effective experience for every patient.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that acts as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into the jawbone and provides a sturdy, stable foundation for a replacement crown. This three-part restoration includes the post (implant body), the connector (abutment), and the final custom tooth (crown).
Dental Implant Procedure: 4 Simple Steps to a New Permanent Smile
Over 150 million Americans are estimated to have at least one missing tooth.
Source: Polaris Market Research
Benefits of Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the full tooth root, offering benefits that bridges and dentures cannot match. By maintaining bone density and strength, implants prevent gradual jawbone deterioration, preserve your facial structure, and stand alone without requiring alterations to nearby healthy teeth. Functionally, they restore full chewing power so you can enjoy your favorite foods, support clearer and more confident speech, and require no special care beyond regular brushing and flossing. Custom-made to match your natural teeth, teeth implants provide a natural-looking smile that boosts confidence, and while the upfront cost is higher, their ability to last a lifetime with proper care makes them a cost-effective, long-term investment.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a solution for many common dental problems. People with missing teeth, loose dentures, or damaged roots are strong candidates for dental implant treatment. Those experiencing jawbone loss, bite issues, or difficulty chewing and speaking can also benefit from tooth implants. Patients dealing with one or more of these conditions are good candidates for a dental implant procedure.
The Cost of Dental Implants: What to Expect
Without insurance, the cost for a single dental implant is estimated to range from $3,000 to $6,000. This general range includes the implant, abutment, and the crown. The cost of full mouth dental implants can start around $36,000 to $90,000 or more. Those requiring additional procedures like bone grafts will cost more. Pricing information is provided during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Insurance and Financing Options for Dental Implants
Most dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and more, do not fully cover dental implants, as they are sometimes labeled cosmetic. However, many plans cover related services such as exams, X-rays, dental crowns, or bone grafting. We are happy to contact your provider and help you get the most from your dental insurance benefits.
To make treatment more affordable, we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and more, allowing you to divide your payments into easy monthly plans. Call today to learn about financing options tailored to your budget.
Advanced Dental Implant Treatment Options
We deliver cutting-edge dental implant treatment options with precision and advanced dental care to help you achieve a confident, healthy smile. Whether you are missing one tooth or require a full mouth restoration, our dental office handles the entire process under one roof.
Single Dental Implant
A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post and a single porcelain crown. The implant root can hold the replacement tooth firmly in place, preserving adjacent healthy teeth and providing a seamless, permanent result.
Multiple Teeth Replacement (Implant-Supported Bridge)
An implant-supported bridge replaces several consecutive missing teeth using two or more implants to anchor a fixed set of replacement teeth. It delivers exceptional stability for chewing and speaking without placing stress on remaining natural teeth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants restore a full arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. This approach maximizes available bone contact, eliminates the need for bone grafts in most cases, and supports a full fixed restoration. Just two visits may be enough to complete the abutment procedure and you can achieve your new smile.
Same Day Dental Implants
Same day dental implants allow patients to receive their implants and a custom-made temporary restoration in a single in-office visit. This in-house approach means you can leave with a functional smile the very same day. The final permanent restoration is placed after the jawbone has fully healed and the implant has integrated with the bone.
Getting Ready Before Dental Implant Placement
Sometimes the jawbone must have a more solid base before implant placement surgery can proceed. The jawbone ridge may be too narrow, or there may not be enough bone density to hold the implant firmly. These advanced procedures strengthen the bone and ensure the success of your surgical implant. Our team will determine during your initial consultation which preparation steps, if any, are required in your specific case.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafts add bone material to areas with low density or insufficient structure. A small fragment of bone, taken from your body, a donor, or synthetic material, is placed where the implant will be inserted. The graft fuses to the surrounding bone, building up a healthy foundation and making room for the implant post.
Sinus Lift
The upper jaw often lacks bone strength because it sits near the sinus cavity. Sinus lifts gently raise the sinus membrane to create space for bone grafting material at the upper jawbone. This added height enables the use of longer, stronger implants in the upper arch. A lift may be needed if the upper jaw does not have enough bone to support an implant.
PRP/PRF Treatment (Platelet-Rich Plasma / Fibrin)
This treatment uses a small sample of your own blood, which is processed to concentrate natural healing platelets. The solution is combined with bone graft material or placed directly on the surgical site to promote healing. It helps your body recover more quickly, strengthens bone growth, and helps minimize bleeding and swelling after surgery.
Ridge Expansion
Your jawbone ridge needs enough width to hold the dental implant firmly. If the ridge can become too narrow to fit the implant, we gently widen it using small bone wedges to make room. Bone graft material is then added to a more solid base and to prepare the site for placement.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
This method places a protective membrane over the graft site to prevent soft-tissue growth and encourage a healthy environment for bone cells. The membrane can bolster bone regeneration and provide a sturdy foundation for long-term implant success.
Dental Implant Aftercare Instructions You Must Follow
Following dental implant aftercare instructions is essential for smooth healing and lasting results. Brush gently around the implant using a soft toothbrush, avoid the surgical area for the first 24 hours, and stick to soft foods for the first week to protect the healing site. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, and refrain from alcohol to support recovery. Begin gentle saltwater rinses 24 hours after surgery and repeat 3 to 4 times daily. Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the implant integrates properly before the final restoration is placed.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is essential to keeping your restored smile strong and lasting for many years. Consistent, proper at-home care prevents bacterial buildup that can cause peri-implantitis, a gum infection and periodontal disease affecting the bone supporting your dental implant. We provide expert dental implant maintenance and personalized care tips at each checkup.
- Brush Twice Daily
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle toothpaste, brushing at least twice a day. Pay close attention to brushing at the gumline where the implant meets soft tissue. Be thorough but avoid putting too much pressure on the implant crown.
- Floss Regularly
Floss every day to remove food and plaque between teeth and under the implant crown. You can also use Superfloss, small brushes, or a water flosser to easily reach hard-to-reach spots.
- Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinse daily with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthrinse or antibacterial mouthwash to lower bacteria levels and prevent gum irritation.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
Getting plenty of calcium, vitamin C, proteins, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products can help keep your jawbone healthy and support bone healing long after your procedure is done. Avoid much sugar and sweets, as these can damage the gum tissue around the implant and increase the risk of developing gum disease.
- Avoid Hard Foods
Avoid hard or sticky foods, such as ice or candy, that can put much pressure on your tooth implant. Once you have finished healing and have resumed a normal diet, you can eat most foods, but it is still recommended to avoid eating hard foods.
- Break Bad Habits
If you grind your teeth at night, it is a good idea to wear a nightguard or mouthguard to protect your implant. Try to break bad habits like chewing on fingernails or hard objects. Stop smoking if possible because smoking can increase the risk of implant complications and is one of the most common factors in implant failure.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental visits every 3 to 6 months are vital for dental implant care. At each cleaning, we use specialized tools to safely clean and monitor bone and gum tissue health around the implant.
Dental Implant Technology: Modern Tools for a Confident Smile
Today’s dental technology uses advanced tools to replace missing teeth with precision and comfort. These technologies allow our team to work even more accurately, giving you a strong, natural-looking smile that is built to last. Here are the key tools we use at our dental office:
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scan
This 3D scan and beam scanner captures detailed, clear pictures of your jaw and teeth in just seconds with minimal radiation exposure. CT scanning helps us measure your bone, locate the optimal spot for the implant, and avoid important areas such as nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses.
- Digital X-Rays and Panoramic Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays provide quick, high-quality images with minimal radiation compared to traditional film. A panoramic digital X-ray captures your entire upper and lower jaw in a single image, helping us identify potential issues that may affect your implant.
- Intraoral Cameras
An intraoral camera is a small, high-definition device that shows real-time images of your teeth and gums. You can see what we see on the screen, making it easier to understand your oral condition and treatment plan.
- Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers use focused light to perform precise soft-tissue procedures with reduced discomfort and accelerated healing. We use them to prepare the implant site or expose a healed implant that is now beneath the gumline. The result is less bleeding, reduced swelling, and a smoother recovery following the surgical placement.
Looking for Affordable Dental Implants Near Me in Albuquerque?
Finding affordable dental implants near you in Albuquerque starts with choosing a provider that prioritizes both quality and patient comfort. ABQ Dental Care office offers comfort-focused care with gentle sedation, precision implant placement using 3D CBCT scans and surgical guides, and full-service treatment from extraction and bone grafting to permanent crowns. We take a patient-first approach with clear communication throughout every step, and flexible financing and payment plans are available to suit your budget. Call us today to restore your smile.
