Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or dental prosthesis. Once the implant has healed and integrated with the bone, it can be used to support a crown, bridge or denture.

A typical dental implant restoration includes three parts:

1. Implant post: The portion placed in the jawbone.
2. Abutment: The connector between the implant and the final restoration.
3. Crown, bridge or denture: The visible replacement tooth or teeth.

Many patients think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root because it provides stable support beneath the gumline. This stability is one of the reasons implants can feel more secure than removable tooth replacement options.

Who is eligible for dental implants?

Many patients with missing teeth are eligible for dental implants, but the best way to know is to schedule an evaluation. Good candidates typically have healthy gums, adequate jawbone support and a commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene.

You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you:

• Are missing one tooth, several teeth or a full arch of teeth
• Want a stable alternative to removable dentures
• Have trouble chewing because of missing teeth
• Want to help protect your jawbone after tooth loss
• Are looking for a long-term restorative dentistry solution

Some patients may need additional treatment before receiving implants, such as gum disease treatment, bone grafting or tooth extraction. Dr. French can evaluate your smile and explain which options may be right for you.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies because treatment is customized for each patient. Your total cost may depend on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of restoration used, the condition of your jawbone and whether additional procedures are needed before implant placement.

A single dental implant with a crown will have a different cost than an implant-supported bridge, implant-supported denture or full-arch treatment plan. Some patients may also need bone grafting, extractions or periodontal care before the implant can be placed.

The best way to understand your cost is to schedule a consultation. Our team can review your treatment options, explain what is included and discuss available financial options.

Schedule a consultation or call 505-471-5353 to get started.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Dental insurance coverage for implants depends on your specific plan. Some plans may cover part of the procedure, while others may provide benefits for the crown, bridge, denture or related restorative treatment.

If your plan does not fully cover dental implants, it may still provide an allowance toward an alternative treatment, such as a traditional bridge or denture. Our team can help you review your benefits and better understand what may apply to your treatment plan.

Because dental implants can improve chewing comfort, smile confidence and long-term oral health, many patients view them as an investment in their quality of life.

Are dental implants better than dentures?

Dental implants and dentures serve different needs. Traditional dentures are removable and rest on the gums, while dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and can provide stronger support for replacement teeth.

Many patients prefer implant-supported options because they can feel more stable while eating and speaking. Implants can also help reduce slipping and may feel more natural than removable dentures.

Dentures may still be the right option for some patients. The best choice depends on your oral health, jawbone support, budget, goals and the number of teeth being replaced.

Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?

Yes. Dental implants can replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or a full arch of teeth. When several teeth are missing, implants may support a bridge or denture instead of replacing each tooth with an individual implant.

For example, a single implant can support one custom crown. Two or more implants may support a dental bridge. Several implants may be used to support a full-arch restoration or implant-supported denture.

Dr. French can explain which approach makes the most sense based on your smile, bite, bone support and long-term goals.

What types of dental implants are available?

Dental implants can be restored in several ways depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and what type of final restoration is best for the patient.

Single Dental Implant Crown

A single dental implant crown replaces one missing tooth. The implant acts as the artificial tooth root, and a custom dental crown restores the visible part of the tooth.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

An implant-supported bridge may be recommended when multiple teeth are missing in the same area. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the dental bridge is anchored by dental implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures use implants to help stabilize a denture. This can improve comfort and reduce movement while eating or speaking.

Full-Arch Implant Options

Full-arch implant treatment may be used when a patient needs to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. The exact number of implants and type of restoration will depend on the treatment plan. To compare your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. French.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term tooth replacement option. With proper care, healthy gums and routine dental visits, implants can provide many years of stable support.

The final crown, bridge or denture attached to the implant may need maintenance or replacement over time due to normal wear. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups are important for protecting your implant investment.

Do dental implants hurt?

Most patients find the dental implant process more manageable than expected. Local anesthesia is used during treatment, and comfort options may be discussed before the procedure.

Some soreness or swelling after implant placement is normal, but it is usually temporary. Our team will provide post-operative instructions to help you care for the area while it heals.

What is the dental implant process like?

The dental implant process usually begins with a consultation and examination. Dr. French will evaluate your teeth, gums, jawbone support and goals before recommending a treatment plan.

Once the plan is created, the implant is placed in the jawbone. The implant then needs time to heal and integrate with the bone. After healing, an abutment and custom restoration are attached to complete the tooth replacement.

The timeline varies by patient. Some cases are straightforward, while others require additional procedures or a longer healing period.

Can I get same-day dental implants?

Some patients may qualify for a faster implant-supported solution, but not every case is appropriate for same-day treatment. Your timeline depends on your oral health, bone support, the number of teeth being replaced and the type of restoration needed.

Dr. French can evaluate your smile and explain whether same-day implant options are realistic for your case or whether a staged approach would provide a better long-term result.

What happens if I wait to replace a missing tooth?

When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can begin shifting into the open space. The opposing tooth may also move because it no longer has a tooth to bite against. Over time, this can affect your bite, chewing comfort and overall oral health.

Tooth loss can also contribute to jawbone loss in the area where the tooth is missing. If too much bone is lost, bone grafting may be needed before an implant can be placed.

Replacing a missing tooth sooner can help protect your bite, preserve space and reduce the risk of more complex treatment later.

Do dental implants help prevent bone loss?

Yes. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone in a way that removable tooth replacements do not. This stimulation can help preserve bone structure after tooth loss.

Maintaining jawbone support is important for oral health, facial shape and the stability of surrounding teeth.

How do I care for dental implants?

Dental implants should be cared for with daily brushing, flossing and regular dental visits. Although the implant itself cannot get a cavity, the gums and surrounding bone still need to stay healthy.

Routine cleanings and exams allow our team to monitor your implant, restoration, bite and gum health over time.

What areas do you serve?

Our dental office provides implant consultations and restorative dentistry for patients in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and nearby communities, including Galisteo, La Puebla, Pecos, Otowi, Santa Cruz, El Llano and Española.

To learn more about your options, visit our main dental implants page, contact our office or call 505-471-5353.