Dental Implants in El Paso, TX

El Paso Family Dental provides dental implants in El Paso, TX. Call 915-585-2020 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacements for teeth that are missing or need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw to replace the natural tooth root. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to create a solid bond. An artificial tooth is attached to the implant to replace a single natural tooth. Multiple implants can be placed in the jaw to support a bridge or dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option available in dentistry due to their many benefits:

Natural function. A dental implant functions as closely as possible to a natural tooth. The implant provides the same type of support as the natural root of a tooth.
Natural appearance. Dental implants look natural because they are anchored in the jaw like a natural tooth and because the porcelain crown resembles tooth enamel.
Prevents bone loss in the jaw. In the case of a missing tooth, the portion of the jaw bone that would have supported the tooth will weaken and dissolve over time. A dental implant prevents the loss of bone tissue.
Can last a lifetime. Once the implant fuses with the bone, the bond can last for the rest of your life.
Provides support for larger prosthetics. Dental implants can provide the necessary support to replace multiple teeth with a bridge or all of the teeth with dentures. Implant supported bridges and dentures are more secure than the traditional type.

Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?

If you have one or more teeth that are missing or can’t be saved, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The biggest factor in implant readiness is the condition of the jaw bone. There must be sufficient bone structure in the jaw to support a dental implant. If not, you may need a bone graft procedure to prepare the bone for an implant. Most patients are eligible or can become eligible for dental implants.

Single Dental Implant

Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth in the mouth. After placement, the anchors will begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.

Implant Supported Bridges

An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the bridge that provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patient’s natural teeth.

Guided Dental Implant Placement

3D technology allows our doctors to more accurately place dental implants using minimally invasive techniques that improve patient comfort and healing while maintaining the highest standard of treatment and restoring your smile.

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

An implant supported denture requires the placement of four to six dental implants as “anchors” to provide a sturdier fit and minimal mobility for your denture. With implant supported dentures, there is no plate covering the roof of the mouth, so speaking and eating are more natural and comfortable than with traditional dentures. For qualifying patients, our doctors may be able to complete the removal of all teeth and the placement of a temporary arch on the same day.

Implant Retained Dentures

Available for full or partial dentures, implant retained dentures require the placement of two or more dental implants to secure the dentures in the mouth. This type of denture will “snap” onto the implants and can be removed for cleaning at night.

Why Choose El Paso Family Dental?

The success of a dental implant depends on a number of factors, including accurate placement. El Paso Family Dental has the expertise and technology to place dental implants at the proper angle and depth for optimal function. We offer dental implants because they are the highest quality tooth replacement option for our patients.

Our number one priority is always the comfort of our patients, which is why we provide various forms of sedation for use during dental procedures. The placement of dental implants can be done with just local anesthesia, but some patients prefer sedation to help them feel more relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime in most cases. The titanium of the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The bond that is formed is solid and most often permanent.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Dental insurance plans do not always cover dental implants. This is because they are categorized as a cosmetic procedure despite the fact that they restore the overall function of the teeth as well as their appearance. If your insurance does not cover implants, there are ways to make the cost more affordable, such as financing.

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?

The difference between these tooth replacement options is their source of support. A dental implant fuses with the bone in the jaw to support a prosthetic. A bridge is supported by crowns placed over healthy teeth with one or more artificial teeth suspended between them. Bridges do not require the use of the jaw bone, and therefore do not preserve bone tissue.

How long does dental implant placement take?

The average length of a dental implant placement procedure is between 1 and 2 hours. If you are receiving multiple implants, the procedure may be longer.

Can children get dental implants?

Dental implants are more often used for adults, but in some cases teenagers may get dental implants. It is necessary for all of the permanent teeth to be in place and for the jaw to be fully grown. The minimum age for dental implants is around 15 for girls and 17 for boys.