Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile—they can impact your ability to chew, speak, and even maintain good oral health. Fortunately, dental implants offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for patients in El Paso. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall specialize in dental implants, providing patients with a permanent, reliable option to restore their smiles and improve their quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll explore why dental implants are the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth, the benefits of the procedure, and what you can expect during your treatment.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they act as artificial tooth roots. This not only provides stability but also helps prevent bone loss—a common problem associated with missing teeth.

Here’s why dental implants are often considered the best choice:

1. Long-lasting durability
   With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures, which may need to be replaced every few years, implants are made from materials like titanium that integrate with your bone and are built to last.
2. Improved appearance and comfort
   Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. Since they are anchored in your jawbone, they provide the same level of stability, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
3. Preservation of bone structure
   When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the bone, preventing this loss and maintaining your facial structure.
4. Enhanced oral health
   Unlike bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants don’t require the alteration of neighboring teeth. This helps protect your natural teeth and supports overall oral health.

The Dental Implant Process

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery in El Paso, we make the dental implant process as seamless as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. DuVernois or Dr. Marshall will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment goals. We’ll take detailed scans and X-rays to assess your jawbone and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If necessary, we may recommend additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to ensure the success of the implant.

2. Implant Placement

Once we’ve developed a personalized treatment plan, the next step is placing the implant. This involves surgically positioning a titanium post into the jawbone. This post will serve as the new "root" for your replacement tooth. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and we offer sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the process.

3. Healing Period

After the implant is placed, the jawbone needs time to heal and fuse with the titanium post in a process called osseointegration. This usually takes several months, but it’s essential for ensuring that the implant becomes a permanent part of your bone structure.

4. Restoration

Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, we will attach an abutment (a connector piece) and place a custom-made crown on top. This crown is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, completing your new, permanent smile.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While dental implants are an excellent option for most patients with missing teeth, certain factors can influence your eligibility. Ideal candidates for dental implants should:

• Have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant
• Be in good general health to undergo oral surgery
• Be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene

If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, don’t worry—our team can often perform a bone grafting procedure to build up enough bone to support an implant.

The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Beyond restoring your smile, dental implants offer numerous benefits that improve both your oral health and your overall quality of life.

• Permanent and low-maintenance: Once your dental implants are placed, they don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
• Natural appearance: Implants are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, giving you a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
• Improved function: With implants, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry. They provide the strength and stability you need for proper chewing, speaking, and overall comfort.

Why Choose Us for Dental Implants in El Paso?

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering advanced, compassionate care for every patient. Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall bring years of expertise in oral surgery, ensuring that your dental implant procedure is safe, efficient, and tailored to your unique needs.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide precise diagnostics and treatment planning, allowing us to deliver successful outcomes. Whether you need a single tooth implant or full-mouth reconstruction, our team is dedicated to restoring your smile with excellence and care.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore dental implants as a solution to missing teeth, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. At our conveniently located offices on N Mesa St and Trawood Dr in El Paso, TX, we provide personalized treatment plans to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

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