Dental Implant FAQs

What are dental implants?

dental implant faqsA dental implant is a small post that serves as a replacement for a tooth root. An abutment, also known as a connector, is built and placed on the top of the implant, connecting to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is a crown that is created to uniquely match your natural teeth.

Dental implants can be made from different materials, due to the advancement of technology and research. However, the most commonly used materials are titanium and zirconia. Titanium is able to create a permanent fixture with bone. It is one of the most sought after metals for dental implants because of its durability and long lasting replacement solution at a reasonable price. Zirconia, a type of ceramic, has emerged as an alternative to titanium. It might be the preferable material for those who have metal allergies.

Why do I need dental implants?

There are a variety of reasons why people might need dental implants. Gum disease, tooth decay, or physical trauma all have the potential to cause teeth to fall out. The only treatment options available to these patients used to be prosthetics like dentures and bridges. Today, dental implants have become a popular option for patients seeking to replace missing teeth. Dental implants replace the tooth root, creating a strong foundation for prosthetic teeth to be built upon.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are proven to be successful and able to last a lifetime. Advantages include improved oral health, comfort, appearance, speech, eating, and confidence. Dental implants also provide better durability and convenience. Unlike dentures where you have to remove them from time to time, dental implants eliminate this step altogether. Once they’re in your mouth, they act as a natural part of your mouth.

How many dental implants can I have?

You can have a single implant or multiple, depending on how many teeth you’re missing. You also don’t need an implant for every tooth that you are missing. One implant can replace a single tooth or support a bridge, but you need at least four to replace a full row of teeth.

Is the procedure painful?

Typically, patients find dental implant surgery quite easy to go through. Any pain after surgery can be managed with over the counter anti-inflammatory medication or icing the area.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

Just like natural teeth, you need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day every day, as well as seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, will keep you on the right track.

Is the procedure expensive?

Dental implants can cost a bit more than other tooth replacement options such as dentures, but they are proven to last a much longer time. They should never require replacement if you keep a good oral hygiene routine.

What if my body rejects my new dental implant?

It is very rare that your body will reject your new dental implant, since the implant has no living cells in it. Allergic reactions to the titanium in the implant are also very rare. However, an implant can fail to adapt to your jawbone, in which case an infection would develop. You can prevent this from happening by maintaining good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and not using a strong biting force soon after surgery.

Are there certain requirements to get dental implants?

You will first need to meet with your dentist to complete a total examination on your mouth, including X-rays of your jaw. This will ensure that there are no underlying problems and that you are indeed a candidate for dental implants. If your dentist believes that you do not have enough bone density for a dental implant, you may be able to get a dental bone graft to prepare for dental implants. A dental bone graft adds volume and density to your jaw in areas where bone loss has occurred. It’s important that you have enough bone density so that the foundation of your tooth is strong enough to withstand a dental implant.

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Hours of Operation

The office is open alternating Wednesdays and Fridays!

Primary Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "This dental office rocks! Dr. M. & all her staff are knowledable, professional, & all very friendly."
    Lisa Griffith
  • "The entire staff at Ahh Dental are amazing. From the moment you walk in to the treatment area and checking out. Dr. Moreschini is very nice and makes sure patients are comfortable with any treatment. I would recommend everyone and anyone to Ahh dental!"
    Stephanie Lovato
  • "Excellent service and a great staff."
    Herman Lujan
  • "This team is awesome! Each and every one of them are present when you are talking and they explain everything in a language you can follow. They each have a heart of gold. I recommend then to all. I will never go anywhere else for my dental care."
    Regan Rezac
  • "Dr. Moreschini is not only intelligent, well-versed, articulate in diagnosis as well as treatment, but kind and gracious in her treatment administrations. I knew, a year ago, Ahh Dental would be my dental home. I’m even more vested now as a patient but also as a “family member” to this exceprional team of people who strive to provide the best outcome for their patients. Thank you, Ahh Dental"
    Sabine Stanley
  • "I loved this dental office. When I moved away from Santa Fe, I was sincerely sad because it also meant saying goodbye to a dentist I could trust!"
    Jennifer Quick
  • "The patient comes first. The front desk, hygienist and dentist all work together to get you in the healthy zone. The office seems to be run professionally with all the insurance processes integrated."
    John Urbanowski
  • "Best dentist and caring staff."
    Yvonne Vigil
  • "From the front staff to my dental hygienist, everyone was so friendly and personable. Ahh Dental made me fill at ease and that my concerns were important. Very efficient, awesome experience."
    Barbara
  • "I visited Ahh Dental for the first time earlier today and it was one of the most positive experiences I've had at a dental office. I am actually looking forward to my next appointment. Everyone was extremely pleasant and attentive. If you are new to town, or just looking for a new dentist I highly recommend Ahh Dental."
    Kelse Lighthizer
  • "Amazing place! Amazing staff! Everyone that works there is so friendly and down to earth. Honestly wish I could come back all the time I enjoy it so much. Went above and beyond, very highly recommended!!"
    Jordan Higgins
  • "One of my top dental experiences. Everyone was very kind, knowledgeable, and professional."
    Diann Darnall
  • "Highly recommend Ahh Dental. Dr Moreschini is one the the best Dentist who is not only professional but cares about her patients and their well being. She has an excellent staff who are very helpful and also very professional!!"
    Marcella Sandoval
  • "This place is great! Super friendly and welcoming staff! I actually enjoy going to the dentist here! Really recommend them!"
    Oscar Rivera
  • "Dr and staff are the best! Always professional and friendly. They’re current about best dental practices, and the best thing? They don’t nickel and dime you to death. Love them!"
    Susan Miera
  • "Ahh Dental has a wonderful atmosphere and an awesome staff. My appointments and procedures have all been very pleasant and professional - thank you Ahh Dental for my happy teeth and big smile."
    Cherie Hughes
  • "It’s a pleasure sitting in Dr. Moreschini’s chair. She’s a stellar graduate of Creighton and a wonderful reminder of the Marquette University dentists I had for thirty years. She is always a pleasure to work with, efficient and excellent at pain prevention and management. This young woman is my third dentist in three years in Santa Fe. Unquestionably the best."
    Mark Janssen
  • "I'm so glad that I found Dr Renae. She's great to work with . Feel very at ease with her and her staff. Great people. Highly recommend her. Thanks Dr."
    John Vigil
  • "Very clean, conscientious about Coronavirus. Prompt, friendly, quality work"
    Victor Nelson
  • "I had a wonderful experience at Ahh Dental. Everyone was truly kind and professional. Everything was explained to me beforehand and they made sure I was comfortable and felt at ease. Dr. M.and her staff truly care about their patients. Thank you for making my dental appointment a positive one."
    Georgina Perez
  • "Excellent Ahh Dental was very professional and provided me with great care . You can definitely trust Doctor and staff. Procedures were pain free and the work that had been done is excellent you can not get any better service than that."
    Virginia Salazar
  • "Never had a more comprehensive exam and cleaning by dentist and Roxanne, the hygienist. They fortunately found two cavities that two other dentists had missed altogether.!!! a VERY BIG DEAL. also had to have a molar pulled and Dr. Moreshini was so skilled that I didn't even feel it at all! I learned so much from Roxanne about how decay happens, how to prevent tooth decay, how to effectively and affordable whiten my teeth.

    Amazing clinic... Everyone should experience this attention and care for their oral health care."
    Claudia Wolfe