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Dental Implants

If you have missing or severely damaged teeth, it can be difficult to chew, speak, or smile with comfort and confidence.

Dental implants can give your smile a second chance as they provide superior support to dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.

The oral surgeons at the Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, NM, can help you take advantage of this solution.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

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Stability

Implants prevent dentures from shifting and slipping, so you can speak with clarity and chew any foods you choose.

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Jawbone Retention

The jawbone will shrink and change shape after tooth loss. Implants can stop – and reverse – this effect.

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Enhanced Comfort

If lost teeth or loose dentures make you uncomfortable and self-conscious, this dentistry solution can address those concerns.

"A dental implant is basically a bionic root." Dr. Sean Healy Discusses Dental Implant Treatments 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that can be used to anchor dental crowns, bridges, or dentures directly to the jawbone. During a consultation at Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, Dr. Sean Healy and Dr. Diego Hurtado will perform advanced imaging to determine whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant. Following your dental implant surgery, our oral surgeons are available around the clock to address any concerns.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium rods that replace tooth roots. They are surgically placed by an oral surgeon through the gums and into the jawbone. Over time, implants fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.

Dental implants provide excellent support to dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Once the implant placement process is complete, the dental restoration is just as stable and functional as a natural tooth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have the potential to last for 40 years or longer.

Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant requires three main components: the implant, an abutment, and a dental crown.

​Dental Implant Treatment in Santa Fe Schedule Your Consultation Today

Drs. Sean Healy and Diego Hurtado have helped many patients restore their smiles with this advanced dentistry solution.

If your dentist has suggested replacing a tooth with a dental implant, we invite you to give us a call today. We work with many dentists in the Santa Fe, NM, area and we're always ready to take on new patients. Our office also serves patients from Española, Taos, Los Alamos, Las Vegas, NM, and beyond.

You can schedule a consultation today by filling out our online form or calling

(505) 984-0694

Our team
Our team receives referrals from many area dentists.

Hear What Our Patients Have to Say  5-Star Reviews of Our Practice

1

Justin Nylund

November 2019

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He is a great Surgeon and person. My patients have had great experiences with his office for years. As a dentist, I would feel very comfortable with him working on me.

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1

Jayme Santistevan

February 2019

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The people here are all so nice they are very friendly, kind and caring. I give them a 5 star recommendation to anyone in the nation and other countries as well. they are a wonderful staff.

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Why Santa Fe Chooses Us for Dental Implants

Technology

We use the most modern technology available at each of our surgical centers. For implant placement, we use advanced CT scanners to plan the surgery, and our X-Guide™ system allows us to place implants with extreme precision.

Options

No two patients are the same, and we approach every dental implant case in a unique way. Depending on the case, we can use implants from Nobel Biocare®, Straumann®, or Astra®, and we are able to anchor implants in the cheek bone instead of the jawbone if the situation requires it.

Financing

Dental implants are rarely covered by dental insurance. We help patients afford out-of-pocket costs by offering payment plans through CareCredit®.

Same-Day Services 

In some cases, such as those involving same-day implants or All-on-4® dentures, implants can be placed and restored in a single appointment. You can experience an immediate restoration of your smile without having to wait until the next scheduled visit.

Why Visit an Oral Surgeon For Your Dental Implant Treatment? 

In addition to the training that a general dentist receives, an oral surgeon must complete several more years of education and a surgical residency. Your general dentist can refer you to our surgeons when you need specialized treatments that require expert care. 

Our Santa Fe practice features two experienced oral surgeons specializing in restorative procedures such as dental implants. Dr. Healy and Dr. Hurtado are both oral surgeons and active members of several professional organizations such as the:

  • American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dental Implant Timeline

Traditional dental implant treatment requires multiple office visits over several months. The traditional timeline looks something like this:

Consultation

Patients often schedule a consultation with us after their dentist recommends dental implant surgery to restore a missing tooth or teeth. During a consultation at our office in Santa Fe, NM, one of our doctors will examine your teeth, evaluate your medical history, and take digital images of your jaw to assess your candidacy.

Anesthesia

Before we start the first procedure, we will administer local anesthesia so the treatment site will feel numb throughout the process. For those with dental anxiety, we can combine the anesthesia with several forms of conscious sedation including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. 

Implant Placement

During the first procedure, one of our surgeons will make small incisions in your gums and place the titanium implants. Next, the incisions are stitched shut. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, surgery usually takes one to four hours. If you require tooth extraction before implant placement, our surgeons are often able to perform both extraction and implant placement during the same procedure.

First Healing Period

It usually takes between four and six months for the titanium implant to securely fuse with the jawbone. During this time, we can fit you with a temporary dental restoration.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, you can return to our office for your second procedure. During this procedure, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the dental implant. 

Second Healing Period

A second healing period of a few weeks is required for the gum tissue to heal around the abutments.

Restoration Attachment

Finally, your implant is ready to support your permanent restoration. You will return to our office so a member of our team can attach your uniquely crafted crown, bridge, or denture to the abutment. The restorations provided by our practice look remarkably like natural teeth. You are now able to go through life smiling and eating with confidence.

Want to Know More About Dental Implants?
We Can Answer Your Questions

Our oral surgeons use advanced imaging and surgical technology to safely and precisely place dental implants at our Santa Fe, NM, practice. Under our care, you can experience a wealth of valuable benefits from this treatment, including restored oral function and improved oral health.

We are a proud resource of oral health care and information for the Santa Fe community. Our friendly staff can answer your questions about dental implants and other treatments. 

Learn more about dental implants during a consultation or call our office at: 

(505) 984-0694

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Caring for Dental Implants

We recommend that our Santa Fe patients care for their implants and restorations the same way they care for their natural teeth. Follow the tenets of good dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily and keeping regular dental appointments. With proper care, dental implants can last for the rest of your life.

"I don't dread my appointments."

Patty came to Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe after realizing she needed a tooth extraction and a dental implant. Although her procedure spanned several appointments, she felt comfortable, relaxed, and informed throughout the entire process. In this dental implants testimonial, she recommends our oral surgery practice to others because of our friendly doctors, caring staff, and beautiful office.

The Cost of Dental Implants

The average cost of dental implant treatment can range from $2,500 to $4,000, but it varies from case to case depending on a number of factors including:

  • Number of teeth missing
  • Implant material and type 
  • Type of crown, bridge, or denture
  • Related procedures such as tooth extractions, bone grafts, etc. 

While many insurance plans will contribute to the cost of aspects of implant treatment (such as the denture or crown), insurance rarely contributes to aspects such as the implants themselves. Our Santa Fe practice offers financing through CareCredit to help you afford this life-changing treatment. 

"This is the place to go!" More 5-Star Reviews

1

Sheri

March 2019

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Should you ever need oral surgery, this is the place to go! I only had 3 shots and my procedure only took 25 minutes. I had NO pain or discomfort afterwards. Dr. Healy came highly recommended by my endodontist and he was spot on! If I could clone Dr. Healy and make him every one of my healthcare providers, I would be the luckiest person on the planet! Highly recommended!

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1

snowymountain13

December 2019

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I can not believe how quickly the work that he did on Thursday is already healing. Today is Sunday.  I really thought that I would be dealing with pain for the next few weeks, but this is just not the case! I feel grateful to have found Dr. Hertado, and will recommend him whenever someone I know is in need of oral surgery. Thank you so much for your fine work and for caring.

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The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe

At The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, Drs. Healy and Hurtado use the latest technologies to perform wisdom teeth removals, dental implant placement, and more. Our surgeons are affiliated with several professional organizations, including:

  • The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • The Southwest Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • The American Dental Association

To schedule a consultation, contact us online or by calling (505) 984-0694.

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"I was nervous... but Dr. Healy and his nurses put me at ease, and he even gave me a call the evening after surgery to make sure I was ok." From a Google Review

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