El Paso, TX Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with a titanium post set in the jaw and a custom crown, bridge or denture attached on top. At Desert Willow Dentistry in West El Paso, implant treatment is provided by Dr. Enrique Darancou, DDS, a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association and a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He treats one missing tooth, several missing teeth, and full arches with All-on-X.
Dental Implants Q & A
Who does dental implants at Desert Willow Dentistry?
Dr. Enrique Darancou, DDS, the owner of Desert Willow Dentistry, provides implant treatment here. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association, and a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Implant consultations are at our West El Paso office at 1774 Cimarron Rialto. Dr. Darancou speaks English and Spanish.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth, or who have teeth that cannot be saved, are candidates. You need healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implant. If bone has been lost, a bone graft can often rebuild the site first. Dr. Darancou checks both at your consultation with an exam and imaging of your jaw. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes slow healing, so share your health history at that visit.
How much do dental implants cost in El Paso?
The cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether a tooth has to be removed first, and whether bone grafting is needed. You receive a written treatment plan with the full cost before any treatment starts. Desert Willow Dentistry offers financing through Cherry and an in-house membership plan.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The implant is placed under local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure during the visit, not sharp pain. Expect a few days of soreness afterward, similar to having a tooth removed. Sedation options are available for patients who are anxious about treatment. Ask about them at your consultation.
How long do dental implants last?
With daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings, an implant can last for decades. The crown or bridge on top wears like a natural tooth and may need to be replaced after years of use. Untreated gum disease and smoking are the most common reasons implants fail, which is why checkups continue after treatment.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants in El Paso, TX
A single implant replaces one missing tooth without touching the teeth beside it. The implant acts as the root, a connector called an abutment attaches to it, and a crown matched to your other teeth goes on top. A traditional bridge requires shaping down the two neighboring teeth to hold it. An implant does not. It also keeps the jawbone under the missing tooth in use, which slows the bone loss that follows an extraction.
Implant Bridges and Implant-Supported Dentures in El Paso, TX
When several teeth in a row are missing, two or more implants can hold a bridge. When all the teeth in an arch are missing, implants can hold a denture in place so it does not slip when you eat or talk. Some implant dentures snap on and come out for cleaning. Others are fixed and are removed only by your dentist. Dr. Darancou will show you which options fit your jaw and your budget. Already wear a denture? See our dentures and denture repair page.
All-on-X Full-Arch Implants in El Paso, TX
All-on-X replaces a full upper or lower arch of teeth with one fixed bridge supported by four to six implants. The X is the number of implants, which depends on your bone. It is an option for patients who have lost most of their teeth, have teeth that are failing, or are tired of a loose denture. The bridge stays in your mouth. You brush it like natural teeth and it does not come out at night. Dr. Darancou provides All-on-X and full-mouth rehabilitation and plans each case from imaging of your jaw.
The Dental Implant Process in El Paso, TX
Implant treatment takes several months from the first visit to the final teeth. Most of that time is healing.
- Consultation. An exam, imaging, and a written plan with your cost and timeline.
- Preparation, if needed. Removing a failing tooth or grafting bone where it has been lost.
- Implant placement. Dr. Darancou places the implant under local anesthesia.
- Healing. The bone bonds to the implant over about three to six months. A temporary tooth can fill the space where needed.
- Final teeth. Your crown, bridge or denture is attached and adjusted to your bite.
Want to know if implants are right for you? Book a consultation with Dr. Darancou online or call us at 915-290-0296.