At Bonita Medical Center, we pride ourselves in providing uncompromising care to all of our patients. We want to deliver the best experience, every time. Bonita Medical Center is the ideal practice for improving your health, from oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implant placement to cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX and laser skin resurfacing.

Together with their highly experienced and knowledgeable staff, Dr. Schow at Bonita Medical Center is passionate about improving the health and lives of his patients. Bonita Medical Center is conveniently located in Santa Fe, NM, serving the region and surrounding areas.

Originally from Provo, Utah, Dr. Schow was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by his lifelong desire to help people. After volunteering for a few dental practices and during his general residency, he decided on oral and maxillofacial surgery and has been passionate about serving his community in the Santa Fe, NM, area ever since.

Dr. Schows patient-focused philosophy helps him provide the best of care to those who visit Bonita Medical Center. He aims to make his patients feel as comfortable as possible by spending the time that is needed to explain their treatment, address their concerns, and get to know them on a personal level.

Dr. Schow keeps up with the latest oral surgery practices and advancements. Because of the doctors unwavering commitment to providing the best experience for their patients, Bonita Medical Center boasts a state-of-the-art facility with the latest tools and technology.

After graduating from dental school in 2009, Dr. Schow went on to his general practice residency at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic before completing his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Iowa.

When Dr. Schow is not treating patients, he likes to spend time with his wife and three children and take advantage of all Santa Fe has to offer. He loves to attend various sporting events and enjoys the great outdoors. One week a month, Dr. Schow takes trauma calls for the local hospital, helping those who need him when the unexpected happens.

At Bonita Medical Center, our front office and surgical staffs main priority is you. We are passionate about our patients and strive to make every patient feel safe, welcome, and comfortable at our state-of-the-art practice. Our friendly team will do everything we can to ensure you have a positive experience and the very best outcome as we journey together to improve your health and well-being.

If you suffer from missing or failing teeth, you are not alone. It is estimated that 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, while 36 million are missing all their teeth in one or both of their jaws (American College of Prosthodontists). In addition to oral health problems, many patients comment on the emotional impact of missing teeth. At Bonita Medical Center, we want to let you know that there are very successful treatments that can improve your oral health. Our trusted oral surgeon, Dr. Schow, performs dental implant-based restorations in the comfort and safety of our Santa Fe, NM, practice, and service the surrounding Santa Fe community.

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. They are extremely versatile and can even replace an entire arch of teeth! Many patients who are experiencing broken, failing, or missing teeth are candidates for dental implants.

The dental implant is considered a true replacement because it replaces the entire tooth, root and all. A single dental implant is composed of three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. The post is made of medical-grade titanium and is surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Over time, the post fuses with the bone to create a strong foundation for the rest of the implant. The crown is the visible part of the implant and custom-made to blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth. The abutment piece connects the post and the crown. Together, all three parts of a dental implant create a permanent solution that offers a natural look and feel with complete functionality. With dental implants, patients can speak with ease and smile with confidence again!

At Bonita Medical Center, we create a custom treatment plan to suit each patients oral health condition and desires. Whether you are considering a single dental implant, multiple implants, a full-arch replacement solution, or something else, we will do everything we can to provide the perfect tooth replacement solution for you.

Did you know that dental implants dont just look good, they also benefit your oral health? Improved oral health is one of the many reasons that dental implants are a popular alternative to traditional tooth replacement solutions, such as fixed bridges and dentures. Dental implants function in the same way natural teeth do they stimulate the bone in your jaw to prevent bone loss so that your facial harmony and jaw health are preserved for years to come.

The day of your surgery will begin with the administration of anesthesia. Once you are completely at ease, your oral surgeon will surgically place the dental implant post into the jaw bone before suturing the site closed. You will rest comfortably in our surgical suite until the anesthesia wears off, and then your designated driver will take you home to complete your recovery. On average, the procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes for a single dental implant and around two to three hours for multiple implants.

The healing process begins once your procedure has ended and will continue for several weeks as your implant gradually fuses with your jaw bone. Most patients find they can resume their normal activities after just a few days of rest. The length of time your healing period lasts depends on several factors, such as your overall health, the condition of your jaw bone, and your bodys natural ability to heal. You may receive a temporary crown to wear as your dental implant heals. The abutment piece will be placed by your oral surgeon when it is determined enough healing has occurred. Once your dental implant has successfully fused with the jaw bone, your restorative dentist will place your permanent, custom-made crown and your treatment will be complete!

We strive to provide the very best patient care at our practice in Santa Fe, NM, with individualized treatment plans to truly suit every patients needs. Since every patient and therefore every treatment is different, the cost of your dental implants at Bonita Medical Center will be just as unique as your treatment plan. Factors that are considered in the overall cost of a typical dental implant placement include insurance coverage, the number of dental implants to be received, and if prior oral surgery procedures are needed before the dental implants are placed, such as a bone grafting procedure or tooth extraction.

Mimicking the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, dental implants are an extremely popular tooth replacement solution. Dental implants have positively changed the lives of many of our patients, improving everything from eating to feeling comfortable smiling again. This improved quality of life is truly priceless! Our patients can expect the following benefits when they choose to invest in dental implants:

Patients who wear dentures often find them to be uncomfortable and feel embarrassed about removing their teeth during meals. Although cheaper upfront, dentures can become expensive over time. You must replace them due to wear and tear and have them professionally fitted. Otherwise, you may experience oral sores or slipping dentures.

What are my tooth replacement options? Dr. Schow at Bonita Medical Center offers several tooth replacement solutions for patients in the comfort and safety of their practice in Santa Fe, NM. Your oral surgeon will work with you to determine the right tooth replacement option for you. Common tooth replacement solutions include

Can a general dentist place my dental implant? An oral and maxillofacial surgeon undergoes several years of education and training beyond dental school to perform the full scope of oral surgery, including dental implants. Dr. Schow commonly places dental implants at their practice in Santa Fe, NM, and is experienced in safely and accurately performing the procedure. However, your oral surgeon will usually collaborate with a general dentist to place the permanent, custom-made crown that rests on top of the dental implant post.

What if there is not enough bone in my jaw for secure implant placement? Many hopeful patients with inadequate bone find that they can become successful candidates for a dental implant with the help of a bone grafting procedure, which restores bone in the area needed for secure and permanent placement.

How do I care for my new dental implants? After your healing period is complete, dental implants are extremely easy to care for. Just brush and floss daily, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.

What is the recovery like after dental implant placement? Most patients find themselves able to resume normal activities within a few days of their dental implant placement procedure. If you have any questions about your healing, please give us a call.

What will I use to chew with while my implants heal? Your recovery period lasts as long as it takes for the dental implant post to fuse with your jaw bone successfully. In general, this takes anywhere from several weeks to several months. While you are waiting for your implant to heal, you have a few options for a temporary replacement, such as a bridge or modified denture. Temporary transitional crowns can be made and placed for a non-removable option during your healing period.